Question

‘Yummi Foods’, a fast-growing snacks chain has been in business for the last 13 years. Realising that there is a growing demand for nutritious food, the company planned to enter the healthy snacks segment. They decided to hire a Marketing Manager with an experience in this segment. For this, they gave an advertisement in a leading newspaper and received more than 200 applications.

The Human Resource Manager carefully went through all the application forms and removed the application forms of those applicants who did not meet the basic qualifications. Short introductory interactions were also held to filter out candidates who did not match the job requirements. The shortlisted candidates were then asked to take a test designed to measure their intelligence, personality traits, etc. Candidates who performed well in the test were invited for a formal in-depth conversation to be evaluated on their suitability for the job. A job offer was made to a candidate for the role of a Marketing Manager through an appointment letter mentioning the joining date.

But before the job offer was made, ‘Yummi Foods’ had performed three steps in the process of selection which are not mentioned above.

Identify and explain the steps.

Answer 1

1. Reference and background checks: Verifying the candidate’s past employment, qualifications, character and any criminal record (telephone/email checks with previous employers, academic verification, ID checks). This ensures the information given in applications/tests/interviews is accurate and the candidate is trustworthy.
2. Final selection decision and offer negotiation/approval: Management makes the formal selection decision, finalises the salary, benefits and other terms, and obtains any required internal approvals (HR/line manager/finance). Often, the employer and candidate negotiate terms before the written offer is issued.
3. Medical (pre‑employment) examination: A health check to confirm the candidate is medically fit for the job (especially important where the role demands physical fitness or has safety/food‑safety implications). Results can affect the final offer or start date.