Effective Recruitment Strategies: Sources and Methods

Understanding the Recruitment Process

Recruitment is the process of attracting individuals on a timely basis, in sufficient numbers, and with appropriate qualifications to apply for jobs within an organization.

The Employee Requisition

An employee requisition is a document that specifies the job title, department, and the date the employee is needed for work. It formally authorizes the hiring process.

Recruitment Sources vs. Methods

It's important to distinguish between sources and methods:

• Recruitment sources are where qualified candidates are located, such as colleges or competing companies.
• Recruitment methods are the specific means used to attract potential employees to the firm.

Internal Recruitment Methods

Internal methods focus on filling positions with current employees.

• Human Resource Databases: These permit an organization to determine whether current employees possess the qualifications for filling open positions.
• Job Posting: A procedure for informing current employees that job openings exist.
• Job Bidding: A procedure that permits employees who believe they possess the required qualifications to apply for a posted job.
• Employee Referrals: This involves an employee of the company recommending a friend or associate as a possible member of the company. This is often considered the most effective recruitment method, as referred candidates tend to be better qualified and stay with the company longer.

External Recruitment Sources

External sources tap into the talent pool outside the organization.

• High schools and vocational schools
• Community colleges and universities
• Competitors in the labor market, which can lead to poaching: actively recruiting employees from competitors.
• Former employees, whose return is sometimes called the boomerang effect.
• Ex-offenders, as some organizations actively support their hiring.

External Recruitment Methods

These are the specific tactics used to reach external candidates.

Modern Online and Mobile Recruiting

• Internet recruiters
• Virtual job fairs
• Weblogs (blogs)
• Niche websites

Traditional Recruitment Methods

• Media advertising
• Private employment agencies
• Job fairs
• Internships
• Open houses