Question

Explain the following external sources of recruitment:
(i) Campus Recruitment
(ii) Recommendation of Employees

Hint:

External sources of recruitment like campus recruitment and employee recommendations allow companies to access fresh talent or trusted candidates, ensuring a diverse and qualified workforce.- Non-financial incentives such as recognition and status play a crucial role in motivating employees by fostering a sense of value, accomplishment, and respect within the organization.

Answer 1

(i) Campus Recruitment:

Meaning: Campus recruitment involves an organization visiting educational institutions (colleges, universities, vocational schools, etc.) to recruit graduating students or recent alumni for various entry-level or specialized positions. It is a common practice for companies seeking to hire fresh talent with up-to-date knowledge and skills in specific fields.

• Process: The campus recruitment process typically involves several stages:
• Pre-Placement Talks: The company representatives give presentations about the company's profile, culture, job opportunities, and career growth prospects.
• Application and Screening: Students submit their resumes and academic records. The company screens the applications based on pre-defined criteria.
• Written Tests/Aptitude Tests: Shortlisted candidates may be required to take written tests to assess their aptitude, technical skills, or general knowledge.
• Group Discussions: Group discussions may be conducted to evaluate candidates' communication skills, teamwork abilities, and leadership potential.
• Interviews: Candidates who clear the initial screening and tests are invited for interviews with the company's HR managers and technical experts.
• Job Offers: Successful candidates are offered employment contracts with details about job roles, responsibilities, compensation, and benefits.

Advantages:

Access to a large pool of talented and motivated graduates.
Cost-effective recruitment method, as the company can recruit multiple candidates from a single location.
Opportunity to build relationships with educational institutions and enhance the company's brand image.
Hiring individuals with relevant academic knowledge and skills.

Disadvantages:

Limited experience of the candidates.
May require significant investment in training and development.
High attrition rate, as some graduates may leave the company after gaining experience.

(ii) Recommendation of Employees (Employee Referrals):

Meaning: Employee referral is a recruitment method where existing employees of the organization recommend qualified candidates from their personal or professional networks for open positions within the company.

Process:

• Employee Awareness: The organization informs its employees about the referral program and the open positions.
• Employee Recommendation: Employees who know individuals with the required skills and experience recommend them to the company.
• Application and Screening: The referred candidates submit their resumes, and the company screens them based on the job requirements.
• Selection Process: The company conducts interviews, tests, and other selection procedures to evaluate the referred candidates.
• Hiring and Reward: If a referred candidate is hired and performs well, the referring employee may receive a reward or bonus as an incentive.

Advantages:

Cost-effective recruitment method, as it reduces the need for external job postings and advertising.
Higher quality of candidates, as employees tend to recommend individuals they believe will be a good fit for the company culture and job requirements.
Faster hiring process, as the company can rely on employee referrals to quickly identify and contact potential candidates.
Improved employee engagement and loyalty, as employees feel valued for contributing to the company's success.

Disadvantages:

Limited diversity in the candidate pool, as employees tend to refer individuals from their own social and professional circles.
Potential for favoritism or biases, as employees may recommend individuals they know personally, regardless of their qualifications.
Risk of creating cliques or conflicts within the workplace.
Dependency on existing employees, which can limit the company's ability to attract new talent from outside the existing network.