Virtual Selection At National City Corporation

CASE STUDY
Virtual Selection At National City Corporation
National City Corporation, a multistage banking firm with headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, employs
around 32,000 people. The company has been named one of “The Top 100 Employers” by The Black
Collegian magazine. National City, founded in 1845, is one of the nation’s largest financial holding
companies.
National City uses a computerized simulation of specific job-related tasks known as “Virtual Job
Tryout” to select candidates for jobs. In effect, job candidates get to audition for the job they
want. The company believes that this type of assessment does more than help the company select the
right people. The process also gives National City Corporation a distinctive recruiting experience that
creates a unique impression on applicants and helps build the employer brand of the company.
National City worked with a consulting firm to develop several virtual simulations. The simulations
have audio and video interactivity and are quite appealing to younger job applicants such as Gen
Y’ers. Call center applicants, for instance, are given scenarios requiring them to solve customer service
problems. Branch manager applicants have to demonstrate their skills at developing client
relationships and making quick personnel decisions. Of course, these online assessments are just part
of the overall selection process, but they are the next step in getting hired after completing the
application process.
The firm believes that this part of its selection process is an educational tool that helps potential
employees learn about the company. According to one of the consultants involved in the development
of the simulation, innovative companies are looking for unique experiences such as this one to make
their selection process stand out.
TASK:
Write an essay answering 5 questions based on the case study.
Include: 1-brief overview in one sentence; 2-strategic issues in three sentences; 3-analysis and
evaluation answering the three questions below; and 4-recommendations and a plan of action.
Answer the following questions. Also, conduct literature reviews on the subject of discussion and use
to support your case study answers:

1. Discuss the pros and cons of using virtual assessment for employee selection. To answer this
   question, you may want to do further research on the concept of virtual assessment for
   selection.
2. What concerns would you have about this selection process if you were an applicant?
3. Describe the steps the company would need to take to ensure that the selection process is
   nondiscriminatory and fair.
4. Do you think all types of employees would react the same to virtual assessment? Why? Why
   not?
5. For what type of skills is the virtual assessment best suited (e.g., hard, soft, business,
   engineering, other)? Explain your response.
6. Are there jobs for which this type of assessment would not be appropriate?

Sample Solution