Capability and learning ability are better predictors of job success than traditional measures such as test scores, degrees and interviews, recruitment guru Dr John Sullivan (right) told a London audience today at the Recruiter Show.

Another proven method of gauging candidates’ creativity and analytics skills is giving them real problems to solve, which also benefits the hiring organisation by potentially giving it new answers to problems it faces, Sullivan added.

A packed audience heard Sullivan outline recruiting ideas and bold recruiting techniques from the Silicon Valley at the keynote session of the Show’s first day. 

Among the most aggressive examples were free food and drink distributed by not one but two competing technology companies at a shuttle bus stop operated by a third firm, taunting recruiting notices written in code and posted outside competitors’ offices, and creating outlandish amenities such as pods for napping and aquarium rooms for relaxation.

Sullivan will repeat his keynote session tomorrow (Thursday) at The Show. He will also offer a Q&A session tomorrow. Visit recruiter-show.co.uk for the full programme and timings.