U2- Recruitment and Selection Flashcards
What are the 2 documents used in recruitment?
Job description- gives candidates more information about the specific tasks of the job
Person specification- this is written from the job analysis and describes the ideal candidate the employer is looking for to fill the post
What are 2 popular methods of selection?
Application form
CV/ letter of application
Why may an organisation chose to select using an application form?
The organisation can control the type and flow of information about each applicant and make it easier to carry out an initial screening of those who applied for the vacancy
It asks all applicants the same questions and gives them the same opportunities to sell themselves for the position in question
Why may an organisation prefer to use CVs to select people?
Applying using a CV (Curriculum vitae) has advantages for the applicant. It means that it can be completely personalised and may offer them a better opportunity to sell them self as being most suited to the vacancy
What are alternative methods of selection?
Interview
Personality tests
Psychometric tests
Describe an interview
They are the most common method used to make the final decision on which applicant will be offered the job
The decision will be based on who most closely matches the person specification and also who performs best on the day of the interview
It is increasingly common for organisations to use competence based interview techniques, meaning that the interview is conducted using questions that only relate to the particular competencies of the job
What are some advantages to the interview process? (Give 3)
The applicant has the opportunity to find out more about to job and the organisation- may feel they wouldn’t fit in
Good interviews should make the candidate feel relaxed and welcome in the business environment
They are a good way to identify the personality and characteristics of the applicant and also get a feel for how they match up with their initial application
What are some disadvantages to the interview process? (Give 2)
Some applicants get very nervous and may not perform well at the interview
Sometimes the people carrying out the interview can make unfair judgements based on performance at the interview or even based on the appearance of the applicant
Name 4 different interview styles
One to one
Panel
Successive
Telephone
Describe a one- to- one interview
Usually a face to face interview with one person asking the questions
Can be less stressful to the applicant than a panel interview
Describe a panel interview
Several interviewers sit on a panel and take it in turns to ask questions
This may involve an external interviewer
Describe a successive interview
Several interviews one after the other with a different interviewer each time
Each interviewer may chose to specialise their questions and target different areas and skills
Describe a telephone interview
Conducted over the phone or using video/ audio conferencing
May be recorded for future review
Saves money on travel and accommodation
What is aptitude testing?
Objective tests, meaning that each candidates performance can be measured and compared.
Each test is designed to test a particular skill
What is psychometric testing?
Designed to measure the abilities of the applicant
They test verbal and numerical reasoning and take the form of timed multiple choice tests sat under exam conditions
Their accuracy and validity have been recently called into question
What are personality tests?
To measure the applicants personality and give insight into their values and beliefs
Used to see if the candidate is a team player and if they have any particular strengths or weakness within their personality
What are medical tests?
They check if the candidate is fit and healthy for the purposes of the job
Give 3 advantages to testing
Good for making comparisons
Tests suitability of the applicant against the person specification
Verifies the claims made by the applicant
Give 3 disadvantages of testing
Applicants can be affected by nerves
Poor testing can lead to discrimination
Results can be unreliable if not managed by properly trained staff
What is a reference?
Usually requested after a person has been offered a job and accepted it. It is used to confirm that the person applying for the job is who they say they are
It should be honest, open, truthful and un- biased
When can an employee request flexible working?
If they have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks
They can only make one request in any 12 month period
Name 6 types of flexible working
Part time working Compressed hours Flexitime Job- sharing Homeworking Shift work
Give 5 advantages of flexible working
Ability to keep talented staff Reduction in absenteeism Increased employee commitment Better work/ life balance Reduction in commuting- meets green agenda
Give 4 disadvantages of flexible working
Lack of managerial direction for the employee
Requires high level of personal motivation
Adverse effect on team working
Potential communication problems
What is workforce planning?
A continual process used to align the needs of the organisation with those of its workforce in order that the organisation can meet all of its objectives
What is strategic workforce planning?
Usually operates over a 3 to 5 year period
Links into the strategic business objectives
What is operational workforce planning?
Typically covers the immediate 12 to 18 month period and should align with the business planning cycle
Give 5 elements of workforce planning
Establish team and build links
Skills analysis of current staff
Staffing forecasts to meet demand
Planning internal and external supply of staff
Risk assessment and mitigation
