HR Update: Recruit with confidence
Friday, May 3, 2013
Jacqui Mann of HR4 Nurseries suggests following ten steps to ensure you cover all the bases for recruitment and that the process goes smoothly
It is important to plan recruitment. Follow these easy steps to cover the essential areas:
JOB DESCRIPTION
Clearly set out what is expected of the role. Detail the key responsibilities and also indicate the key qualifications and basic skills required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
A person specification is a profile of the skills and knowledge required for the role. It provides the criteria against which applicants can be measured.
DECIDE WHICH CANDIDATES TO INTERVIEW
Essential criteria
Anyone without the essential criteria of qualifications, knowledge, skills or experience would be unable to do the job, and should not be shortlisted.
Desirable criteria
These are 'nice to have' but not essential. Where several applicants meet the essential criteria, the desirable criteria can help with selection.
Prepare in advance for the interview
Review the application form and identify areas you would like to investigate in detail with the candidate.
Prepare competency-based questions
Competency-based questions allow you to gather evidence of when, where and how applicants have demonstrated the skills and behaviours needed.
Be aware of employment discrimination
Questions about age, health, race or religion that are not directly relevant to the job could be illegal and you may be accused of discrimination.
Keep detailed notes of the interview
Make relevant notes but don't be tempted to note personal comments or thoughts to remind you of each applicant; you never know who else might want to read your notes.
Make your decision as quickly as possible
If you wait too long to decide, you could find that the preferred candidate is no longer available.
Don't make do
If no one is suitable after you've interviewed all the candidates, don't just take the best of a bad bunch. Start the process again.
Welcome your new employee
Ensure the employee's first day is organised. How will they spend their first day and their first week?
Jacqui Mann is managing director of HR4 Nurseries
