E. Human Resource Management

Skill 2. Hire Employees

2.1 solicit and screen applicants

a) choose method to recruit applicants, for example:

• consider internal recruitment
• seek referrals from employees, educators, suppliers, industry colleagues and organizations for special needs groups
• use electronic labour exchange (ELE), e.g. web site
• participate in work education programs:
  • government
  • education, e.g. co-operative work program
• review applications on file
• place advertisements in newspapers
• contact employment centres
• use electronic bulletin boards
• hire employment agency
• consider volunteers

b) design employment ad, if required, including:

• accurate job description
• hiring criteria, e.g. minimal qualifications
• how to apply:
  • when
  • where
  • how, e.g. mail, phone, résumé

c) review qualifications of applicants:

• compare qualifications to job description
• check references for interview

d) select applicants who best meet required qualifications

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2.2 interview applicants

a) prepare for interview:

• review resources available, e.g. interview form, interviewing guide
• review samples of applicant's previous work, if applicable, e.g. portfolio, videotape
• determine interview panel, including existing staff, if required
• select most appropriate format, e.g. one-on-one, group, telephone
• select private location:
  • ensure no interruptions occur
• schedule applicants
• determine if non-disclosure agreement is necessary
• assemble necessary documents and information, e.g. job description, interview form, benefit package details

b) conduct interview:

• greet applicant:
  • put at ease
• provide overview of business, e.g. business philosophy and goals
• gain insight into applicant's personality, abilities and skills, for example:
  • discuss information on application form, résumé and reference list
  • ask open-ended questions
  • ask about:
    • strengths and weaknesses
    • short- and long-range plans
  • test skills, where applicable
• review job description
• ensure applicant:
  • is aware of work-related pressures
  • understands requirements of position, e.g. tools, vehicle, computer
  • is legally allowed to work
• invite applicant to ask questions about business or position
• seek commitment for term required
• discuss salary, for example:
  • ask about expected salary
  • state salary and range of benefits
• explain selection process, e.g. date of notification
• thank applicant

c) record comments and ratings on interview form

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2.3 select final candidate

a) refer to comments and ratings from interview forms

b) rank candidates

c) contact references to verify information, for example:

• past performance
• dates of previous employment
• education/qualifications and other relevant information
• why candidate left job
• whether candidate would be rehired

d) record information supplied by references

e) select most suitable candidate and alternates:

• conduct second round of interviews, if necessary

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2.4 make job offer

a) contact most suitable candidate:

• confirm conditions of employment, for example:
  • commencement date
  • non-competition clause, e.g. employee will not work for competitor during and after employment for
  • predetermined length of time
  • training program
  • probationary period
  • salary
  • benefit package
  • performance review
  • holidays and vacation time
  • confidentiality
  • terms of employment
  • work schedule

b) negotiate salary, if necessary:

• discuss options, e.g. bonuses, commission, profit-sharing
• agree on mutually-acceptable salary
• if unable to reach agreement:
  • thank applicant
  • end discussion

c) offer position, allowing reasonable time frame for response:

• if candidate declines:
  • determine reason
  • revise offer, if appropriate, or contact alternate candidate
• if candidate accepts:
  • provide written offer of employment, including conditions
  • request candidate's signature
  • open personnel file

d) notify unsuccessful candidates:

• express thanks for application
• if appropriate or possible, provide recommendations for job search