Work Simulation Exercises
In the context of selection, the most effective assessment method would be to place job candidates in the job and assess how they perform. Back in the real world, we recognise that this simply is not possible. So what might come close to this? The answer is work simulation exercises which both look and feel like a sample of the job for which a candidate is applying.
These work simulation exercises are often interactive in nature. For example, a candidate might be provided with a briefing pack, asked to spend some time preparing for a meeting and then meet with one or more stakeholders to discuss issues detailed in the aforementioned briefing pack. These stakeholders might be customers, the candidate's line manger, a direct report, a colleague or other interested party.
A particular strength of interactive exercises such as these is that the scenarios on which they are built can be designed so as not to require the candidate to have any pre-requisite technical knowledge. This creates a level playing field in which candidates have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and abilities rather than having to rely on knowledge that insiders or those already undertaking the role might take for granted. This helps the organisation inject fresh blood into its workforce.
Other work simulation exercises might not involve stakeholders but instead focus on the candidate having to deal with e-mails, analyse documentation and prepare reports. Again, the nature of the tasks will be designed so as to mimic the types of task that someone would have to deal with in the workplace.
By way of another example, an interactive exercise might be used to assess telephone skills. This has involved us in designing relevant telephone scenarios, providing candidates with a telephone handset and role playing several different phone calls, interacting with the candidate as a typical caller would. The ensuing conversation between the candidate and assessor is then recorded for later assessment.
Another example of a work simulation exercise might be the assessment of how the candidate goes about analysing some company accounts and other financial information and producing a report for an investment bank the way a financial analyst would be expected to work.
To discuss any of your recruitment and assessment needs, please contact Sue Ray on 020 7611 0860
