Test the communication skills of a job candidate

I don’t remember who gave me this tip on assessing a potential new hire, but it’s a great way to determine how someone communicates under pressure.

When I hire someone, in addition to giving them a DiSC® assessment, I also give them a 15-minute writing assignment. 

Five minutes into their writing, I come in and ask them to work on something else, but within the original 15-minute time frame. 

The job candidates all think I’m testing their ability to write or to work under a deadline, but I’m also interested in how they react. 

I look for two things. 

What do they do the moment I throw them this curve ball (their reaction) and what do they say in response to my unexpected request (their response).

It’s in their unconscious reaction and (hopefully more) conscious response that I know who I’ll be working with.