Can they do the job; will they do the job; will they stay; what training or development do they need?

Putting the wrong person into a job can be very expensive and messy, which is why we specialise in helping clients assess short listed candidates for jobs.

We are not talking about a 15 minute internet-based evaluation, for which you can buy the answers online, and have no idea who completed the paper. No, we use top of the range ability tests and personality (psychometric) evaluation techniques such as OPQ (we are an SHL Partner), backed up by thorough interviewing when appropriate. We also use IT technical tests from Teckchek, and tools such as in-tray and presentation exercises, also from SHL.

For instance, one of our presentation exercises specifically assesses persuading, influencing, analysing, presenting and communicating skills. These skills are essential not just in sales roles, but also in a whole host of jobs, not least managerial.

By treating everybody equally we begin to see the benefits of objective assessment. The likelihood of making a poor appointment is reduced, as is staff turnover and associated costs.