Check the inputs
Provide a small GeoJSON, GeoPackage, or zipped Shapefile plus a short data dictionary. Ask the candidate to identify missing fields, geometry issues, and coordinate reference system assumptions.
GIS and Information Management Skills Assessment
A GIS candidate may describe spatial analysis well in an interview. A bounded work sample lets them demonstrate how they inspect inputs, make defensible choices, and communicate a result. Use a small synthetic dataset and the tools candidates would actually use on the job.
Example: inspect and summarize a spatial dataset
Complete a bounded analysis
Ask for one role-relevant operation—for example, joining site records to administrative boundaries and summarizing a clearly specified indicator. State which assumptions are acceptable.
Submit the result
Request an exported spatial file and a short note that explains the method, a quality concern, and one limitation. Evalynq accepts supported spatial-file uploads; candidates do the analysis in their own GIS software.
What to assess
- Spatial data inspection and coordinate-reference-system awareness
- Appropriate joins, filtering, and aggregation
- Data-quality checks and reproducible file handling
- Clear explanation of assumptions and limitations
Make the exercise fair
- Use synthetic or properly de-identified data; do not expose operational or beneficiary records.
- Provide the same data, instructions, software expectations, and time allowance to every candidate.
- Score the agreed criteria, not familiarity with a particular GIS brand unless that tool is genuinely required for the role.
A practical reviewer rubric
| Criterion | Evidence to look for |
|---|---|
| Method and spatial reasoning | The selected operation answers the prompt and the candidate explains why it is appropriate. |
| Data quality | Important missing values, invalid features, or mismatched identifiers are noticed and handled transparently. |
| Deliverable | The requested file opens in the agreed format and contains the expected fields or layers. |
| Communication | The note makes assumptions and limitations understandable to a teammate. |
Evalynq stores the submitted file and reviewer evidence; it does not run GIS software, validate spatial accuracy, or automatically score maps. Reviewers should open and assess the deliverable using the rubric.
Put the workflow together
Build a timed assessment, share the instructions and files candidates need, review structured and practical answers, and release results only when your team is ready. The details of the task and scoring remain yours.
See the setup guide, review a sample report, or compare options on pricing.
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