Magic circle firm Clifford Chance is trialling a new video game as a psychometric test for trainee applicants.

The game tests the resolve of would-be joiners and how they respond to pressure – though the exact format is not being disclosed.

The game is expected to be rolled out next year if the trial is a success and will run alongside existing psychometric tests.

At the moment, vacation scheme work experience students are being asked to test the game and provide feedback to the firm.

But the firm, which said the game could offer ‘unique insight into candidates’ decision-making abilities’, stressed it is not part of the current recruitment process. The results of the tests will be used for feedback purposes only and have no impact on whether or not current applicants are successful.

‘We are fully focused on finding the best-quality candidates and there are many tools on the market to assist firms to do this,’ a spokesperson added.

The assesment has been validated according to the psychometric standards of the British Psychological Society.