Simmons mulls psychometric testing for recruits to boost trainee diversity
Simmons & Simmons is considering introducing psychometric testing into its graduate recruitment process in a bid to increase diversity. The firm hopes testing will improve the quality of candidates accepted for training contracts and at the same time promote diverse representation by being less reliant on academic qualifications such as A-levels.
September 01, 2009 at 12:46 AM
2 minute read
Simmons and Herbert Smith join the list of firms looking to bolster diversity of intake
Simmons & Simmons is considering introducing psychometric testing into its graduate recruitment process in a bid to increase diversity.
The firm hopes testing will improve the quality of candidates accepted for training contracts and at the same time promote diverse representation by being less reliant on academic qualifications such as A-levels.
Simmons has been working with an external recruitment consultancy since earlier this summer and has been advised on a number of different testing options.
Simmons graduate recruitment partner Nick Benwell said: "There are not any tests that are specifically aimed at the legal profession so we need to be sure that they are relevant.
"The principal goal is to make sure we get the best candidates. I am not in favour of having tests for testing's sake, or just to get the number of applicants down. The overriding aim is to ensure that we pick those with the greatest potential."
Simmons' plans make it the latest in a string of firms looking to adapt recruitment methods. Norton Rose has been testing new measures while Herbert Smith piloted a verbal reasoning test this year for around 1,000 students applying for its spring and summer vacation schemes. The firm is still reviewing whether it will be implementing the system across next season's vacation scheme and training contract selection process. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, meanwhile, piloted an online verbal reasoning test this year.
Firms including Lovells, CMS Cameron McKenna, Link- laters and Clifford Chance already use some aspects of psychometric testing and verbal reasoning as part of their pre-selection or interview processes.
In a separate development, Herbert Smith has also stepped up its attempts to recruit more diversely by teaming up with ethnic minority and sexual orientation groups at universities, as well as working with disability charity EmployAbility. In addition, from October, applicants to Herbert Smith will state on their application forms whether they attended state-funded or private education.
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