Successful selection process for registrar

Kontrast Personalberatung Hamburg was entrusted by a university in Schleswig-Holstein with the challenging task of finding suitable candidates for the position of chancellor – in a process that was specifically geared towards diversity, transparency, and quality. The headhunting project not only involved targeted recruitment through direct approaches, but also structured support for the selection process in the run-up to the appointment committee selection.

Targeted candidate recruitment through direct contact

After several unsuccessful rounds of advertising, we supported the university with targeted personnel marketing and our proven direct approach in the university, scientific, and administrative environment. Thanks to our pool of qualified candidates and close coordination with the client, we were able to prepare a selection round with eight highly qualified applicants—four women and four men. The goal of promoting equal opportunities was thus already achieved at the shortlist stage.

Survey of competency profiles – focus on management and leadership

We were subsequently commissioned to create structured leadership and management competency profiles for all eight finalists. To this end, we conducted in-depth interviews based on a standardized interview guide that was tailored to the requirements of the position. Among other things, we focused on strategic thinking, change management experience, communication skills, and understanding of the role of chancellor in a university context.

The results were summarized in anonymous brief profiles and made available to the appointment committee—purely for informational purposes, of course, without any evaluation or recommendation. The committee made the appointment decision on its own responsibility.

Exemplary procedure

The selection process is exemplary of modern recruitment processes in the public sector: diversity-conscious, process-oriented, and with a clear focus on suitability for leadership roles. The fact that a university is consistently pursuing this path shows that quality, fairness, and strategic recruitment are also possible in the public sector—if they are professionally supported.

We would like to express our gratitude for the trust placed in us and wish the future chancellor every success in this demanding role.