U2 AOS3 KK6 Selection Methods

Question 1

Define ‘selection process’

Answer 1

The process of selection and shortlisting of the right candidates with the necessary qualifications and skill set to fill the vacancies in an organisation.

Question 2

Identify the 7 stages of the recruitment process

Answer 2

1. Application
2. Screening and pre-selection
3. Interviews
4. Assessment
5. Reference and background check
6. Decision
7. Job offer and contract

Question 3

Provide two examples of how a poor selection process can increase costs and/or lower productivity.

Answer 3

1. Training costs, if poorly qualified staff are selected.
2. Job dissatisfaction and labour turnover, if the business or the job does not meet the expectations of candidates selected.
3. Absenteeism rate, if staff feel inadequate on the job or feel under excessive work pressure.
4. Accident or defect rates, and fines or claims, if untrained staff are selected.

Question 4

List as many selection methods as you can recall

Answer 4

Application - cover letter, resume and key selection criteria

Tests - written or practical. Designed to assess aptitude intelligence or ability.

Tests - psychological testing or work testing.

Online selection based on application and online interview

Face to face interview

Background checks - referees, police checks/criminal record checks

Medical examinations. eg. police force, ADF

Question 5

Provide one advantage and one disadvantage of conducting interviews

Answer 5

Ads
The employer actually meets prospective employees, so that they can make judgments first-hand.

Provides the applicant with an opportunity to ask questions about the job and the workplace.

Disads
Some people are able to present well at an interview but may not be completely honest.

Don’t assess actual skills or abilities on the job.

Question 6

Provide one advantage and one disadvantage of psychological testing

Answer 6

Ads
Can give an insight into the personality of the applicant, not just job skills.

Can be used to assess skills such as the ability to work in a team, leadership and decision-making

Disads
Relies on the applicant giving honest answers to the test questions or tasks.

Not all tests have the necessary reliability in measuring what they claim to measure.

Question 7

Provide one advantage and one disadvantage of work testing

Answer 7

Ads
Can provide an assessment of the actual skills needed to carry out the job.

Allows future work colleagues and supervisors an opportunity to see different applicants in action.

Disads
May test technical skills but not broader skills such as leadership or problem-solving

Can be an artificial environment, and some applicants may be nervous and not demonstrate their actual abilities.

Question 8

Provide one advantage and one disadvantage of online selection

Answer 8

Ads
Convenient: applicants can complete at any time, and selection panel can view responses in their own time.

Can be used for a wide variety of different types of tasks and responses.

Disads
Very impersonal — gives no indication of the actual person performing the tasks.

May not be secure (e.g. could be hacked).