Selecting the Best from a Shortlist

Background
A specialist NHS trust was recruiting a Director and we were approached to assess shortlisted candidates to contribute to the final selection decision.

Because of the seniority and specialist nature of the position the client did not expect a large response. In the end 5 people applied for the job and 3 were shortlisted.

The client decided that the 3 candidates would be interviewed and participate in the assessment centre with the strongest candidate going forward to a final interview.

Our Approach
Our first step was to look at the job description and person specification for the role. We also had access to the organisations strategy and business plan. Although we know the organisation well, having delivered assessment centres for some time for key roles, we had a meeting with the Chief Executive, Director of HR and another director to build a more comprehensive picture of the unique aspects of the role.

We designed a full day assessment centre where every assessment event, apart from a high level numerical reasoning test, were specially designed to simulate the requirements of the job. The events were

• A group decision making simulation
• A management meeting simulated through role play
• An analysis, problem solving and report writing exercise
• An in tray exercise containing realistic but simulated
• A high level numerical reasoning test

In order to make the day more realistic, the role play was programmed to take place as an interruption while the candidates were handling their in tray.

Client Outcomes
We presented our evaluation to the interview panel after it had conducted its shortlist interviews. One candidate had emerged as stronger than the others. The panel had also found this but had not identified all the differentiating factors. The strongest candidate happened to be an internal applicant and the client was impressed by how true our evaluation was of the person they already knew well.

The internal applicant went on to the final interview and we presented a further report to this panel immediately after the interview, including a full written report. The person was appointed.

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