Recruiting “off the beaten track”

“Opération Phénix” was launched in 2007 and regroups 10 companies (including Société Générale) and 7 partner universities. The concept? Each of the companies commits to awarding an executive open-ended contract to a student whose chosen academic subject (literature, humanities, sciences) would normally mean that they are not really suited to a corporate environment. Phénix is based upon a shared conviction: that diverse backgrounds and academic qualifications are a source of wealth for companies and that diverse careers are a valuable opportunity for students.
The second edition of Opération Phénix was launched in April 2008, when over one thousand Master 2 Research students met with the human resources managers of the partner companies.
StartRec: Société Générale reviewed the processes and tools it uses in recruitment which were subsequently certified by French the regulatory body, HALDE, in 2007. Aimed at eliminating any discrimination in recruitment, the initiative also means greater efficiency and professionalism via:
  • a workflow that allows for the traceability and follow-up of candidates,
  • the clear definition of the roles of the different persons involved in recruitment and the homogenisation of practices Group-wide,
  • an appraisal “toolkit” to make sure recruitment decisions are as objective as possible.
  • Rolled out at the end of 2008, the project has strong economic and image implications for the Group and covers open-ended and fixed-term contracts, work placements and apprenticeships for higher education graduates or undergraduates in their final year.
Recruitment in Retail Banking: Société Générale’s Retail banking division recruited 148 bank technicians in 2008. Aged 35 and over, and with no particular banking experience or academic qualifications, candidates were taken on as cashiers and Multimedia Client advisors. Diplomas aside, their diverse profiles, commercial experience and experience in customer relations are also valuable assets. Moreover, these recruitments also contribute to a renewed balance in generations, particularly within retail banking.
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