TalentFirst Inventory™
Screen for character. Hire with confidence.
About the TFI
The TalentFirst Inventory™ (TFI) is a brief, online pre-employment screening tool with criteria that go beyond traditional background checks. While background checks focus on past actions or employment history, the TFI provides an added layer of assurance: predicting how candidates will conduct themselves on the job — through character, not just credentials.
The TFI is a valuable asset in the competitive talent selection landscape, particularly for businesses in the service and hospitality industries, like retail and hotel chains, banks, and other related sectors. Quickly identify candidates who are dependable, have integrity, and will drive a high-performance, more secure work and team environment.
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TFI in Action
When a large U.S. retailer integrated the TFI into their recruitment process, they saw real-life results:
The TFI does more than screen for service-oriented behavior: it gives employers a predictive model to find candidates who align with company culture, want to stay, and are eager to develop.
“Reducing turnover isn’t just about filling positions more efficiently—it’s about building a stable, engaged team that drives long-term success. With the PFI, we’ve been able to identify candidates who are not only qualified, but also committed to our values and culture. SEG has been thankful for the positive impact that the PFI has had on our retention”
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Read about how this large U.S. retailer partnered with MHS to improve its workforce quality while also reducing turnover-related costs using the PeopleFirst™ Inventory (PFI)*.
How Does the TFI Work?
TFI uses a scientifically validated, legally compliant, and fair assessment to provide a holistic view of a candidate’s likely workplace behavior so employers can hire with confidence. Candidates complete the TFI online, and results are scored automatically; employers receive actionable recommendations based on data from thousands of similar candidates. The TFI outlines eight key productive and counterproductive attributes, with options to omit certain measures for regulatory compliance.
Talent Behaviors
Risk-Oriented Behaviors
Benefits of the TFI
TFI Across the Employee Life Cycle
The TFI is a strategic cornerstone of talent selection, ensuring the right candidates are identified early to drive productive onboarding and support the entire employee life cycle. Its implementation refines hiring strategies and adds value for cross-functional teams, including Loss Prevention (screening for integrity and reducing inventory loss) and Workplace Safety Programs (assessing behaviors for a safer environment).
TFI FAQ
Retail, customer service, and other service positions.
10–15 minutes, completed online.
The TFI meets legal compliance through its adherence to U.S federal and state regulations, including standards set by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Productive (e.g., dependability, customer service) and counterproductive (e.g., risk-taking, aggression) behaviors.
Yes, it works with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and the MHS Talent Selection portal.
TFI Assessment
Quick View
Administration: Online via ATS or MHS portal
Administration Time: 10–15 Minutes
Languages: English and Spanish (North America)
Format: Modular, mobile-friendly, individually completed
Relevant roles: Entry-level roles across retail chains, hospitality, service industries, and related sectors
Reduce Hiring Uncertainty at the Entry Level
Take the first step toward better hiring outcomes. Consider a solution that can safeguard your brand or business with the appropriate candidate. Request more information about the TFI and see how it can transform your talent selection process.
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