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The search for the perfect profile for your office

This article also appeared in Dutch.

How do you know for sure which type of students are the best fit for your office? In general, employers are looking for a good 'click' with the candidate. And good grades of course. And if they've been active outside of their studies, that's also a good sign. But are these really the most important characteristics for an effective employee and a good fit with your office?

It still goes wrong too often

On paper, the candidate met all the requirements. Good grades, a good internship assessment and besides her studies she had been chairman of the board of a student association. There was a great click during the conversation and she was excited to get started. Working at a renowned office was her big dream and now she could make it come true.

However, it soon became clear that she was not quite in the right place. Her work was adequate, but not great. And for some reason, she simply didn't fit the corporate culture. Colleagues preferred not to work with her and quite a few conversations were held to find out what was wrong and how this could possibly be solved. For three years, a lot of energy from both the office and hers was lost trying to get the best out of it. But in vain. When 'the moment of truth' came 3 years later, everyone involved agreed that she had better start working elsewhere. Her self-esteem had dropped dramatically and the office had lost a lot of money because far too few billable hours had been turned and all the conversations that were made took a lot of time.

And unfortunately she is no exception. A significant part of the starters ultimately do not manage to become full-fledged employees. But what is this about? And an even better question, how can you prevent it?

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The questions it's all about

At The Selection Lab, these kinds of questions keep us busy day (and sometimes night...). What makes someone a successful lawyer? Or successful accountant? And why are some doing great at one office but only mediocre at another? Why does one partner click with the starter and the other can't stand him or her?

To answer these questions, we dive deep into the data. We start by capturing the personalities of the incumbent employees in the office. We use an extensive psychometric questionnaire to identify a wide variety of psychological characteristics. We then hear from the office which starters and employees are doing exceptionally well. And then the magic happens. Our self-learning algorithm finds out the difference between the average employee and the exceptionally good employee. Are exceptionally good employees more sociable or less concerned with their environment? To what extent does intelligence matter? Or is one of the other many personal characteristics or experiences that we measure determines success, or is it a combination of personal characteristics really matter in your office.

One profile or several profiles

Certain personal characteristics together form the ideal profiles for your office. This can be a very specific profile, but it will usually be different types of profiles, each with different personal characteristics. When this profile is clear, selecting the right candidates for an interview not only becomes a lot more objective, but also a lot easier and faster. With the assessment tool of The Selection Lab you can easily test candidates on all the important characteristics. And our algorithm calculates which of the candidates most resemble your best performing employees. This reduces the time spent screening and hesitating about CVs and also reduces the amount of doubt when it comes to deciding whether or not to hire someone.

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The Selection Lab uses large amounts of data to find out which students are most like your best performing employees.

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Through a feedback loop, the algorithm continues to learn

But it doesn't stop there. After this initial analysis, we will continue to monitor the employees. Will they continue to do great? Or does it decrease over time? Are there people who first did an average job, who later started to do much better. Human behavior (and their performance) changes over time. By regularly updating which employees are exceptionally good, the algorithm gets smarter and smarter. And if completely different personal characteristics become more important in the future, the algorithm will know in time and the candidates that match will be selected.

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Are you curious if this could be interesting for your office? Or do you just want to talk to us about this topic? Send a message to info@theselectionlab.com

FAQ

Can game-based assessments promote diversity in the recruitment process?

Yes, game-based assessments can promote diversity by focusing on skills and behavior rather than traditional criteria like résumés, which may contain unconscious biases. This gives candidates from diverse backgrounds an equal opportunity to demonstrate their potential.

What is a game-based assessment?

A game-based assessment is a testing method that uses game mechanisms to evaluate candidates' skills, competencies, and personality traits. During these games, various aspects such as problem-solving ability, cognitive capacities, and behavior under pressure are assessed interactively.

What are the advantages of game-based assessments?

Game-based assessments can offer an interactive and engaging experience for candidates, which may contribute to a more positive perception of the application process for certain groups. For employers, these assessments provide deep insights into both cognitive and behavioral qualities in a way that traditional tests may not offer. Additionally, they can reduce the likelihood of socially desirable behavior, as candidates in a game environment often respond more authentically and spontaneously.

How reliable are game-based assessments compared to traditional tests?

If well-designed, game-based assessments can be just as reliable, and in some cases even more reliable, than traditional tests because they measure a wide range of behavioral indicators and cognitive skills in a dynamic setting. However, there is a significant difference in quality among various game-based assessments, so it’s important to be mindful of this.

How does a game-based assessment work?

In a game-based assessment, candidates participate in interactive games designed to measure specific skills and behaviors. During the game, not only the final result is analyzed, but also how the candidate makes decisions, responds to challenges, and handles different scenarios. These observations provide insights into their thought processes and behavior patterns.

Are game-based assessments scientifically validated?

The major disadvantage of game-based assessments is that they are relatively new, meaning many have not yet been thoroughly researched by independent researchers. Many companies cite their own studies, but these are rarely independently validated. Without independent research, you cannot be certain of the reliability of game-based assessments. Be aware of this when selecting the most appropriate assessment.

How can game-based assessments contribute to a better candidate experience?

This varies greatly depending on the target group. Due to the playful and interactive nature of game-based assessments, some groups of candidates experience less stress than with traditional tests. Research shows that certain groups (particularly candidates over the age of 35) tend to experience more stress from a game. Additionally, studies have found that men generally perceive games more positively than women.

Can you practice game-based assessments?

Although you can familiarize yourself with the type of games used, game-based assessments are difficult to practice specifically. They are designed to measure natural reactions and authentic behavior, so repetitive practice has less influence on the outcome than with traditional tests.

Will game-based assessments replace traditional tests in the future?

It is likely that game-based assessments will play a larger role in future recruitment processes, but a complete replacement of traditional tests is uncertain. Both methods can complement each other and be used depending on the specific requirements of the role and the company's preferences.

How are the results of a game-based assessment analyzed and interpreted?

The results of a game-based assessment are analyzed based on predefined parameters such as problem-solving ability, reaction time, and behavior under pressure. Advanced algorithms automatically collect and process the data to provide an objective and reliable assessment of the candidate's competencies and skills.

What skills are measured in a game-based assessment?

Game-based assessments measure a wide range of skills. For example, they evaluate a candidate's problem-solving ability, adaptability, decision-making under pressure, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Depending on the specific design, cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and pattern recognition may also be assessed.

How long does a game-based assessment take?

The duration of a game-based assessment varies but usually lasts between 15 and 60 minutes. This depends on the complexity of the game and the number of skills being measured. These assessments are often shorter and more interactive than traditional tests, which can contribute to a more enjoyable candidate experience.

Are game-based assessments suitable for all roles?

Game-based assessments are particularly suitable for roles where cognitive flexibility, creativity, problem-solving ability, and interpersonal skills are crucial. For highly technical or specialized roles, additional tests or evaluations may be needed to measure specific knowledge and expertise.

What is the difference between a game-based assessment and a gamified assessment?

The difference between a game-based assessment and a gamified assessment lies in the extent to which game techniques are integrated. In a gamified assessment, traditional tests are enhanced with game elements to increase engagement, while in a game-based assessment, the game itself is the primary tool for evaluation. In a game-based assessment, candidates are assessed based on their interaction within the game, which is designed to measure specific competencies.

FAQ

How can I improve my company’s retention rate?

The retention rate can be improved by investing in employee development and satisfaction. This includes offering training, career opportunities, and recognition for their contributions. A culture of open communication and attention to work-life balance can also contribute to higher retention. Additionally, offering competitive compensation and involving employees in decision-making can strengthen loyalty.

What are the benefits of growth opportunities for employee retention?

Growth opportunities can promote employee retention by giving staff a sense of direction and motivation. When they have the chance to learn and develop professionally within the company, they feel valued, which increases their loyalty. This can prevent them from leaving to seek better opportunities elsewhere. kunnen het behoud van personeel bevorderen door medewerkers een gevoel van richting en motivatie te geven. Wanneer zij de kans krijgen om te leren en zich professioneel te ontwikkelen binnen het bedrijf, voelen zij zich gewaardeerd, wat hun loyaliteit vergroot. Dit kan voorkomen dat ze vertrekken om elders betere kansen te zoeken.

What are the key factors that influence employee retention?

Key factors that influence employee retention include salary and benefits, opportunities for professional development, work-life balance, company culture, and the relationship with supervisors. Employees tend to stay longer when they feel valued, challenged, and supported in their work environment.

Why is employee retention so important for organizations?

Employee retention is important because it helps reduce recruitment and training costs for new employees, and it contributes to retaining knowledge and experience within the organization. High retention also ensures continuity within teams, leading to a more stable company culture, higher customer satisfaction, and improved business outcomes.

Which recruitment strategies help improve retention?

Recruitment strategies that can improve retention include identifying candidates who align with the company culture, using assessments to evaluate soft skills, and providing transparency about role expectations during the hiring process. Employees who feel connected to the organization and have clarity about their role are more likely to stay longer.

How can a good onboarding process contribute to higher retention?

An effective onboarding process can contribute to higher retention by helping new employees quickly adapt to their role, the company culture, and expectations. By providing support and clear information from the start, their engagement is increased, and the likelihood of them leaving early due to feelings of being overwhelmed or lacking guidance is reduced.

What is the role of company culture in retaining employees?

Company culture plays a crucial role in employee retention. When employees feel heard, valued, and connected to the values and norms of the company, they are more likely to stay. A positive culture that fosters collaboration, respect, and personal growth can significantly enhance employee motivation and satisfaction.

How can leadership and management style influence retention?

Leadership and management style have a significant impact on retention. Leaders who inspire, support, and coach their team can increase employee engagement and satisfaction. Offering autonomy and trust can lead to higher loyalty, while inefficient or negative management styles can contribute to dissatisfaction and increased employee turnover.

What is the importance of recognition and rewards for employee retention?

Recognition and rewards play an important role in employee retention by showing staff that their work is valued. This can increase their motivation and loyalty. In addition to financial rewards, compliments, promotions, and other forms of recognition can also contribute to satisfaction and retaining employees.

What role does work-life balance play in improving retention?

A balanced work-life balance plays an important role in increasing retention. By reducing stress and improving job satisfaction, employees are more likely to stay with the company. Initiatives such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and respect for personal time can contribute to this balance.

How do I measure the success of my retention strategy?

The success of a retention strategy can be measured by tracking retention rates and turnover rates, and by gaining insights from exit interviews. Additionally, employee satisfaction surveys and feedback from performance evaluations can provide valuable information about the effectiveness of the strategies applied.

What does increasing retention mean within a company?

Increasing retention within a company means implementing strategies to keep employees with the organization for longer. This can be achieved by improving job satisfaction, offering growth opportunities, and fostering a positive and supportive company culture.

What are the costs of a low retention rate?

A low retention rate can bring significant costs, such as increased expenses for recruiting and training new employees. Furthermore, the loss of experienced staff can lead to lower productivity, reduced knowledge transfer, and a negative impact on company culture.

How can I increase employee engagement?

To increase employee engagement, involve them in decision-making processes, regularly ask for their feedback, and recognize their contributions. Offering development opportunities and maintaining transparent communication can also contribute to greater engagement.

How can technology help improve employee retention?

Technology can be a tool for improving employee retention by facilitating communication, feedback, and development. By using online platforms for training, recognition, and evaluation, companies can create a more engaged and satisfied workforce.