Cadbury Schweppes sweetens recruitment with online testing from PSL

Cadbury Schweppes, one of the worldís largest confectionery
companies, has significantly improved the speed and efficiency of its graduate and management recruitment processes by introducing online verbal and numerical reasoning tests in place of paper-based versions.

Provided by assessment specialist PSL, the online tests give objective evidence about applicants to help Cadbury Schweppes shortlist the best candidates.

Psychometric assessment has always played a part in our
recruitment process, said Oliver West, Cadbury Schweppesí
Resourcing Manager for UK and Ireland. However paper-based tests can be unwieldy and time-consuming. Graduates used to spend 90 minutes of an assessment day on verbal and numerical tests. After a successful trial last year, weíve cut this down to a 45- minute online experience prior to the interview stage. We feel this is a far more efficient way of achieving what we want to achieve. It also means we get better value out of our assessment days because candidates can spend more time on job-related exercises. Historically the time that needs to be dedicated to conducting testing has been counterproductive in our efforts to see testing used more effectively and more consistently.

Having decided to enhance its online recruitment process, Cadbury Schweppes looked at a number of suppliers but selected PSL.

We felt that PSL were comfortably the most appropriate partner, said Oliver West. This is a new area for us, so to work with a supplier that really understands this process has been ideal.

Around 4,000 candidates apply each year for the 20 available places on Cadbury Schweppesí graduate programme. The company looks for a base academic knowledge and the three characteristics of judgement, drive and influence.

When you have so many applications, and can only commit to a finite number of interviews, it is critical to carry out the broadest assessment as early as possible, said Oliver West. It will always be a marginal choice between candidates. A-level results are becoming a less relevant indicator of a candidateís ability. We use PSLís verbal and numerical reasoning tests to provide additional information to the recruitment process. The tests help us make a decision by providing evidence that doesnít rely on subjective human judgement.

Applicants for managerial positions at Cadbury Schweppes may also be asked to undertake online verbal and numerical reasoning tests, or an online personality questionnaire to inform and target the interview process.

We need great people in our business because they create the brands that consumers love, said Oliver West. PSLís online tests have enhanced our recruitment process. Not only do they save us time but they also give us more information on which to assess candidates. Ultimately they help us make a better quality of hire. This will always be our ultimate goal.

For more information about PSL, please call 020-8585 2345 e-mail info@psl.com