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3.Case Study


The Power of Probing Open-Ended Questions in a Call

Introduction: In recruitment, the ability to ask the right questions can mean the difference between a successful hire and a missed opportunity. Probing open-ended questions serves as a crucial tool in uncovering a candidate’s true potential, validating their resume, and ensuring a precise fit for the role.

case study explores how recruiters can use effective questioning techniques, particularly in the context of a Senior Full Stack Developer role and highlights the importance of capturing these responses accurately in CEIPAL.

Job Description:

Job Title: Senior Full Stack Developer (C# .Net)
Location: Chesterfield, MO, 63017
Duration: 12 Months
Job Type: Contract
Work Type: Hybrid
Job Description
  • You'll work across the full stack using a range of Microsoft web technologies including C#, ASP.Net Core, Enity Framework and AWS, producing clean, scalable code, integrating backend data and designing functional, user-friendly UIs and web layouts using HTML and CSS and React js.
  • In this Role You'll be working on the R&D department of the helping automate business workflows.
Requirements:
  1. BS/MS degree in Computer Science, similar technical field of study or equivalent practical experience.
  2. 10+ years of experience as a .Net full stack developer
  3. Experience designing and implementing large, scalable web applications and api's
  4. Strong Experience in Microsoft C# .NET framework.
  5. Strong in Asp.net Core, Entity Framework, Dependency Injection
  6. Strong 4+ years of experience in AWS.
  7. Experience in Lambdas, S3, SQS, SNS, Kafka,Step Functions in AWS.
  8. Experience with front-end web technologies (e.g., HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, ReactJs)
  9. Unit & Integration testing using NUnit, Xunit & MOQ in .Net
  10. Experience building highly scalable Rest APIs hosted on could environment
  11. Strong Experience designing databases in PostgreSQL, Oracle
  12. Knowledge of Pivotal Cloud Foundry and deploying .Net Applications in PCF
  13. Strong use of source control like GIT and understanding of GIT workflow
  14. Cloud-first development experience with automated, continuous delivery deployments
Top must have skills: :
  • · A minimum of 10+ years of experience
  • · C# Development - 8+ years
  • · .Net Core- 8+ years
  • · AWS- 4+ years
  • · React or Angular - 4+ years
  • · Expert in .Net middleware
  • · Preferred: Node js experience is a big advantage.

Candidate Resume:

Saif Quandeel Technology Lead/.Net Developer
Summary:

Dynamic and results-oriented Technology Lead with over 12 years of extensive experience in .NET development, leading high-performing teams, and delivering innovative software solutions. Proven track record in designing, developing, and maintaining robust applications across diverse industries. Expertise in leveraging the .NET framework/ Core to drive project success, coupled with strong skills in project management, team leadership, and stakeholder collaboration. Adept at translating business requirements into technical solutions, optimizing performance, and ensuring security compliance. Committed to continuous learning and staying abreast of emerging technologies to drive strategic initiatives and achieve business objectives.

Education:

Tripoli University BSc,

Computer Science Libya

2005

Skills
Technical Leadership
  • Define the technical vision and strategy for projects, ensuring alignment with business goals.
  • Design and oversee the implementation of scalable, secure, and high-performing architectures using the .NET framework. / .NET Core.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and incorporate them into projects to drive innovation and efficiency.
Project Management
  • Develop detailed project plans, set milestones, and ensure timely delivery of software solutions.
  • Efficiently allocate and manage resources to meet project demands and deadlines.
  • Identify potential project risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.
Team Management
  • Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of developers, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and support the professional development of team members.
  • Promote knowledge sharing and teamwork within the development team and across departments.
Software Development
  • Work with stakeholders to gather and understand project requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
  • Develop high-quality, maintainable code using C#, ASP.NET, and other .NET technologies.
  • Conduct thorough code reviews to ensure adherence to coding standards and best practices.
Front-End and Back-End Development
  • Develop both front-end interfaces and back-end logic, ensuring seamless integration and performance.
  • Integrate various technologies and third-party services to enhance application functionality.
Database Management
  • Design and manage databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and optimal performance.
  • Implement data access layers using technologies like Entity Framework and ADO.NET.
Testing and Quality Assurance
  • Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and automated tests to ensure the reliability and quality of applications.
  • Identify and resolve bugs and performance issues promptly.
Deployment and Maintenance
  • Implement and manage continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines for smooth and automated software releases.
  • Provide ongoing support and maintenance for applications, addressing any issues and implementing enhancements.
Security and Compliance
  • Implement robust security measures to protect applications and data.
  • Ensure that all applications comply with relevant industry standards and regulations.
Documentation
  • Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for systems, processes, and code.
  • Develop user manuals and guides to assist end-users and clients.
Communication and Stakeholder Management
  • Engage with stakeholders to understand their needs, provide updates, and gather feedback.
  • Collaborate with other departments, such as product management, marketing, and operations, to ensure alignment and success.
Continuous Improvement
  • Continuously improve personal and team skills by staying updated with the latest developments in the .NET ecosystem and software engineering practices.
  • Identify areas for process improvement and implement changes to enhance efficiency and quality.
Technical Skills
  1. .NET Framework / .NET Core (C#, ASP.NET, VB.NET)
  2. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
  3. Agile & Waterfall Methodologies
  4. Team Leadership & Mentoring
  5. Cloud Computing (Azure, AWS)
  6. DevOps & CI/CD Pipelines
  7. Front-End Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular)
  8. Database Design & Management (SQL Server, Oracle, Entity Framework)
  9. Project & Program Management
  10. Performance Optimization
  11. Security Practices & Compliance
  12. Technical Documentation
  13. Application Support
  14. Restful API (implement & consume)
Professional U.S Experience
FHD Logistics, Indianapolis, IN
Technology Lead / .NET Developer
July 2023 – Present
  1. Define the technical strategy and roadmap for projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Add/support new features to the company systems.
  2. Full-stack development with migrating applications from ASP.NET Webforms to .NET Core.
  3. Working closely with offshore team, following up on project progress and support.
Infosys, Indianapolis, IN
ary 2020 – July 2023 Technology Lead / .NET Developer
  1. Technology Lead at Elanco: 6-month project to integrate with BAYER animal health department from Jan 2020 to June 2020.
  2. Software Developer at Southern California Edison: One-year project to develop and support WPF XAML, WinForms application using C# | Oracle and Visual Studio from June 2020 to June 2021.
  3. Software Developer at Magellan Oil & Gas: 6-month project to develop new features in existing web-based application using MVVM ASP.NET MVC & WinForms, the new features developed with C# | Oracle packages | Visual Studio | JavaScript from June 2021 to Jan 2022.
  4. Technology Lead at United Airlines: 6-month project to support .COM site and migrate it from ASP.NET MVC to ASP.NET Core with React using C# from Jan 2022 to June 2022.
  5. Technology Lead at Spectrum (Charter) Telecommunication: 1-year project to support application incidents from June 2022 to July 2023.
Example Open-Ended Initial Probing Questions to be asked during the Call Based on the Job Description:
  1. Could you describe a complex .NET Core application you have developed? What challenges did you face, and how did you resolve them?
  2. How have you implemented Dependency Injection in your past projects? Can you share a specific example where it improved your application's performance or maintainability?
  3. Could you walk me through your experience with AWS services like Lambda, S3, SQS, or Step Functions? How have you used them in a previous project?
  4. How do you approach designing scalable REST APIs in a cloud environment? Can you share an example where you optimized API performance?
  5. How do you ensure effective database design in PostgreSQL or Oracle for a large-scale application? Have you faced any performance issues, and how did you handle them?
  6. What has been your experience with front-end development using React.js? Can you discuss a project where you built a functional and user-friendly UI?
  7. Could you describe a time when you had to collaborate with a cross-functional team (e.g., developers, testers, product managers) to complete a project? What challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?
  8. The role involves working in an R&D environment to automate business workflows. How do you approach problem-solving in an innovative and research-driven setting?
  9. Given this is a hybrid role, how do you manage productivity and communication while working remotely and in-office?
  10. What motivates you to work as a Full Stack Developer, and how do you stay up to date with the latest .NET and cloud technologies?
Guidelines for Updating Initial Probing Q/A in CIEPAL
✅ Correct Way to Update (As per VOC – Voice of Candidate):
  1. Capture the candidate’s responses exactly as they are spoken, without summarizing or modifying their details.
  2. Ensure that the answers reflect the candidate's specific skills, technologies, and project experience.
  3. Maintain clarity and completeness by including relevant details.
  4. Questions should be probed in an open-ended format, allowing the candidate to elaborate, and their responses should be captured exactly as per the VOC.
❌ What Not to Do:
  1. Do not summarize or shorten responses—avoid vague answers.
  2. Avoid generic responses like “Yes, the candidate has experience” without specifying the details they provided.
  3. Do not assume or modify answers—record the candidate’s words accurately.
  4. Do not include ChatGPT-generated responses.
  5. Do not include AI-generated responses.
  6. Do not copy directly from the candidate’s resume.
Example of Correct and Incorrect Capturing in CIEPAL
❌ What Not to Capture (Incorrect Format)

Q 1: Have you worked with AWS Lambda functions before?

A: “Yes, I worked with AWS Lambda during a project at XYZ Company, where I implemented serverless functions to process data and trigger other services. It significantly reduced costs by scaling based on usage and eliminated the need for managing servers.”

Q 1: Have you worked with AWS Lambda functions before?

A: “Yes, Saif has worked with AWS.”

Q 2: Do you have experience deploying .Net applications in Pivotal Cloud Foundry (PCF)?

A: “Yes, I deployed a .NET application in PCF for a healthcare client. We utilized PCF’s built-in tools for CI/CD and scalability, which made managing deployments smooth and efficient. I handled troubleshooting and managed the deployment pipeline.”

Q 2: Do you have experience deploying .Net applications in Pivotal Cloud Foundry (PCF)?

A: “Yes, Saif has experience working with .Net.”

Q 3: How many years of .Net experience do you have?

A: Saif has 12 years of experience in .Net.

Issue: These answers are too generic, lack specific project details, and do not fully capture what the candidate expressed.
Candidate VOC Guidelines & CEIPAL Update
✅ What Should Be Captured (Correct Format – As per VOC):

Initial Probing Questions & Answers to be Updated in the CIEPAL as per the VOC of the candidate:

  1. Can you just give me an overview?

    "I have more experience in Angular than React, working on databases, working on C#, and working with the NTT framework. The project involved merging applications from Classic .NET to .NET Core and updating the system. I have done this at Infosys."

  2. And which kind of project did you use .NET for middleware?

    "I used .NET in one of the middleware applications for an oil company using MDDM. I also worked on similar projects at Infosys."

  3. Which one are you more comfortable with, React or Angular?

    "I am more comfortable working with Angular."

Key Takeaways for Recruiters:
  1. Always capture responses exactly as the candidate explains them (verbatim).
  2. Ensure that the answers reflect the specific skills, technologies, and project experience mentioned.
  3. Avoid summarizing, shortening, or modifying responses—record the full details provided by the candidate.
  4. Responses should clearly communicate the candidate’s technical expertise rather than just confirming experience.

This ensures the CIEPAL data accurately represents the candidate’s qualifications and aligns with the hiring expectations.

Why Should We Ask Open-Ended Questions to the Candidate?

Probing questions help recruiters dive deeper into a candidate’s background, ensuring they align with job requirements. Here are some key open-ended questions relevant to the Senior Full Stack Developer role:

  1. What kind of experience do you have with Angular or React in large-scale web applications?
  2. Can you describe a time you had to work with databases in .NET projects? How did you manage database migrations or optimizations?
  3. How do you approach middleware development with .NET in an enterprise setting?

Outcomes of Effective Probing:

  1. Enhanced Candidate Assessment
    1. Identifies technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills.
    2. Confirms the candidate’s ability to handle high-pressure customer service situations.
  2. Accurate Resume Validation
    1. Uncovers any inconsistencies in the resume.
    2. Allows recruiters to assess actual experience rather than rehearsed responses.
  3. Better Submission Decisions
    1. Ensures recruiters submit the right candidates for the role.
    2. Avoids unnecessary interviews with unsuitable applicants.
  4. Reusable Candidate Data
    1. By storing responses in CEIPAL, recruiters can access previous interactions and make informed decisions for future roles.
The Role of CEIPAL in Capturing the Candidate's VOC (Voice of Customer)

At Tekwissen, the Quality team emphasizes that recruiters must document questions and answers verbatim in CEIPAL recording exactly what the candidate says, not what AI, resumes, or JDs suggest.

Why is this important?
  • Candidate Insights for Future Roles:
    a. A recruiter approaching the same candidate for a different position can review past responses to gauge suitability instantly.
  • Accurate Representation:
    a. Instead of relying on AI-generated summaries or scripted resume details, CEIPAL entries reflect the genuine responses provided by the candidate.
  • Eliminates Miscommunication:
    a. Capturing answers in the candidate’s own words avoids misinterpretation by future recruiters.
  • Efficient Recruiting Process:
    a. Reduces redundant screening efforts, allowing recruiters to spend less time re-qualifying the same candidate for new roles.
  • Stronger Hiring Decisions:
    a. Ensures hiring managers receive clear, precise insights on why a candidate was recommended for a role.
  • Enhanced Collaboration Among Recruiters:
    a. Allows different recruiters working with the same candidate to have a consistent and clear understanding of previous discussions. Reduces the risk of duplicated efforts or conflicting assessments.
  • Building a Long-Term Talent Pool:
    a. Storing candidate responses in CEIPAL creates a rich database that recruiters can revisit for similar future roles.

Conclusion:
Probing open-ended questions is essential for uncovering a candidate’s true potential and ensuring a perfect job match. By documenting these responses accurately in CEIPAL, recruiters can build a database of rich candidate insights, enhancing both immediate hiring success and long-term recruitment efficiency. The focus should always be on capturing the real conversation, not just AI-generated summaries, so that recruiters can make the most informed decisions. By embedding this structured approach into daily operations, we elevate the quality of hires, optimize recruitment processes, and maintain the highest standards of candidate engagement and assessment.