Cox Purtell Promoted to Provide Executive Search Services to State & Federal Government
Tahlia • Apr 18, 2018

Why Cox Purtell have been promoted to provide Executive Search services to the NSW Government


If you’re a senior executive in the NSW Government, I’m sure you often receive calls and/or emails from newly approved Executive Search providers who want you to consider them to be your provider of choice. It may be for the the next time you need to make a crucial hire for your department, or want to move on to your next challenge within Government to further your career. I am sure you often think, why are they different? What value can they add to our search? I am equally as sure that their answer is that they have “relationships” within the sector and that they have excellent researchers who “market map” the sector to give a holistic view of the market. These are both fair and valid points and demonstrate how these organisations build a funnel to engage applicants.


The Scientific Assessment


These applicants however, are not scientifically assessed to see if they have the right competencies to perform the role that they are interested in. They are often chosen through subjective eyes and via reputation rather than through competency to perform. This often leads to average or below average results.


Over the last few years, the P.S.C have developed and released a competency model, which includes 4 groups of 4 competencies that they deem are the basis for all job descriptions in the public sector. These competencies are geared towards creating an egalitarian system where each position is truly secured based on the ability of the successful candidate to demonstrate their level of excellence in the important competencies for specific roles. This competency framework if assessed correctly should result in less average or below average hiring and it will help minimise discrimination and lead to processes with less bias and subjectivity in the hiring processes.


So where does Cox Purtell fit in to this equation?


Cox Purtell are utilising a cutting-edge competency assessment tool called AbilityMap, which matches candidates scientifically to the competencies that are listed as being critical in the Position Description for the role. This tool has been validated by the P.S.C, who recognise its value in assisting all hiring managers ensure they are not only securing competent talent, but also increasing their chances of securing Highly Competent talent for their departments.


This is our key differentiator from our competitors. While they talk about their ability to create a funnel to capture candidates, we have the technological capability to apply the right filter to the funnel, ensuring that only the highly competent candidates make it through our screening process & to the interview.


This gives you, the senior executive, the peace of mind that your hiring decisions are scientifically validated.


More on AbilityMap


Cox Purtell is a proud Australian business, which is still family owned & run, and multi award winning. We have been recruiting in the public sector for over 20 years, which has led us to this deeper understanding of it’s unique workings.


If you’d like to know more on AbilityMap, see this helpful infographic or contact one of our Government Recruitment Specialists on 02 9220 3400.

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