Question

Explain Direct Recruitment and Advertisement as external sources of recruitment

State any four commonly used sources of recruiting employees from outside the organisation.

Answer 1

External sources of recruitment are the ones where job vacancies are filled from outside the organisation. In other words, new people are brought in the organisation.

1. Direct recruitment: A notice is placed on the notice board of the enterprise which provides the details of the jobs available. This is generally followed for casual vacancies of unskilled or semi-skilled jobs. This method of recruitment is very inexpensive because it does not involve any cost of advertising vacancies.
2. Advertisement: Advertisements are placed in newspapers and professional journals when a wider choice is required. This method is generally used to fill senior positions in the organisation. It is impersonal; i.e. there is no direct communication with potential consumers. The message which is transmitted is standard. Through advertisements, the firm would be able to reach the masses spread over a large geographical area. It involves a low per person cost. Accordingly, it proves to be an economical mode of promotion for firms.
3. Casual Callers: Many reputed business organizations keep a database of unsolicited applicants in their offices. A list of such job-seekers can be prepared and can be screened to fill the vacancies as they arise. Most of the senior positions of industry as well as commerce are filled by this method. The advantage of advertising vacancies is that more information about the organization and job can be given in the advertisement.
4. Employment exchange: Employment exchange run by a government are a good source of recruitment for unskilled and skilled operative jobs. They help to match personnel demand and supply by serving as a link between job-seekers and employers.
5. Placement Agencies and management consultants: Placement agencies provide a nationwide service in matching personnel demand and supply. Management consultancy firms help the organization to recruit technical, professional and managerial personnel.
6. Campus recruitment: Many big organisations maintain a close liaison with the universities, vocational schools and management institutes to recruit qualified personnel for various jobs.
7. Recommendation of employees: Applicants introduced by present employees, or their friends and relatives may prove to be a good source of recruitment. Such applicants are likely to be good employees because their background is sufficiently known.
8. Labour Contractors: Labour contractors maintain close contacts with labourers and they can provide the required number of unskilled workers at short notice.
9. Advertising on Television: The detailed requirements of the job and the qualities required to do it are publicized along with the profile of the organization where vacancy exist.
10. Web publishing: Internet is becoming a common source of recruitment these days. There are certain websites specifically designed and dedicated for the purpose of providing information about both job-seekers and job opening.