The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD) uses a professor when recruiting for its graduate programme because professors often possess expertise in areas relevant to the UD's work, such as international relations, law, economics, or political science. Their academic background and research experience can provide valuable insights into assessing candidates' analytical skills, critical thinking, and understanding of complex global issues, which are crucial for a diplomatic career. Comparing recruitment for the UD and Circle K: * **Number of recruits:** The UD recruits a small, highly select group of individuals (around 15) for its prestigious graduate programme, aiming for top-tier talent with specific academic and personal qualities. Circle K, on the other hand, recruits a very large number of people (60,000) to fill a wide range of roles across its many locations, from entry-level positions to management. * **Recruitment process:** The UD's process is likely to be highly selective, involving multiple stages of assessment, such as rigorous interviews, case studies, and personality tests, to identify candidates with the potential for long-term diplomatic careers. Circle K's process, due to the sheer volume, is likely to be more streamlined and focused on identifying individuals who can fulfil the operational requirements of their roles and fit into the company culture. * **Focus of recruitment:** The UD is looking for individuals with high potential for development in a specialized, international field, often requiring advanced degrees and a strong understanding of global affairs. Circle K is recruiting for a diverse range of operational and service-oriented roles, with a broader scope of required skills and qualifications.
In the podcast series «The Tightest Needle's Eye», MeyerHaugen explores what recruiters in the business world can learn from environments with strict admission requirements. Listen to the podcast for recruitment insights and inspiration from some of the most difficult environments to become a part of in Norway!




