U2- Recruitment and Selection

Question 1

What are the 2 documents used in recruitment?

Answer 1

Job description- gives candidates more information about the specific tasks of the job

Person specification- this is written from the job analysis and describes the ideal candidate the employer is looking for to fill the post

Question 2

What are 2 popular methods of selection?

Answer 2

Application form

CV/ letter of application

Question 3

Why may an organisation chose to select using an application form?

Answer 3

The organisation can control the type and flow of information about each applicant and make it easier to carry out an initial screening of those who applied for the vacancy

It asks all applicants the same questions and gives them the same opportunities to sell themselves for the position in question

Question 4

Why may an organisation prefer to use CVs to select people?

Answer 4

Applying using a CV (Curriculum vitae) has advantages for the applicant. It means that it can be completely personalised and may offer them a better opportunity to sell them self as being most suited to the vacancy

Question 5

What are alternative methods of selection?

Answer 5

Interview
Personality tests
Psychometric tests

Question 6

Describe an interview

Answer 6

They are the most common method used to make the final decision on which applicant will be offered the job

The decision will be based on who most closely matches the person specification and also who performs best on the day of the interview

It is increasingly common for organisations to use competence based interview techniques, meaning that the interview is conducted using questions that only relate to the particular competencies of the job

Question 7

What are some advantages to the interview process? (Give 3)

Answer 7

The applicant has the opportunity to find out more about to job and the organisation- may feel they wouldn’t fit in

Good interviews should make the candidate feel relaxed and welcome in the business environment

They are a good way to identify the personality and characteristics of the applicant and also get a feel for how they match up with their initial application

Question 8

What are some disadvantages to the interview process? (Give 2)

Answer 8

Some applicants get very nervous and may not perform well at the interview

Sometimes the people carrying out the interview can make unfair judgements based on performance at the interview or even based on the appearance of the applicant

Question 9

Name 4 different interview styles

Answer 9

One to one

Panel

Successive

Telephone

Question 10

Describe a one- to- one interview

Answer 10

Usually a face to face interview with one person asking the questions

Can be less stressful to the applicant than a panel interview

Question 11

Describe a panel interview

Answer 11

Several interviewers sit on a panel and take it in turns to ask questions

This may involve an external interviewer

Question 12

Describe a successive interview

Answer 12

Several interviews one after the other with a different interviewer each time

Each interviewer may chose to specialise their questions and target different areas and skills

Question 13

Describe a telephone interview

Answer 13

Conducted over the phone or using video/ audio conferencing

May be recorded for future review

Saves money on travel and accommodation

Question 14

What is aptitude testing?

Answer 14

Objective tests, meaning that each candidates performance can be measured and compared.

Each test is designed to test a particular skill

Question 15

What is psychometric testing?

Answer 15

Designed to measure the abilities of the applicant

They test verbal and numerical reasoning and take the form of timed multiple choice tests sat under exam conditions

Their accuracy and validity have been recently called into question

Question 16

What are personality tests?

Answer 16

To measure the applicants personality and give insight into their values and beliefs

Used to see if the candidate is a team player and if they have any particular strengths or weakness within their personality

Question 17

What are medical tests?

Answer 17

They check if the candidate is fit and healthy for the purposes of the job

Question 18

Give 3 advantages to testing

Answer 18

Good for making comparisons

Tests suitability of the applicant against the person specification

Verifies the claims made by the applicant

Question 19

Give 3 disadvantages of testing

Answer 19

Applicants can be affected by nerves

Poor testing can lead to discrimination

Results can be unreliable if not managed by properly trained staff

Question 20

What is a reference?

Answer 20

Usually requested after a person has been offered a job and accepted it. It is used to confirm that the person applying for the job is who they say they are

It should be honest, open, truthful and un- biased

Question 21

When can an employee request flexible working?

Answer 21

If they have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks

They can only make one request in any 12 month period

Question 22

Name 6 types of flexible working

Answer 22

Part time working 
Compressed hours 
Flexitime 
Job- sharing 
Homeworking
Shift work

Question 23

Give 5 advantages of flexible working

Answer 23

Ability to keep talented staff
Reduction in absenteeism 
Increased employee commitment 
Better work/ life balance 
Reduction in commuting- meets green agenda

Question 24

Give 4 disadvantages of flexible working

Answer 24

Lack of managerial direction for the employee

Requires high level of personal motivation

Adverse effect on team working

Potential communication problems

Question 25

What is workforce planning?

Answer 25

A continual process used to align the needs of the organisation with those of its workforce in order that the organisation can meet all of its objectives

Question 26

What is strategic workforce planning?

Answer 26

Usually operates over a 3 to 5 year period

Links into the strategic business objectives

Question 27

What is operational workforce planning?

Answer 27

Typically covers the immediate 12 to 18 month period and should align with the business planning cycle

Question 28

Give 5 elements of workforce planning

Answer 28

Establish team and build links

Skills analysis of current staff

Staffing forecasts to meet demand

Planning internal and external supply of staff

Risk assessment and mitigation