Every recruitment process is different. The typical process is that an employer will look at a shortlist of candidates who meet the job specification. One, two or even three rounds of interviews may then take place and hopefully the best person for the job is appointed. For senior roles, psychometric tests are often used to give employers an insight into the competencies, motivations, strengths and weaknesses of each candidate.

The President of Ireland represents the people of our country. Our next president will be the ninth person ever to hold the prestigious office. Our shortlist of candidates is Mary Davis, Sean Gallagher, Michael D. Higgins, Martin McGuinness, Gay Mitchell or David Norris.

According to the official website (www.president.ie) “The President represents all the people, for example when receiving foreign Heads of State on visits to Ireland or when making state visits abroad. These visits abroad provide valuable opportunities to promote Ireland’s interests in the international arena and to strengthen links with the Irish diaspora around the world.”

As a nation, our interview process to date has consisted of three rounds of TV interviews. All candidates have also had the opportunity to tell us why we should hire them on numerous radio stations and in newspapers. There has also been quite a bit of canvassing, which for this particular role does not disqualify the candidates!

Unfortunately we are not allowed to see the results of psychometric testing of the candidates although this would probably give us a greater insight into how they really think … much more detailed than a three minute sound bite on national TV or radio.

The person who should get the job is clear – it’s the individual who gains the most votes and every voter in Ireland will have their say as to who will be the best hire.

Let’s hope we recruit the best person for the job. And let’s not forget to reference check thoroughly!

elections, Ireland, jobs, Morgan McKinley, president, recruitment, votes