3.4 Recruitment and Selection

Question 1

Why do businesses recruit?

Answer 1

Workers are needed when starting up or growing.
To replace staff who leave.
Skills shortage/fill a skills gap.

Question 2

What is recruitment?

Answer 2

The process of analysing human resource needs and advertising to fill vacancies.

Question 3

What is selection?

Answer 3

The methods a business will use to choose the right person for the job, once applications have been received?

Question 4

Who carries out recruitment and selection in a business?

Answer 4

In a large business the Human Resource department (function) are responsible.
In a smaller business it may be the owner or manager (because they do not have a HR department)

Question 5

List 5 methods of selection.

Answer 5

Letter
Application form
CV
Interview
Test
Presentations
Group activities
References

Question 6

Define shortlisting.

Answer 6

When a business looks through all applications and chooses a smaller number of people to call in for an interview/further testing. This may eliminate those who are not suitable for the position and/or pick those who may be the best person for the job.

Question 7

Define job description.

Answer 7

A document listing the tasks and responsibilities of a job. It will also include details such as pay, hours and location.

Question 8

Why does a business complete a job description?

Answer 8

So potential applicants can see if they like the sound of the job before applying.
So the business is clear about what they want the new employee to do.

Question 9

Define person specification.

Answer 9

A document that states the knowledge, qualifications, experience, qualities and skills and worker will need in order to do the job.

Question 10

Why does a business complete a person specification?

Answer 10

It helps the business to see the kind of person it should appoint and which selection methods to use.
It helps possible applicants to see of they have the right skills and qualities. It helps to decide whether to apply and what to include on their applications if they do apply.

Question 11

Does an applicant have to have all the skills etc listed on the person specification?

Answer 11

No - some will be listed as essential, others as desirable.

Question 12

What is internal recruitment?

Answer 12

This is when a vacancy if filled by someone already working in the organisation.

Question 13

Where can a business advertise if recruiting internally?

Answer 13

Noticeboard.
Word of mouth (meetings).
Staff magazine.
Email.

Question 14

List three advantages of internal recruitment.

Answer 14

Cheaper to advertise internally than externally.
Quicker.
The person appointed already knows the business, induction training may not be needed, saving money.
Confident you have picked the right person as you already know them.
Good for morale if offering promotions.

Question 15

List three disadvantages of internal recruitment.

Answer 15

Existing staff may not bring new ideas to help the business improve.
There may not be people who are willing and able to apply - limited choice.
Resentment from others who aren’t selected/promoted.
Job of person being appointed then needs to be filled.

Question 16

What is external recruitment?

Answer 16

When the organisation fills a vacancy with someone from outside of the organisation.

Question 17

When/why might external recruitment be more appropriate/necessary than internal recruitment?

Answer 17

Necessary when starting up.
When there is no-one suitable within the organisation (skills gap).
When new ideas are required.
When internal promotion would cause resentment.
When more workers are need than the business currently employs.

Question 18

List three disadvantages of external recruitment.

Answer 18

Takes longer than internal recruitment.
Costs more than internal recruitment.
Risk - you do not know the person you appoint.

Question 19

List 5 items to include in a job advert.

Answer 19

Duties/tasks
Qualifications needed
Experience needed
Salary
Hours of work
Place of work
Contact details
How to apply
Closing date

Question 20

List three places a business could advertise a job vacancy

Answer 20

Websites
Social media
Local Newspapers
National newspapers
Specialist magazines
Job centres
Word of mouth

Question 21

State two advantages of a letter of application.

Answer 21

Good to show communication skills.

Candidate has the opportunity to write about their experience and qualities.

Question 22

State two advantages of an application form.

Answer 22

Business can make sure all applicants provide the type of information required.
Easy to compare responses.

Question 23

State two advantages of a CV.

Answer 23

Shows the ability of the candidate to organise information.

Easy for the business to see essential details about the candidate.

Question 24

State two advantages of interviews.

Answer 24

Can judge how well the candidate communicates.
See how candidates present themselves.
Can ask candidates to expand on answers.

Question 25

State two advantages of tests and presentations.

Answer 25

Tests can show how good at certain skills needed for the job e.g. typing.
Presentations can show how well a candidate can communicate and their ideas.

Question 26

State two advantages of a letter of group activities.

Answer 26

Shows how well candidates work with other people (inter-personal skills).
Shows leadership skills.
Shows who has good ideas.

Question 27

State two advantages of references.

Answer 27

Can be honest assessments of how a candidate works.

Shows whether a previous employer would recommend a candidate.

Question 28

What is induction training?

Answer 28

Training when a new employee first starts to introduce them to the business, place of work and the fellow workers.

Question 29

What is a recruitment agency?

Answer 29

A specialist agency that carries out all the tasks involved in recruitment and selection of workers on behalf of an organisation.

Question 30

What is an employment agency?

Answer 30

An agency that has workers readily available for business hire, usually for a short period of time.