Game-based Analytical Skills Testing for Graduate Software Engineering Recruitment

Game-based recruitment is an emerging trend adopted by organizations globally, given its proven results in boosting candidate perceptions of the company and providing an improved recruitment experience. This paper explores the use of game-based analytical skill testing in the recruitment process of entry-level graduate software engineers in Sri Lanka. The Test of Logical Thinking by Tobin and Capie has been used as a reference, and a game-based version has been developed using the MDA framework, relying on mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics. The testing phase has been carried out using a focus group of eight fresh graduate software engineering recruits, and the results have depicted a significantly high level of accuracy between the results produced through the paper-based and game-based versions. Candidate perceptions of the recruitment process and the employer have been recorded to be positively influenced by the introduction of game-based testing in the recruitment process.