The short answer
Use a fictional calculation case capped at two hours. Give every candidate the same information, set assessment criteria in advance and debrief the submission afterwards. The exercise measures analytical reasoning and communication, not every competency the role demands. Personal evaluation by the recruiter or hiring manager remains essential for a complete picture.
Bring your role, region and essential criteria. In 30 minutes, we explore how to reach technical people who are not actively looking and which approach could fit your vacancy.
Why a practical assignment works for estimators
A estimator translates drawings and specifications into reliable cost estimates. That requires structured reasoning, not just software knowledge. A short practical assignment makes that thinking process visible in a way a conversation alone cannot. It also gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their approach beyond standard interview questions.
Building a fair fictional case
Choose a contained scenario: for example, a fictional refurbishment of a commercial unit with an incomplete drawing and a list of assumptions. Provide exactly the same information to every candidate. Set the time limit in advance – two hours is a common benchmark. Do not use real client work and do not request output that has productive value for your organisation.
Setting assessment criteria before you start
Decide before the first submission what you are evaluating: structure of approach, handling of missing data, explanation of assumptions and presentation of the final figure. Weight each criterion explicitly. This prevents the assessment from shifting retrospectively based on how confidently someone presented in the debrief conversation.
What the exercise does not measure
A two-hour calculation case does not measure project management, client communication or long-term planning. It also does not reveal how someone handles sustained pressure over weeks or navigates internal collaboration. Discuss the assignment in a structured interview. Separately decide which further checks are relevant and appropriate. The hiring manager assesses the full picture, not the assignment alone.
Integrating the assignment into your recruitment process
Red Rocket combines campaigns, an AI recruiter and organisational context to surface relevant candidates. The practical assignment fits as a focused qualification step within that process. Want to know how to set this up for your estimator vacancy? Book a conversation and refer to the OPM structured interviews method guide as background reading.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a live project as the assignment?
Prefer a fictional or carefully anonymised, completed case. Do not ask for an assignment that is effectively unpaid productive client work. Assess purpose, time commitment, confidentiality and any payment separately; real source material is not automatically the same as productive work.
How long should the assignment take?
Two hours is a commonly used maximum for a calculation case. Longer than that places a disproportionate burden on candidates and increases the risk of unequal participation due to personal circumstances.
Who evaluates the submission?
The hiring manager or an experienced estimator within your organisation evaluates the submission against the pre-agreed criteria. Red Rocket supports the process, but the substantive assessment is yours to make.
