PACT - recruitment

Ward, who is responsible for PACT’s recruitment of both staff and volunteers, had recognized that PACT did not have a standardized approach to their recruitment processes when she ran a selection day the previous year. This made one thing clear: she wanted the process pared down and simplified. She also wanted to be sure of objectivity and consistency throughout.

The recruitment advert had already been sent out when PACT started working with us. We began by addressing all the types of assessment PACT had used in previous selection processes (structured interviews, presentations and work sample tests).

Clarifying objectives
Once we’d helped PACT gain a clearer understanding of what they wanted to assess, we used a competency framework to establish measurable competencies. Together we chose eight competencies (an industry standard number) that were essential, based on their criticality to the role and their frequency of occurrence within the role. The competencies were:

• Client focus
• Innovation and initiative
• Integrity
• Passion commitment and drive
• Planning and organization
• Self-development
• Managing and leading
• Written communication

These competencies were then cross referenced with the 16PF^® tool.

This was to highlight any potential ‘red flags’ that would be useful to explore during the selection process. The data helped us create specific competency-based questions for each candidate’s structured interview. “Some of the competencies supplemented what we asked in the interview,” noted Ward, “while others were more holistic and covered in a different way.”

The ‘different way’ was through a one-hour 16PF feedback session between the candidate and our consultant. The competencies not addressed in the interview could then be explored and verified through personal examples.

Finally, each candidate also completed a Saville ability test as part of the two-step assessment of the communication competency. Candidates completed the test in a controlled environment on-site and online before entering the interview panel. The online format meant the results were available immediately and could then be used in the decision-making process at the end of the assessment day.

Do we really need this?
Sometimes, tasks are used just because they’ve been used before. And, when time is short, it’s easy to keep things as they are instead of challenging them. 

But with external support and expertise available, there’s a better chance to be objective – and bold. For example, PACT had planned to include a MAT (Moving Annual Target) graph analysis assessment in this selection process. When challenged on its purpose and value by our consultant, PACT realized it did not assess any of the essential criteria needed for immediate uptake of this role.

So, they cut it from the selection process. 

“We decided it was too finance focused,” said Ward. “Having an external viewpoint was a great help. We felt encouraged to actually ask, ‘Is this working? Does it do anything?’ The discussion brought clarity to our thinking.” 

First, the recruitment process was successful: PACT found their new Head of Adoption. But what about the changes that came from working with our consultant?

“She helped us to focus on what’s needed immediately, and what can be developed once a candidate is in post,” said Ward. “Focusing on competencies in this way gave our selection process a more business-oriented approach,” she added. “It was obviously thorough, and it gave us confidence in our choice. It felt professional, and we are thinking of applying these principles to our assessment of adopters.”

Ward also noted that even for those candidates who were unsuccessful, the feedback session was valuable. “It all adds up to a rewarding recruitment experience for individual candidates, regardless of their outcome. And of course, it enhances PACT’s reputation within the sector too.”