The Test Drive...How To Hire Better
Simon Sinek once said, “I can’t work with someone until I’ve worked with them.” That quote sums up a hiring truth most business owners learn the hard way: résumés can lie, interviews can deceive, and good people on paper don’t always make great teammates.
That’s why you need a test drive - a low-risk way to work with someone before you commit to working with them.
Why Test Drives Work
When you buy a car, you don’t just admire the brochure. You take it for a spin. You want to know how it feels, how it handles, and how it fits your life.
Hiring is no different. A polished résumé might show past results, but it tells you nothing about:
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How they respond to feedback
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Whether they match your company values
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How they handle uncertainty or pressure
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If they collaborate well with your team
Resumes tell a story, but a test drive shows reality.
How to Test Drive a Candidate
Here’s a practical way to narrow down a list of potential hires and see who’s truly a fit:
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Start with Culture Fit First
Before diving into skills, ask: Would I want to work beside this person every day? If not, don’t proceed. -
Shortlist 3–5 Candidates
After interviews, choose a small group who seem like they could fit both the role and your culture. -
Give a Paid Assignment
Ask each person to complete a small, role-relevant project. Pay them for their time—this builds goodwill and ensures ethical testing. If you're testing three people for the role of controller, give them all the same assignment (and don't give them too much detail).
Example:-
For a marketer: Write a mock campaign.
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For a tech: Solve a simulated support ticket.
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For an admin: Organize a messy inbox or create a scheduling system.
- For a leader: Give them a real-life strategic issue you're facing.
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Observe How They Work, Not Just What They Produce
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Do they ask smart questions?
- Do they ask too few or too many questions?
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Do they communicate clearly?
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Are they prompt, thoughtful, open to feedback?
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Do they seem like they want to be part of your team?
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The Right Hire Should Feel Obvious
After a real-world test, the right person often stands out. It’s not just about who performs best, it’s who feels right. Who matches your pace. Who “gets it.” Who adds energy instead of draining it.
That’s the magic of the test drive. It cuts through the noise and reveals who’s truly ready to be in the driver’s seat with you.
Stats show that a bad hire can easily cost you 2-3X their annual salary. Use this tip to hire smarter and avoid the bad hires.
Want to build a strong team? Stop hiring based on interviews alone. Let them show you who they are by working with you, even if just for a day.
Ryan Giles
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