The company says the aim of the trial is to try to recruit truck drivers using other means that the conventional CV-centred process. In doing so, the logistics company hopes it can reach out to more candidates and promote equal opportunities.
Instead of CVs, the trial will see a series of exercises deployed by XPO and Pôle Emploi (France’s equivalent of the Job Centre) to assess a person’s technical skills, soft skills and other required traits for the position.
The only two requirements for candidates is to be over 18 and hold a B driving licence. Training will then be laid on to ensure candidates have the skills and qualifications to drive trucks from XPO’s Calais depot.
Candidates are first invited to a meeting describing the process, which involves simulations, an interview, and training.
In the simulations, prospective drivers participate in logic, role-playing and speed games. These are designed to make it possible to determine a candidate’s compliance with standards and instructions, and their ability to work independently and show initiative. Other tests will determine a candidate’s customer service skills, how they work under pressure, and their ability to stay focused over time.
Those who pass the tests will then participate in an interview with an XPO representative. Finally, the last step for drivers before they begin work is to take part in a 15-day HGV driving immersion course taught by XPO drivers.
Commenting on the imitative, Gaëlle Provensal-Raoux, Director of Human Resources for XPO in France, said:
“Experimenting with this original recruitment method is part of our approach to promoting diversity and inclusion. It gives everyone the same starting opportunity and allows us to recruit candidates with different profiles and backgrounds, which can be enriching for our company. Our first session, which began in October, led to the training of 10 candidates who will eventually have a permanent driver position at XPO. We are already planning another session.”