O2h is first and foremost a people business. O2h focus intensely on the selection process and have in place a program of campus presentations and along with its relations with a range of recruitment consultants ensure that O2h gains access to the best talent in India and returning to India. A ‘bounty’ system for referrals from existing team members has also been important in attracting highly qualified and experienced personnel. The O2h team is carefully selected from candidates with significant experience in discovery work.

The recruitment process starts by working with head hunters, campus presentations and internal references to ensure O2h have access to the very best scientists in India. After this follows an initial screening process in which we look for strong theoretical, practical, communication and leadership skills. The interviewee is then sent an interview call letter explaining the additional details for the interview process and how they should prepare in order to impress during the interview process. The interview process starts with a 30 minute company presentation detailing the values and operations of the company and is then followed by a 50 question 45 minute theoretical scientific test. O2h then begin the interview process in which six scientists (two panels of three) record comments and grades on a wide range of scientific and non-scientific qualities.

O2h test the knowledge and experience of the candidate from a wide range of different perspectives. Thereafter follow HR and Director level interviews to ensure there is a high level of integrity, a natural fit to the culture/ambition of the organisation and this interview is a clear indication that recruitment is a top level decision. O2h do not take less than three references from the candidate and we also do one if not two private/informal reference checks to check on the professionalism, character and track record of the candidate, before they join O2h via 3rd parties. This entire process ensures that O2h recruitment decisions risk is reduced to the lowest possible level and the retention rate is genuinely exceptional.