How to use DISC in employee recruitment?

An interesting fact about MaxieDISC® is that one of the reasons the test was created was for recruitment. In the past, I had the opportunity to work as a manager at a recruitment company that encountered a number of problems related to candidate recruitment. First, I examined the recruitment process, and it essentially consisted of only two elements: reviewing CVs and conducting interviews. It often turned out that candidates were a poor fit for both the position and the company they were hired for. This naturally resulted in very high turnover and financial losses for the company I managed.

I started thinking about what could be done differently or better, and it occurred to me that using a tool like DISC could be very helpful. It turned out I was right. Changing the recruitment process and incorporating DISC tests—in this case, MaxieDISC®—improved recruitment outcomes. Before implementing the tests, as many as 45% candidates were either fired or quit within the first three months. After implementing the solution, that number dropped to 7%.

How does DISC help recruiters?

Thanks to the DISC test, we can learn a great deal about people who apply for positions. It allows us to:

• understand the candidate's work style
• evaluate team fit
• predict the communication method
• assess job fit
• identify the candidate's strengths and weaknesses and thereby help them adapt more quickly to the job

Matching styles to positions

When hiring, a good candidate-to-job fit is crucial. Behavioral styles influence our preferences for work. For example, people with a C style (or who have this style as one of the dominant ones in their natural behavioral profile) prefer independent, analytical work that requires focus. They feel and perform well in positions such as accountant, financial analyst, marketer with a focus on analytical activities, and controller. In contrast, a person with an I style will feel great in positions requiring contact with many people, such as a salesperson, for example, in a store where customer contact is necessary, a teacher, animator, event organizer, or personal trainer.

Of course, as humans we can adapt, but it is much healthier and more effective to look for a job that is somehow related to our natural talents. This saves stress and unnecessary things in professional life.

DISC and Team Building

DISC can also help with conscious team planning. The best teams are diverse teams. However, to be able to work in a diverse team, mutual understanding and learning to draw from diversity instead of becoming frustrated is important. Team building will be dedicated a separate article, or rather a series of them.

Firms use DISC assessments for a variety of reasons, including: * **Improved Communication:** Understanding different communication styles helps teams communicate more effectively, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts. * **Enhanced Teamwork:** By recognizing each other's strengths and preferences, team members can collaborate more productively and appreciate diverse working styles. * **Better Leadership:** Leaders can use DISC to tailor their approach to individual team members, motivating them more effectively and fostering a positive work environment. * **Conflict Resolution:** Understanding DISC profiles can help identify the root causes of conflict and provide strategies for resolving disputes. * **Employee Development:** DISC can be used to identify areas for professional growth and to provide targeted training and coaching. * **Sales and Customer Service Training:** Understanding customer DISC styles can help sales and service professionals adapt their approach to build better rapport and meet customer needs. * **Hiring and Recruitment:** While not a sole determinant, DISC can offer insights into a candidate's potential fit within a team or company culture.

And basically, one could ask, „Why do outstanding leaders use DISC?” They know perfectly well that the costs of hiring and training new people are significantly higher than the costs of retaining a good employee. They know it's worth putting in more effort during the selection stage, as this saves both time and stress later on. They see benefits such as better team communication, lower employee turnover, and higher work efficiency.

How can we help?

We can support your company in both the recruitment and team-building processes. We help structure processes and train employees so that they understand each other better. If you are interested in discussing this topic, please write to us at office@maxiedisc.com