PSL provides assessments for new graduate selection process at energy company E.ON UK

Assessment specialist PSL is providing online tests to help E.ON UK, the company that runs Powergen, select its 2006 graduate intake.

PSL will provide online logical, verbal and numerical reasoning tests and an online personality questionnaire. The companyís consultants are also designing a new assessment centre for E.ON UK and upskilling HR practitioners within the business to deliver assessor training.

This new testing has been introduced to assist E.ON UK with its new graduate selection process, which was introduced to meet increased business demand for graduate recruits. In 2006, the company expects to fill around 50 places.

Weíve completely redesigned our approach to graduate selection to ensure we recruit the right people and to build our employer brand, said Catherine Skirrow, who is managing E.ONís graduate recruitment campaign. PSL have been very responsive and helpful. Theyíve worked closely with us to get our new process up and running.

Through research at E.ON UK, PSL developed a competency
framework, a self selection questionnaire and an ideal candidate profile. PSL tailored its online personality questionnaire to assess for the required competencies which include planning and organising capabilities; analytical and problem solving abilities; initiative; influencing skills; the ability to work in teams and build relationships; drive and ambition.

Candidates can apply online via E.ONís new recruitment website (www.power-to-inspire.co.uk). Then, applicants who meet initial sifting criteria are invited to take PSLís online logical and verbal reasoning tests and - depending on which role they are applying for - the online numerical reasoning test. All candidates also complete the online personality profile.

In the past, we have used a mix of paper-based and online tests, said Catherine Skirrow. Now with PSL, we have improved efficiency by conducting the first stage of our assessment process completely online.

After the tests, the successful candidates will take part in a short telephone interview, which they can book through E.ONís applicant tracking system.

Short-listed candidates will then be invited to attend the newly redesigned assessment centre. These will be held, for groups of six at a time, between January and March 2006. The candidates will experience a simulated working day, attending meetings and dealing with business issues.

The 50 graduates employed at the end of the process will work in business units across E.ON UK including energy production, distribution, energy services, trading and commercial, technical consultancy, finance, procurement and retail business units. In addition, the corporate management programme gives graduates experience across all of E.ONís UK businesses, as well as providing the opportunity for a placement overseas. The new recruits will be based at power stations, distribution facilities and office sites throughout the UK.

Recruitment is a two-way process, said Catherine Skirrow.

People are choosing us as much as we are choosing them. One of our business goals is to attract, develop and retain the right people. With our new graduate selection process, that should become much easier.

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