The selection process can be defined as the process of selection and shortlisting of the right candidates with the necessary qualifications and skill set to fill the vacancies in an organisation. The selection process varies from industry to industry, company to company and even among departments of the same company.
Selection Process
Every organisation creates a selection process because they have their own requirements. Although, the main steps remain the same. So, let’s understand in brief how the selection process work.
Preliminary Interview
This is a very general and basic interview conducted so as to eliminate the candidates who are completely unfit to work in the organisation. This leaves the organisation with a pool of potentially fit employees to fill their vacancies.
Receiving Applications
Potential employees apply for a job by sending applications to the organisation. The application gives the interviewers information about the candidates like their bio-data, work experience, hobbies and interests.
Screening Applications
Once the applications are received, they are screened by a special screening committee who choose candidates from the applications to call for an interview. Applicants may be selected on special criteria like qualifications, work experience etc.
Employment Tests
Before an organisation decides a suitable job for any individual, they have to gauge their talents and skills. This is done through various employment tests like intelligence tests, aptitude tests, proficiency tests, personality tests etc.
Employment Interview
The next step in the selection process is the employee interview. Employment interviews are done to identify a candidate’s skill set and ability to work in an organisation in detail. Purpose of an employment interview is to find out the suitability of the candidate and to give him an idea about the work profile and what is expected of the potential employee. An employment interview is critical for the selection of the right people for the right jobs.
Checking References
The person who gives the reference of a potential employee is also a very important source of information. The referee can provide info about the person’s capabilities, experience in the previous companies and leadership and managerial skills. The information provided by the referee is meant to kept confidential with the HR department.
Medical Examination
The medical exam is also a very important step in the selection process. Medical exams help the employers know if any of the potential candidates are physically and mentally fit to perform their duties in their jobs. A good system of medical checkups ensures that the employee standards of health are higher and there are fewer cases of absenteeism, accidents and employee turnover.
Final Selection and Appointment Letter
This is the final step in the selection process. After the candidate has successfully passed all written tests, interviews and medical examination, the employee is sent or emailed an appointment letter, confirming his selection to the job. The appointment letter contains all the details of the job like working hours, salary, leave allowance etc. Often, employees are hired on a conditional basis where they are hired permanently after the employees are satisfied with their performance.