Unilever has launched a digital recruitment programme that will use online gaming to select the best candidates in Africa.

The consumer goods company, which receives close to 15,000 graduate applications in Africa every year, is launching a new digital process which will mix gaming with video interviews to find the best and brightest graduates.

“The programme has been introduced in Africa this week, following a successful launch in Europe, other parts of Asia and North America,” said Mechell Chetty, VP Human Resources: Africa.

“This digital platform will be rolled out in other Unilever companies across the rest of the world during the remainder of the year.”

The process has four main steps. Firstly candidates will fill out an online application form. Successful candidates are then invited to play a series of games, taking no more than 20 minutes.

“The way in which applicants play these games will allow Unilever to get an insight into the candidate’s potential and how well they connect with the company’s goals and purpose,” it said.

The best candidates will then take part in a video interview for which they record their answers at a convenient time. For the final part of the process candidates are invited to a Discovery Centre, where they get to know each other and collaborate virtually, then for a day long face-to-face event, giving them an immersive experience of a ‘day in the life’ at the company, Unilever said.

By enabling applications through mobile devices, the new process will be able to ensure that we reach students more widely across Africa, as mobile devices serve as the primary way to access the internet for many across the continent. In addition, we aim to create a process that removes any personal bias and gives each applicant the most impartial chance,” said Chetty.