Island law firm Dougherty Quinn has recruited new tactics in its selection process for coveted trainee advocate posts at the firm.
For the first time, shortlisted candidates were put through their paces in a series of mental and physical challenges at a tailored assessment day held at The Salmon Centre in Laxey.
The programme was devised and run by external professional trainer John Knight, chief executive at The Children's Centre.
DQ says the new approach is a wholesale departure from the traditional interview only process, to ensure the company chooses people who 'fit culturally' into the firm.
The process, which included a treasure hunt and in-tray exercise, resulted in the appointment of Kirsten Middleton and Jessica McManus, both educated in the Isle of Man.
Head of HR at DQ Jo Hill said: "A huge amount of time is invested in these individuals throughout the two year training period and beyond. At DQ, we believe in organically growing our practice and we see today’s trainees as our future associates, senior associates and potentially directors."
She went on: The decision to embark on an assessment day for the first time was to ensure a more rounded test of the candidates and worked fantastically well in enabling the selection panel to make a balanced, informed decision. It is certainly something we will be repeating in the future.”