What is the recruitment process at Vernalis for Management Consultants? How do we assess them?
This is the thrid article in the series, where we aim to shed light on the following questions
1. What is the real Role of a Consultant ?
2. What are the core competencies needed to succeed ?
3. How do we assess for fitment on these competencies ?
In this article, we attempt to answer the third question, how do we assess the consultants for fitment of the competencies?
While defining the role and competencies are the starting point, the process to hire is equally important for hiring the right fit for your team. Vernalis’ 25 year old long expertise in assessment and development has helped us evolve a simple yet robust process for finding the right fit for our organisation.
Our 3 step Selection Process involves the following assessments.
- Critical Reasoning Test
- Personal Video
- Interview
Elaborating on each one of them below.
1. Critical Reasoning Test
Strong critical reasoning forms the bedrock for great consultants. It helps them make clear and rational conclusions from the facts presented in an argument. This is very crucial when consultants have to deal with ambiguity. Having a strong critical thinking helps a consultant ask right questions, draw correct conclusions and prioritise key aspects of a problem.
At Vernalis, we screen the candidates through a timed critical reasoning test. Above par performance is necessary for moving ahead in the selection process.
2. Short Personal Video
We live in a world connected more than ever before with challenges ramping up on both local and global fronts. It is necessary for a consultant solving business challenges, to not only build a perspective on these issues but also a have personal vision for themselves and the world they live in. At Vernalis, we believe in the power of a strong vision whether it is for an individual or for an organisation.
A short personal video message, helps us to know the candidates better. In our current format, we ask them to answer any one of the three questions posed below in a video format not exceeding 2 mins.
3 Options:
- Do you have an Inspiring Vision for yourself? If so Please share the same.
- What Problem facing India or your country would you like to be solve on priority? How would you go about solving it?
- What Global Problem would you like to solve? How would you go about solving it?
What we’re really looking for here is authenticity and ability to communicate your ideas in a clear and cogent manner.
3. Personal Interview
After the two rounds, we really want to know if the candidate is a good match with Vernalis values. We want to learn about their past experiences (both achievements and failures) and how did they evolve as a person from them.
A face to face interaction helps us get a fair idea of about fitment and alignment with our values and several competencies.
Look forward to your inputs in refining these competencies
We invite insights from students, aspirants, experienced and young consultants, and clients on the the competencies presented above, especially on:
- Are these recruitment steps for consultants universal across geographies, or do they vary by region?
- Would you like further insights on any of the process steps mentioned above? If so, please mention your questions in the comments.
- How do these elements differ at various levels of seniority, for example, between a junior and senior consultant?
About the Author
Bharat Grover is a Partner at Vernalis. He heads the Architecting Hi-Performance Organisation Practice Area.
CONTACT US
Vernalis India Private Ltd.
6 C 3 Gundecha Enclave,
Kherani Road, Saki Naka,
Andheri East, Mumbai – 400 072
Contact: Mr. Abhijit Bhabhe
Board : + 91 22 6725 8000
Email : service@vernalis.in
Vernalis Singapore Pte Ltd.
105, Cecil Street, The Octagon Building,
#11-00 (Unit: 1120),
Singapore – 069534
