Reed Smith takes new strengths-based recruitment approach

Reed Smith has announced its move to a strengths-based assessment of its would-be trainees and vacation scheme students, becoming the first law firm to do so.

The new process, which will be in place from January 2015, has been designed in collaboration with Capp, a specialist in strengths-based assessment and products. Capp and the firm have created eight core strengths that will form the basis of the recruitment assessment. Under the new system, candidates will complete a 'situational strengths test' after they have submitted their application form. The test will require candidates to answer online a number of scenario-based questions, which reflect situations that they might encounter as a trainee. If successful, candidates would be invited back for interview. If not, they would receive a feedback report.

Lucy Crittenden, Reed Smith’s graduate recruitment manager, commented: "Strengths-based assessment focuses on what students enjoy doing and what energises them, rather than on simply what they can do, as the competency model does. Competency style questions rely on the use of past experiences, which has its limitations. We hope that this new model will level the playing field for all candidates and therefore help in our diversity efforts, as well as creating a more positive experience for applicants."

Training principal and partner Peter Hardy added: "In creating this new process, we have looked at the skills needed for our future talent so that we can best serve the changing needs of our clients. Furthermore, this approach is designed to be more natural and personal because responses cannot be rehearsed. This will make it easier to ensure that candidates are a good fit for us and the role, whilst also providing the opportunity to make sure the firm is right for them."