What is the Recruitment Process?
Recruitment processes will vary between companies and locations. Whether you are conducting a job search in Perth, or any other area, there are some common steps that usually apply to a recruitment process.
1. Applying for a vacant position.
A company identifies they have a need for a new employee. They usually establish a Position Description outlining the roles, responsibilities, and core competencies required for the position. They advertise for candidates, stipulating the application requirements in the advertisement. This could include desired formats for your application, prescribed lengths of your resume and cover letter, or their chosen method of communication. The advertisement should also include a closing date for receipt of applications.
2. Applications are received.
It is desirable for a company to acknowledge they received your application for an advertised position. Employers using an Automated Tracking System (ATS) usually have an automatic process that sends an acknowledgement immediately upon receiving your application. An ATS also makes it much easier to collate submitted applications. In cases where an ATS is not used, the process is more laborious and oversights often occur, which can result in you receiving no acknowledgement for your application. In these situations, itβs a good idea to contact the company to confirm your application was received.
3. Selection Process Stage 1: Screening for unsuitable applicants.
The selection process commences. At this stage, employers review the applications received, removing those applicants who immediately do not satisfy the basic requirements of the position. Those meeting the minimum requirements will move to the next stage and be further assessed for suitability. There could be several review stages throughout the selection process, with each narrowing the field of eligible applicants further.
4. Selection Process Stage 2: Shortlisting applicants.
The next stage of the selection process involves shortlisting applicants who meet the requirements of the position and are deemed suitable for an interview. Applicants are usually rated based on responses to the position requirements they provided in their application. Some employers may choose to interview all suitable candidates, while others may narrow the field to only a few who they will interview.
5. Selection stage 3: Interviewing suitable candidates.
Almost every job you apply for will require an interview. It would be a rare occurrence where you are selected based on your application alone (although this has been known to occur). This is usually the first time you will meet the hiring manager or interview panel. The interview will often be the last step in a selection process, with a suitable candidate selected from the group of interviewees. In some cases, the employer may require additional assessment of your skills/abilities in a practical environment.
6. Selection stage 4: Practical work exercise.
If the employer chooses to proceed further in the selection process, you could be asked to come in for a practical exercise. You would be asked to demonstrate your suitability for the position in a simulated work environment. This could involve undertaking tasks you would likely perform if you were successful for the position. Employers use this as way to really sort the wheat from the chaff in a selection process.
7. Job offer and commencement.
If you are the top candidate in the selection process, the employer will very likely offer you the job. Congratulations! At this point, you will sign any relevant employment papers and a start date is allocated. Ideally, all unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the outcome.
