Well-trained and effective employees are more important than ever for business success. Having a team with the right skills can help you meet business challenges such as competition, growth and innovation.
However many organisations are finding it harder and harder to attract and select the best candidates. We are now seeing many alternative approaches to the traditional recruitment methods, ranging from web-based solutions to managed services or recruitment process outsourcing. There has been a sharp increase in online recruitment in recent years using both corporate web sites as well as online recruitment sites, a trend which is only likely to continue.
How long should I be keeping applicants' CVs and interview documentation?
All recruitment and interview documentation should be kept for 6 months to ensure you have this to refer back to should a Tribunal claim be raised! After that, all documentation for unsuccessful individuals should be destroyed and the relevant documents for those recruited transferred to their personnel files (if not already done).
Can I ask general questions about their personal life, i.e. family and so on?
We always recommend caution in asking personal questions simply because you are requesting information about them that is not necessarily related to the job. It can leave the business vulnerable to claims of unfair treatment and claims of discrimination. An applicant can still make a claim even if you have not employed them!
Should I send out the job description with the application?
That would be a really good idea, as a job description gives lots more information on job requirements. Applicants are better able to make informed decisions as to whether their qualifications and skills mean they have a reasonable chance of getting an interview, and if not won't bother submitting an application. In business terms it means you're less likely to get a lot of unsuitable applications, saving you time and effort in the sifting process!
How about advertising a job, is there anything I should be aware of?
Decide where you're going to advertise, this could be internal or external to the Company. You may choose to advertise through local media, nationally or you may target preferred recruitment agencies. Whatever method you choose make sure your advertisement does not discriminate!
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