A Guide to Hiring an Automation & Digitalisation Fresh Graduate with Interview Questions

I've spent years working with businesses of all sizes, and let me tell you, one of the biggest challenges I see—especially for SMEs—is this: knowing you need to automate and digitalise, but feeling overwhelmed by how to actually do it.

You see the potential—saving time, reducing errors, boosting productivity—but finding the right people to make it happen can feel daunting, especially when you're on a tight budget.

But here's the thing: you don't need to hire a tech expert to get started. A fresh graduate with the right skills and a willingness to learn can be a fantastic asset to your team. They're full of new ideas, comfortable with technology—they've practically grown up online! Plus, they're probably more familiar with the latest apps and tools than you are.

This guide will help you find a brilliant automation and digitalisation grad—and we'll show you how to do it without breaking the bank. We'll cover everything from identifying the skills you need to asking the right interview questions. Plus, we've got a free downloadable checklist to make the hiring process super easy!

What is Automation and Digitalisation?

Before we dive into hiring, let's ditch the jargon and get real about what automation and digitalisation can actually do for your business.

Automation

Automation is like having a robot assistant that handles those tedious, repetitive tasks that eat up your time. Think about things like copying data between spreadsheets, sending out the same email to tons of people, or scheduling social media posts. Automation software can do all that for you—automatically!

Example: Imagine you get a new customer signup on your website. Instead of manually adding their information to your email list and sending them a welcome email, automation can do it all for you instantly.

Digitalisation

Digitalisation is about saying goodbye to paper and bringing your business processes online. It's about ditching those filing cabinets, replacing paper forms with digital ones, and making information easily accessible to everyone who needs it.

Example: Instead of printing, signing, and scanning contracts, you can use electronic signatures to streamline the whole process and keep everything organized online.

Examples Automation & Digitalisation that Can Be Done in SMEs

• Using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive): This allows your team to collaborate on documents in real-time, share files easily, and access information from anywhere.

• Implementing project management tools like Asana or Trello: These tools help you keep track of tasks, deadlines, and progress, making sure everyone is on the same page.

• Automating social media posts with tools like Buffer or Hootsuite: This frees up your time and ensures your social media presence is consistent.

Why Automation and Digitalisation Matter (It's Not Just About Efficiency)

Sure, automation and digitalisation can save you time and money. But the benefits go beyond that.

• Stay competitive: The world is moving fast, and technology is changing everything. If you're not embracing automation and digitalisation, you risk falling behind.

• Attract top talent (aka Gen Z): Young people expect to work with modern tools and technology. If your company is stuck in the past, they'll look for opportunities elsewhere.

• Boost employee morale: Nobody wants to spend their days doing mindless, repetitive tasks. Automating those tasks frees up your team to focus on more interesting and meaningful work.

  
  

Spotting Fresh Graduates Who Can Do Automation & Digitalisation through Transferable Skills

Now that you understand why automation and digitalisation are important, let's talk about who can help you make it happen. 

Here's what to focus on.

Hard Skills

• Basic coding or scripting knowledge: Even a little bit of experience with languages like Python or Javascript shows they can understand the basics of automation.

• Spreadsheet skills: Being comfortable with Excel or Google Sheets is essential for data manipulation and analysis—a huge part of many automation projects.

• Understanding of databases: Knowing how to work with databases (even at a basic level) is a plus, as many automation tasks involve pulling and manipulating data from databases.

• Tech savvy & fast learner: Look for someone who's generally comfortable with technology and eager to learn new tools and software.

  
  

Soft Skills

• Problem-solving skills: Can they break down a complex problem into smaller steps and find creative solutions? Automation is all about finding better ways to do things.

• Communication skills: Can they clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical people? (You'll need to understand what they're doing!)

• Curiosity and initiative: Are they interested in learning new things and figuring out how things work? Automation often involves experimenting and finding creative solutions to unique challenges.

• Attention to detail: Automation requires accuracy and precision. A small error in code can have big consequences.

• Teamwork and collaboration: Most automation projects involve working with different teams and departments. Can they communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others?

  
  

Look Beyond the Resume: Ask for Passion Projects and Hobbies

A fresh grad might not have years of experience in automation, but their hobbies and interests can reveal hidden talents and a natural aptitude for technology and problem-solving.

Here are a few things to look for.

• Avid gamers: Many video games involve complex systems, problem-solving, and even basic coding concepts.

• Tech enthusiasts: Do they love tinkering with computers, building websites, or experimenting with new software?

• DIYers and makers: Do they enjoy building things, taking things apart, and figuring out how they work?

• Problem solvers: Do they gravitate toward challenges and enjoy finding creative solutions?

  
  

During the interview, ask them about their passions and projects:

• "What are you passionate about outside of work or school?"

• "Tell me about a personal project that you're proud of."

  
  

Listen carefully. You might be surprised at the hidden talents you uncover!

Interview Questions to Assess Automation and Digitalisation Skills in a Fresh Graduate

Here are a few interview questions that will help you get a better sense of a candidate's skills and potential for automation.

"Tell me about a time you had to find a more efficient way to do something, even if it was a simple task. What was the task, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

This question is a great starting point because it allows candidates to showcase their problem-solving skills and their natural inclination towards efficiency, even if they don't have formal automation experience.

• Good sign: They can describe a specific example, whether it's creating a spreadsheet formula to automate calculations, using a keyboard shortcut to speed up a repetitive task, or finding a new online tool to streamline a process. They'll explain their thought process clearly and highlight the positive impact of their solution.

• Red flag: They struggle to come up with an example or their explanation is vague and lacks detail. This might suggest they haven't thought much about efficiency or haven't actively sought out ways to improve processes.

  
  

"Let's say you need to learn a new software program for a project. How would you go about learning it?"

This question assesses their self-learning abilities, their comfort level with technology, and their resourcefulness.

• Good sign: They describe a structured approach to learning, mentioning resources like online tutorials, official documentation, YouTube videos, or asking for help from knowledgeable friends or colleagues. They'll emphasize their ability to learn independently and adapt to new tools quickly.

• Red flag: They seem hesitant or unsure about how they would learn a new skill, suggesting a lack of initiative or self-direction. They might rely solely on being taught or avoid taking the initiative to learn.

  
  

3. "What are your favorite tech tools or software programs, and why do you like them?"

This question helps you understand their interests and their comfort level with different technologies. It can also reveal how they think about efficiency and user experience.

• Good sign: They enthusiastically describe specific tools or software, highlighting the features and functionalities that make them useful and efficient. They might mention tools relevant to automation or digitalisation, like spreadsheet software, project management apps, or even coding languages.

• Red flag: They struggle to name any specific tools or their answers are vague and generic, suggesting they haven't explored many different technologies or aren't particularly interested in them.

  
  

"What excites you about the future of technology, especially in the world of business?"

This question gauges their passion for technology, their awareness of industry trends, and their long-term vision.

• Good sign: They express genuine enthusiasm and discuss specific technologies or advancements that excite them. They might mention things like artificial intelligence, machine learning, no-code platforms, or the increasing role of automation in the workplace.

• Red flag: They struggle to come up with anything specific or their answer is vague and lacks passion. This could indicate a lack of interest in technology or a limited understanding of its potential.

  
  

Finding Your Next Fresh Graduate Talent for Automation & Digitalisation

The future of your business depends on embracing automation and digitalisation—and the good news is, you don't need to break the bank to get started.

A fresh graduate with the right skills and a passion for technology can be your secret weapon to a more efficient, productive, and future-proof business.

Use this guide, ask the right questions, and look beyond the resume to find those hidden gems.

Ready to take the first step?

Download our free Evaluation Checklist to help you find your perfect automation graduate!

Or, skip the hassle and connect with top student talent right now on Kabel.