Archived - Human Resources Consultant Simulation Exercise 410

Purpose

The Human Resources Consultant Simulation Exercise provides rich and unique information on key competencies needed for a human resource consultant's job. It gives the hiring manager an opportunity to observe individuals dealing directly with analytical and interactive situations that human resource consultants encounter daily in performing their duties.

The information yielded on consultant effectiveness can be highly useful in promoting people to human resources consultant positions. It can also establish the needs for training and development of current or potential consultants, and for counseling for career transitions.

How the Simulation Works

The Human Resources Consultant Simulation Exercise simulates the important aspects of a human resource consultant's job. The individual deals with a range of issues and problems where they must respond to requests for service and advice and work with managers as partners. The individual's role is to advise managers responsible for making human resource management decisions.

On the assessment day, the individual receives the exercise items (memoranda, letters, reports, etc.) and is given 3 hours to review these items and to complete two tasks:

The individual will be asked to complete a written action plan, and preparation of an oral presentation.

The next step in the simulation process is the oral presentation before the selection board (maximum 30 minutes). Following a short break, the board members question the candidate on the content of the presentation (his/her analysis of the items and how he/she proposes to deal with the situations).

In the final phase of the simulation, the candidate takes part in an exercise where he/she interacts with a manager to provide advice and assistance.

The assessors observe the individual throughout the different phases of the exercise, interact with the individual as described above, and then integrate all of the information gathered from the simulation.

What Competencies are Assessed

The Human Resources Consultant Simulation Exercise assesses 9 specific competencies:

• Service Orientation
• Initiative
• Adaptability
• Integrity
• Problem Analysis and Judgement
• Influence Skills
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Relations
• Action Management

Definitions of Competencies

Service Orientation

Focuses on client's needs and results; is proactive.

Initiative

Innovates and demonstrates enthusiasm; is a self-starter.

Adaptability

Adjusts well to change.

Integrity

Behaves in a consistent, fair, ethical and discreet manner.

Problem Analysis and Judgement

Diagnoses problems and recommends solutions, using sound judgement.

Influence Skills

Shows the capacity to impact on and influence the decisions and actions of others; is an effective advocate for good human resources practices.

Communication Skills

Receives and conveys information effectively.

Interpersonal Relations

Displays a high degree of “people skills”, in particular cooperation and sensitivity.

Action Management

Plans, organizes and directs activities effectively.

Candidate Information