Recruitment and Selection Procedures and Practices Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive overview of recruitment and selection processes within organizations. It begins with an abstract highlighting the importance of these processes in human resource management, focusing on attracting and selecting suitable candidates to meet organizational goals. The introduction defines recruitment as identifying and hiring potential employees, emphasizing the consideration of qualifications and skills. It contrasts recruitment (attracting candidates) with selection (choosing the best), highlighting their simultaneous importance for organizational growth. The report then discusses the significance of recruitment and selection, detailing how they help fill job vacancies, utilize human resources effectively, and contribute to organizational productivity and development. It also outlines the principles of recruitment and selection, emphasizing the importance of systematic processes, internal versus external candidate considerations, and legal compliance. Finally, the report explores various factors influencing recruitment and selection, categorizing them into internal factors (organization size, recruitment policy, image) and external factors (demographics, labor market, unemployment rate, labor laws).

Recruitment and Selection
Dr. Radhika Kapur
Abstract
In any kind of organization, recruitment and selection processes are considered useful,
because they help in finding the most suitable candidates for the jobs. Recruitment and
selection are important operations in human resource management, designed to make best use
of employee strength in order to meet the strategic goals and objectives of the employers and
of the organization as a whole. It is a process of screening, sourcing, shortlisting, and
selecting the right candidates for the vacant positions. The employers put into practice
recruitment strategies and methods that would be the most beneficial to achieve
organizational goals and objectives. The main purpose of this research paper is to understand
recruitment and selection procedures. The main areas that have been taken into account
include, significance of recruitment and selection, principles of recruitment and selection,
factors affecting recruitment and selection, posting vacancies, recruitment and selection
process, types of recruitment and types of interview.
Keywords: Recruitment, Selection, Candidates, Organizations, Jobs, Factors,
Interview
Introduction
Recruitment is the process of identifying, screening, shortlisting and hiring of the
potential human resources for the purpose of filling up the positions within the organizations.
It is the central function of human resource management. Recruitment is the process of
selecting the right person, for the right position at the right time. The educational
qualifications, experience, abilities and skills of the individuals need to be taken into
consideration when recruitment takes place. It is the process of attracting, selecting and
appointing potential candidates to meet the needs and requirements of the organizations.
Recruitment takes place internally, i.e. within the organization and externally, i.e. from the
usage of external sources. Internal factors include, the size of the organization, recruiting
policy, image of organization and image of job. External factors include, demographic
factors, labour market, unemployment rate, labour laws, legal considerations and competitors.
Efficiency in the recruitment processes generates productivity and builds a good working
environment and good relations between the employees (Recruitment and Selection, 2016).

Selection is the process of picking or choosing the right candidate, who is most
suitable for the job. It is the process of interviewing the candidates and evaluating their
qualities, which are necessary for a specific job and then selection of the candidates is made
for the right positions. The selection of right candidates for the right positions will help the
organization to achieve its desired goals and objectives. When selection of the employees
takes place, it is vital to ensure that they possess the desired qualifications, skills and abilities
that are required to perform the job duties in a well-organized manner (Recruitment and
Selection, 2016).
Recruitment is called a positive process with its approach of attracting as many
candidates as possible for the vacant positions. It is the process of identifying and making
potential candidates to apply for the jobs. On the other hand, selection is called a negative
process with the elimination of many candidates as possible. There are numerous individuals,
who apply for the jobs, but selection is made only of those individuals, who are qualified and
proficient. Selection is important, the reason being, hiring of good resources can help in
increasing the overall performance of the organization. Both the processes of recruitment and
selection are considered important for the effective functioning of the organizations and they
take place simultaneously. They are imperative for growth and development of the
organization (Recruitment and Selection, 2016).
Significance of Recruitment and Selection
The recruitment and selection of the individuals within the organizations result from a
thorough and a systematic process. The employees need to possess complete knowledge of
the strategies and methods that are required to get implemented for recruitment and selection.
Legislation and good practice and the range of recruitment sources and selection methods as
well as possessing the skills and abilities in interviewing and evaluating potential employees
highlight the significance of recruitment and selection (Chapter 5, 2010). The areas that
highlight the significance of recruitment and selection have been stated as follows:
When job vacancies arise within the organizations, then the employers give due
consideration to the recruitment and selection processes. These processes enable the
employers to identify and analyse the positions that are required to get filled in order to
achieve the desired goals and objectives. Vacant positions within the organizations signify
the lack of human resources and these are regarded as barriers within the course of
implementation of tasks and in the achievement of goals and objectives. Thus, whether it may

take place on an immediate basis or may be a time consuming process, importance of these
processes is recognized during the time of job vacancies.
Resources are considered as the most important asset of any organization, hence,
hiring the personnel with appropriate skills and abilities is important. The patterns of
recruitment and selection differ from one company to another. When machines, equipment
and devices are made use of to enhance productivity, then it is the human resources that
operate them. The machines, devices and other equipment are made use of in an effective
way, when they are put into operation by skilled and proficient personnel. It is vital that
individuals should possess complete knowledge regarding how to make use of machines and
enhance productivity. In some cases, this job may be manageable, whereas in others it may be
tedious and demanding. Therefore, recruitment and selection are considered as important
aspects in any organization and should be made of appropriate personnel.
The significance of recruitment is recognized by the fact that organization gets
satisfied with more productive employees. It not only enhances productivity and profitability,
but also encourages good relationships among the employers and the employees. It
contributes towards growth and development of the organization. It determines the current
and future job requirements. It helps in increasing the success rate of selecting the right
candidates, who are able to make efficient use of their skills and abilities in leading to growth
and development. It helps in evaluating the effectiveness of various recruitment methods. It
determines the present future requirements of the organizations and formulate plans
accordingly. Recruitment strategies contribute in the implementation of managerial functions
in an operative manner (Recruitment and Selection, 2016).
The significance of selection is recognized, because it helps in choosing the most
suitable and qualified candidates, who can meet the requirements of the jobs within an
organization. For meeting the goals and objectives of the organization, it is vital to evaluate
the various attributes of each candidate, such as their qualifications, skills, abilities,
experiences, personality, nature and overall attitude. The other candidates, who have not
found to be suitable to carry out the job duties are eliminated. The organization is required to
follow appropriate selection processes, the reason being, if the selection is not carried out in
an appropriate manner, then it would impose unfavourable effects upon the organization and
loss would be incurred to the employer in terms of money, time, and efforts (Recruitment and
Selection, 2016).

Principles of Recruitment and Selection
The principles of recruitment and selection have been stated as follows: (Recruitment
and Selection, 2013).
The first point to identify about recruitment is that it is a process with a number of key
stages, all of which work in co-operation to improve one’s chances of finding the best
candidates available for any advertised position. The candidates are required to go through
various stages and they are given certain tasks or go through various rounds of interviews,
which they have to accomplish in order to get selected. In some cases, final round of
interviews, include only two people, one is selected and the other one gets rejected.
It is worth giving indications that in terms of leading, guiding and managing
employees, if one is not recruiting the best people available, then it is always going to be
challenging to manage them on daily basis.
Another general rule is, when seeking to fill any job vacancy, one should always
consider the internal candidates that could be encouraged to the available post and then
recruit externally for the junior position.
Too often senior managers pay less attention to the recruitment process and only
become actively involved when a senior post is being filled, or at the end of the process for
the final interview. This is an error and one should be concerned with the eminence and
appropriateness of every employee, who joins the business.
It is often assumed that interviewing is something that any experienced manager can
carry out. It involves open ended as well as close ended questions. Interviews can be
conducted by anybody, but it is important that individuals can do it well, if they are
appropriately trained and possess effective communication skills. It is not worthwhile to
conduct interviews without acquiring proper training.
There are many legal issues that are associated with the recruitment process and it is
necessary for all the individuals to familiarise oneself with the relevant legislation. It is vital
for the members of the organization to become familiar with the policies and procedures that
are required in the recruitment and selection processes.
Factors affecting Recruitment and Selection
The factors affecting recruitment and selection are organized into the internal and the
external categories. The internal factors have been stated as follows: (Recruitment and
Selection, 2016).

Size of the Organization - The size of the organization is one of the most important
factors affecting the recruitment process. To develop business, recruitment planning is
mandatory for hiring more resources, which will be crucial in the management of future
operations.
Recruitment Policy - Recruitment policy of an organization, includes hiring from the
internal or external sources of organization. It is an important factor, which affects the
recruitment process. It identifies the objectives of recruitment and provides a framework for
the implementation of recruitment programs.
Image of the Organizations - Organizations having a good positive image in the
market can easily attract competent and proficient resources. Maintaining good public
relations, providing public services, and leading to goodwill of the organizations, definitely
helps an organization in improving its reputation in the market, and thereby draw the best
possible human resources.
Image of Jobs - Just like the image of the organization, the image of jobs contribute a
critical role in the recruitment and selection processes. Jobs having a positive image in terms
of better remuneration, promotions, recognition, and amiable working environment with
career development opportunities are considered as the characteristics to arouse interest and
enthusiasm within qualified candidates.
The external factors have been stated as follows: (Recruitment and Selection, 2016).
Demographic Factors - Demographic factors are related to the characteristics of
potential employees such as, their age, religion, educational qualifications, gender,
occupation, economic status, and place of location.
Labour market – Labour market exercises control on the demand and supply of
labour. For example, if the supply of people having specific skills and abilities is less than the
demand, then the hiring will require more efforts. On the other hand, if the demand is less
than the supply, then hiring will be relatively more manageable.
Unemployment rate – If the unemployment rate is high in a specific area, hiring of
human resources will be simple and manageable, as there will be an increase in the number of
applicants. For various job positions in all types of organizations, large number of
applications are received. In contrast, if the unemployment rate is low, then recruiting tends
to be difficult due to lesser number of resources.
Labour laws – Labour laws reflect the social and political environment of the market,
which are created by the central and the state governments. These laws dictate the

compensation, working environment, safety and health regulations, and the job duties of the
workforce, for different types of employments. As the governments undergo transformations,
there are transformations that come about in the labour laws.
Legal considerations – Job reservations for different castes such as Scheduled Tribes,
Scheduled Castes, and Other Backward Classes are the best examples of legal considerations.
These considerations, passed by government, will have a positive or negative impact on the
recruitment policies of the organizations.
Competitors – When organizations in the same industry are competing for the best
qualified resources, there is a need to analyse the competition and make provision of the
resources packages that are finest in terms of the industry standards.
Equal Opportunity – When recruitment and selection of the employees take place,
then it is vital to take into consideration, equal employment opportunities for the individuals.
Equal opportunity results when all the applicants are treated on an equal basis and
consistently at every stage of recruitment. There should not be any discrimination against
anybody on the basis of factors, such as, caste, creed, race, religion, ethnicity, gender and
socio-economic background. Fairness and justness is of principal significance in the
recruitment and the selection processes (Klug, 2017).
Posting Vacancies
Job posting refers to the practice of publicising and displaying advertisements of an
open job to the employees. In most cases, internet, newspapers, notices and bulletin boards
are the areas where job postings are found. These include, listing of the attributes, such as,
designation, criteria of knowledge, qualifications, skills and experience. In some cases, they
also specify the salary package. The purpose of posting vacancies is to bring to the attention
of the interested persons, they may be internal or external to the organisation and the jobs that
are to be filled. Before posting vacancies, important areas that need to be taken into
consideration by the employers include: (Richardson, n.d.).
Whether the retention of the job is done in the present form with the title,
remuneration or status or whether any changes are required to be brought about.
Each hiring unit is responsible for determining its hiring needs, requirements and the
scope and responsibilities of the proposed individuals. The nature of the recruitment options
will vary based on the purpose for which hiring is carried out. The various positions within
the organizations or educational institutions include, clerical, technical, administrative,
managerial and so forth (Klug, 2017). The skills, abilities and experience of the employees
would remain the same or any changes are required to be brought about in the personality

characteristics of the individuals, before the processes of recruitment and selection takes
place.
Are there efficient, competent, practiced and experienced applicants serving in other
positions within the organisation, who may be potential candidates for the job. Job rotation is
considered vital in all types of organizations to improve employee morale, so that they do not
find their job duties monotonous and tedious. Job rotation helps in the development of skills
and abilities of the employees and make them familiar with other functions and tasks within
the organization. It helps the employees in gaining knowledge and experience.
Whether the existing organizational policy for recruitment is still applicable. For
example, referrals of the employees by the staff members, friends or family members are still
an acceptable way of filling vacancies.
Whether the organization considers external sources as the most effectual means of
recruitment. Whether external sources are regarded as more beneficial to the organizations in
the long term, when they are recruiting individuals from external sources.
Necessary is the availability of the functional human resource information system that
supports recruitment. In the present existence, there has been extensive utilization of
technology in the recruitment and selection procedures. A computerized system would have
the following features: (Richardson, n.d.).
Forthcoming vacancies within the organizations need to ensure that capable and
proficient individuals are recruited on time, in order to avoid any kind of delay in the
production processes.
In some cases, recruitment and selection processes require number of rounds, which
the individuals have to go through. They may even take 10 to 15 days of time, especially for
leadership and higher level positions within the organizations. It needs to be ensured that
candidates systematically move through the process and are kept informed of their status.
Ensure that qualified candidates, whose applications are pending should be
communicated with to maintain their interest within the organization. As these candidates are
valuable and would be dedicated towards the accomplishment of goals and objectives.
Assist in analysing appointment, transfer and exit trends and provide other data that
leads to the facilitation of planning, organizing, evaluating and assessing the recruitment
process.
Identify any antagonistic impacts of the recruitment process on vulnerable and
marginalized groups. For example minorities, especially where Equal Opportunity,
Affirmative Action legislation exists.

For internal recruiting, control of the internal job posting process, creation of the
notices, and then matching the internal applicant qualifications with job specifications is
crucial. Where jobs are not being posted, creation of a list of qualified internal candidates is
necessary.
Recruitment and Selection Process
It is important that the job announcements should be made available to all the
employees. Satisfactory job postings can ensure that minority workers and other individuals
belonging to disadvantaged groups and economically weaker sections of the society are
aware of the opportunities within the organization. The weakness to the job positing is
employee pessimism that occurs when jobs are posted as open, but in reality, the organization
has already selected a strong internal candidate. Such practices generate antipathy and
disbelief among employees, when they believe the job posting is just a formality with less
real opportunity for advancement (Gusdorf, 2008).
The elements in the recruitment and selection processes have imperative contributions
to make in helping find most suitable candidates for the given posts. The elements have been
stated as follows: (Recruitment and Selection, 2013).
Job Vacancy – The first step is when vacancy arises within the organization. One
should be aware of the vacant positions and by when they should get filled with capable
employees. Job vacancy enables the individuals to determine the factors, such as,
redesigning, or initiating part time employment opportunities for the individuals. In some
cases, vacant positions may get filled with qualified candidates rapidly, whereas in others, it
may be a time consuming process. One should implement measures to reduce the risks
associated with recruitment. The existing employees should see that there is a potential career
path within the organization, which may motivate them to stay longer.
Job Analysis – Two main factors need to be taken into consideration regarding job
analysis. First is expectation of the employers from their employees, within the organization,
the employers have certain expectations from their employees regarding performance of job
duties, and they expect them to inculcate the traits of regularity, diligence, resourcefulness,
conscientiousness and creativity. The other areas that need to be taken into consideration are
the characteristics of the job. These include, training, work experience, skills and knowledge,
physical attributes, personality traits, communication skills and personal circumstances.

Development and utilization of well-structured questions based on the profile of the
employees will help in getting the better insight of the true personality of the candidate.
Attracting Candidates – In attracting candidates for the jobs, there are two important
sources that need to be taken into consideration, internal recruitment and external
recruitment. In the case of internal recruitment, the following advantages are, it reduces
recruitment costs, internal employees are already familiar with all the aspects of the
organization, its goals, objectives etc. It can act as a motivating factor for others in the
business by displaying that it is possible to acquire promotional opportunities and the
employers are already familiar with the person, within the organization. Sources of external
recruitment includes, websites, advertisements in newspapers, journals, magazines,
recruitment agencies, consultants, employment fairs, and seminars.
Screening Candidates – The purpose of the screening process is to narrow down the
field, so that one is able to spend more time with the candidates for formal interviews. Large
numbers of applications are received for the positions, and all the applicants are not called for
the interviews, hence, it is vital for the employers to screen the candidates to select the most
suitable ones for the interviews. In the number of applications received, screening is done on
the basis of factors such as, educational qualifications, experience, skills, and so forth. When
this process has been effectively implemented, only then the screening process takes place.
After the screening process is implemented in an adequate manner, then interviews are
organized for the candidates.
Interviewing Candidates – The important aspects that need to be taken into account
for interviewing candidates include, ensuring that proper notice is given regarding the date
and time of the interview, ensuring that the candidates are aware that they should reach the
premises on time, ensuring that they are clear where to go and whom they should contact on
arrival and ensuring that they are aware of the documents that need to be brought along in the
interview. These aspects contribute in preparing the candidates on the complete basis for the
interview. The employers or the interviewers need to review the resume and all the job
applications before interviewing the candidates. It is vital to implement time management
skills for the interview processes, so that they can be completed on time.
Selecting and Appointing Candidates – The methods of selecting and appointing
candidates are different in various organizations. The procedures generally include the steps,
such as, the selection of the candidate, verbal communication of his or her appointment,

medical completed if appropriate, sending of appointment letters and signing the contract.
Selecting and appointing candidates depend upon the urgency of getting the vacancy filled.
When job vacancies are to be urgently filled, then selecting and appointing of candidates may
take place immediately after the interviews. In some organizations, candidates are appointed
on an immediate basis, after their selection and other formalities, such as giving appointment
letters or signing the contract.
Induction and Training – Induction is the process of receiving and welcoming of the
employees, after they have been selected and providing them the required training needed to
settle down adequately. Induction has three aims, to smooth the early stages, when everything
is likely to be extraordinary and unfamiliar to the new employees. To establish a positive
attitude of the organization within the mind-sets of the employees, so that they are likely to
stay for a long term and to obtain effective output from new employees in short period of
time. Training is referred to making use of methods and strategies to enhance the awareness,
knowledge and information among the employees. Various training methods include, role
plays, vestibule training, field visits, and lectures. The employees should receive on the job
and off the job training to generate information regarding history, personnel, goals and
performance of job duties. The main purpose of training is to balance the needs and
requirements of the organizations and human resources.
Employee Evaluation – Monitoring the performance of the employees is an essential
aspect within the organization. It is necessary to evaluate the employees from time to time in
order to monitor enhancement of productivity and their performance. The methods of
employee evaluation help in identifying the limitations and the measures that are required to
get implemented to improve them. Monitoring the performance of the employees is stated as
an on-going activity and new employees can be trained in a better way to enhance
productivity. The evaluation process can tell whether the recruitment process is working
efficiently or are there any changes and transformations that need to be brought about. The
main purpose is to ensure that the quality of the employees get enhanced that are recruited
within the organizations. This is imperative to improve employee productivity and to achieve
the organizational goals and objectives.
Types of Recruitment
Types of recruitment are broadly classified into two different categories. These are the
internal sources and the external sources. Internal sources of recruitment refer to the hiring of

employees within the organization internally. In this case, applicants are seeking different
positions and are those who are currently employed within the same organization. At the time
of recruitment of employees, main consideration is given to those employees, who are
currently working within the organization. This is an important source of recruitment, which
provides the opportunities for progress and use of the existing resources within the
organization. Internal sources of recruitment are the finest and the stress-free way of selecting
human resources as their work performance and other qualities are already known to the
organization. The internal sources have been stated as follows: (Recruitment and Selection,
2016).
Promotions - Promotion refers to advancement of the employees by evaluating their
job performance. When the employers, managers and supervisors feel satisfied with the
performance of the employees, they promote them to an upper level within the organization
and it leads to an increase in pay and benefits. It is the process of shifting an employee from a
lower position to a higher position with more responsibilities, remuneration, facilities, and
status. Internally, many organizations fill the vacant positions at higher levels with the
process of promotions.
Transfers – Transfer refers to the process of interchanging from one job to another
without any change in the designation and responsibilities. It can also be the shifting of the
employees from one department to another department or from one location to another,
depending upon the requirement of the position. Transfers are normally based on the job
requirements and the capabilities of the employees. If the organization has two branches, then
it may take place between two branches. The internal shifting of the employee from one
branch to another is known as transfer.
Recruitment of Former Employees – Recruitment of former employees is a process of
internal sources of recruitment, wherein the ex-employees are called back, depending upon
the requirement of the positions. This process is cost effective and saves plenty of time and
money. The other major benefit of recruiting former employees is that they are well aware of
the organization, the roles and responsibilities of the job and personnel. The employers are
well versed with their personality traits and approaches and the organization is not required to
undertake much stress regarding their training and development.
Internal Advertisements or Job Postings - Internal advertisements are referred to as
the processes of posting and advertising jobs within the organization. These job postings are

an open invitation to all the employees within the organization, where they can apply for the
vacant positions. It makes provision of equal opportunities to all the employees. Hence, the
recruitment will be carried out from within the organization and it involves less expenses.
Employee Referrals - Employee referrals is an operative way of sourcing the right
candidates at a low cost. It is the process of hiring new capitals through the references of the
employees, who are currently employed within the organization. In this process, the present
employees can refer their friends and relatives for filling up the vacant positions.
Organizations inspire employee referrals, the reason being, it is lucrative and saves time as
compared to hiring candidates from external sources. In most cases, employees are stimulated
and motivated towards the performance of job duties, by giving them benefits, incentives and
rewards for their performance.
Previous Applicants – In this case, the hiring team examines the profiles of previous
applicants from the organizational recruitment database. These applicants are those, who
have applied for jobs in the past. These individuals can be easily contacted and the response
will be positive in most cases. It saves cost and employees are well aware of all the features
of the organization and the performance of their job duties. It is also an economical way of
filling up the vacant positions.
External sources of recruitment refer to hiring of the employees outside the
organization externally. In other words, the applicants seeking job opportunities in this case
are those, who are external to the organization. External employees bring innovativeness,
resourcefulness, creativity and new thoughts and ideas to the organization. Although hiring
through external sources is an expensive and a difficult process, it has great potential of
driving the organization towards the achievement of goals and objectives. The external
sources have been stated as follows: (Recruitment and Selection, 2016).
Direct Recruitment - Direct recruitment refers to the external source of recruitment,
where the recruitment of qualified candidates are carried out by putting a notice regarding job
vacancy on the notice board of the organization. This method of sourcing is also called as
factory gate recruitment. This is in most cases used to recruit blue collar and technical
workers.
Employment Exchanges - As per the law, for certain job vacancies, it is compulsory
that the organization provides details to the employment exchange. Employment exchange is
a government entity, where the details of the job seekers are deposited and given to the