Competitors who work in IT are proving cool under pressure, and showing some of the quickest reaction times, lightning hand-eye coordination, and strong peripheral awareness.

Workers in IT are leading the way in the Randstad Workout competition. They are the in the top third of all sectors, and are leaving their Telecommunications competitors by the wayside.

Other sectors to watch out for include Accountancy and Finance and Engineering, both scoring highly. Construction workers are proving far less skilful at the spatial awareness and reaction drills, scoring an average of just 26 points.

The Workout competition is being run by specialist recruiter Randstad Technologies and is challenging competitors to take part in drills designed for elite athletes, based on Eye Gym technology.

Used by the likes of Williams F1 Team driver Valtteri Bottas and rugby star Jonny Wilkinson, the aim of the drills is to sharpen the speed of decision making, hand-eye coordination and peripheral awareness – skills useful in the boardroom, and during interview preparation, as well as on the race-track.

Mike Beresford, managing director of Randstad Technologies, said: "In the race to success, driving for the Williams F1 Team and working in IT have more in common than you might think. Drivers like Valtteri Bottas use Randstad’s Workout drill to hone their reaction times.

"It helps them process information, and make decisions much quicker – key ingredients to success in the arena. And these skills are relevant in the working environment too. Responding quickly in the working environment helps candidates looking for work to race ahead in the interview process, and those in work to enhance their performance"

Training is rewarded, with competitors receiving points each time they complete a drill. The higher the level and the harder the training, the greater the points rewarded, with points building up over time. To stay ahead, players must train regularly – for a maximum of five minutes per day. Just like the Williams F1 Team training – consistency and improvement are the keys to a high score.

The grand prize for sharpening your reactions with the Randstad Workout is two tickets to the 2013 Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the United Arab Emirates, so get practicing!

Industry Average Score
Local government 180
Retail 144
Accountancy & Finance 132
Student & Worker Support 130
Education – Special needs 120
Education – Secondary 105
Healthcare 104
Engineering 99
IT 96
Professional services 84