How to Recruit the Best

Let us start with a clarification of what "recruit" means. I take it to mean the first step in the staffing process that includes recruitment, selection, and appointment. Recruitment, then is the process of getting potential employees to apply for the position that you want to fill. Needless to say it is critical since, if they do not apply, you can hardly select and appoint them. It is also critical in that you want, as far as possible, to attract those best suited to the position and not end up with a host of applicants who do not in any way "fit the bill".

As the computer geeks tell us, if you put garbage in you will get garbage out. The same axiom applies to recruitment. Unless you have a clear idea of exactly what you want, you will have a hard time of finding it. Step one, then, is to determine the purpose of the job/position you wish to fill. Why does this job exist? What are its major duties (job description) and what qualifications do you need to carry out the duties (job specification)? Who will the employee report to? Will the responsibilities include supervising others? How complex is the job? Are there special safety or health concerns?

With this information you can develop a clear job profile. What does the successful candidate look like? Develop a word picture of the ideal person to fill the job.

Having decided what you are looking for, you need to decide how much you are willing to pay for the ideal candidate. What salary and benefits will you provide? What other things could convince someone to apply for a job with you? Why would someone want to work for your firm? What is your firm known for with regard to employmentare you known to have high turnover?

Now it is time to determine how you will get your message across. Is it best to recruit through newspapers and if so which ones? Are trade magazines the best avenue? Maybe the old "word of mouth" approach will suffice. Do you wasn't your existing employees to suggest potential employees? That can be a two-edge sword. Should you consider TV and radio spots? If so what type of programme should you tie your advert to? What type of program would your typical candidate listen to or watch?

Learn more about this author, Max Beaton.
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