Recruitment and Selection in Retail Sector
Recruitment and Selection in Retail Sector
Recruitment and Selection in Retail Sector
RECRUITMENT- INTRODUCTION
Recruitment is the process of locating and encouraging potential applicants to apply for existing or anticipated job openings. Recruitment is broadly classified into two type Internal Recruitment External Recruitment
In order to increase efficiency in hiring and retention and to ensure consistency and compliance in the recruitment and selection process, it is recommended the following steps be followed (also refer to Staff Recruitment and Selection Checklist). Details for each step include the minimum recommended best practice to attract a talented and diverse applicant pool:
Step 1: Identify Vacancy and Evaluate Need Step 2: Develop Position Description Step 3: Develop Recruitment Plan Step 4: Select Search Committee Step 5: Post Position and Implement Recruitment Plan Step 6: Review Applicants and Develop Short List Step 7: Conduct Interviews Step 8: Select Hire Step 9: Finalize Recruitment
Understand and take into consideration strategic goals for the University and/or department. Are there any upcoming changes that may impact this role? Conduct a quick analysis of UCR Core Competencies. Are there any gaps? What core skills are missing from the department? Evaluate the core skills required now and those which may be needed in the future.
Conduct a Job Analysis if this position will be new to your department. This will also help to identify gaps.
Replacement
When attrition occurs, replacing the role is typically the logical step to take. Before obtaining approval to advertise the position, consider the following:
As with a newly created position, it may be helpful to conduct a Job Analysis in order to tailor the position to what is currently required and to ensure proper classification. Your HR Classification Analyst can assist in reviewing and completing.
Review the role and decide if there are any changes required as certain tasks and responsibilities performed by the previous person may not or should not be performed by the new person
Level required performing these tasks; considering the appropriate classification level. Be aware that changes in the classification of positions from represented to nonrepresented will require union notice and agreement
Tasks carried out by the previous employee Tasks to be removed or added if any of the work will be transferred within department Supervisory or lead responsibility Budget responsibility (if any) Work hours Is there still a requirement for this role at all?
Provides a first and sometimes, lasting impression of the campus to the candidate Clearly articulates responsibilities and qualifications to attract the best suited candidates Improves retention as turnover is highest with newly hired employees. Employees tend to be dissatisfied when they are performing duties they were not originally hired to perform.
Provides an opportunity to clearly articulate the value proposition for the role and the department and helps attract candidates to apply
Optimizes search engine results by ensuring job postings rank highly in candidate search results when searching on-line
Serves as documentation to help prevent, or defend against, discrimination complaints by providing written evidence that employment decisions were based on rational business needs
Determine FLSA classification and to map to the appropriate Payroll Title Identifies tasks, work flow and accountability, enabling the department to plan how it will operate and grow Assists in establishing performance objectives Is used for career planning and training by providing clear distinctions between levels of responsibilities and competencies required
1. General Information
Basic position and pay information will need to be determined to assist with the development of the job description and job classification and for entering into the ATS. This information will be different for each position being recruited:
Title Code The Title Code determines the Payroll Title, FLSA status, Personnel Program Code and Description, and the Bargaining Unit Code and Description fields in the ATS. Pay Grade/Step Working Title Market titles should be recognizable and common to various industries as most job seekers search for commonly referred to market titles when conducting on-line job searches
Department Name
Department Head Supervisor Name Title Codes and Full-Time Equivalent numbers of employees supervised Special Requirements and Conditions:
Specific requirements job seekers must possess or complete in order to be hired (e.g. background check, valid drivers license, etc.)
BFOQs which are in compliance with UCRs applicable policies (e.g. physical or mental requirements)
Contact Staff Employment and Development for assistance with special requirements and conditions
2. Position Purpose
Describes the departments functions, the units functions, and/or the organizational units functions. The statement should summarize the positions essential functions and its r ole in relation to supporting, administering, or managing the activities of the department, unit, or organizational unit. Posted Position Purpose The posted Position Purpose will be searchable and viewable by job seekers on UCRs job board and other posting sites. Therefore it is important to ensure it:
Includes a description of the role and its relation to the department, organization and University Includes the estimated duration (i.e. Limited 6-9 months or Contract 2.5 years) for non-Career positions Lists the number of openings when there is more than one position being recruited Is written with a marketing angle to attract a talented diverse pool of applicants Is optimized for search engines Candidates conduct job searches by entering key words or phrases into search engines. Most candidates utilize job aggregators such as Google and Indeed versus searching individual company job posts. To ensure your position reaches the top of candidate search results, include key words such as career, job, skills and title of the position in the beginning of the posted position description
Once you have identified the position purpose, essential functions and qualifications, you will want to go back and review the description. Is it written to attract an individual who is a top performer? Does it describe the inclusive culture of your organization? Does it state the value proposition for
the role and the university Marketing the job to a diverse audience is just as important as accurately describing the role. For more information and tips visit the Best Practices for Attracting a Diverse Workforce webpage.
When developing essential functions for the position the following should be noted:
Functions of the job which are critical for the position are arranged by importance and percentage of time spent Complexity level and authority for the role should be described to help attract the appropriate level of qualified candidates Essential tasks listed should be inter-related to the accomplishment of the essential function. e.g., The essential function of event planning is composed of several independent tasks including scheduling and securing the venue; interviewing vendors and executing contracts for service; arranging for food delivery; supervising event workers and ensuring clean up. Therefore, the various tasks required to successfully accomplish the essential function should be identified and described .
4. Minimum Requirements
The minimum requirements or basic qualifications are those qualifications or criteria which was established in advance and advertised to potential applicants:
Must be relevant and relate back to the duties and responsibilities of the job (e.g., should not list driving requirement if not part of responsibilities or duties of the job). Soft skills can be required qualifications (e.g., communication/collaboration) and will:
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Can be position/department specific (e.g. valid drivers license) Can be assessed by reviewing the resume
Objective
Correct: Bachelors degree in Business Administration Incorrect: A business degree from a good school
Non-comparative
Correct: 5 to 7 years of experience designing computer software programs Incorrect: Must be one of the top five among the applicants in years of experience
Business-related
Correct: 5+ years of experience in accounting Incorrect: Must have experience with volunteering for Habitat for Humanity
The minimum requirements should support the accomplishment of the essential function. For example, the essential function of event planning could require:
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Organizational skills (to ensure all details are cared for) Communication skills (to interact with vendors and guests) Prior event planning experience
Listing too many skills as requirements significantly limits your applicant pool and selection. A good rule of thumb is no more than 3-5 required skills depending upon the level of the position.
5. Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualifications are skills and experience preferred in addition to basic qualifications and can be used to narrow down the pool of applicants. These preferred skills, knowledge, abilities and competencies can describe a more proficient level at which the essential functions can be performed such as:
Prior experience with corporate/institutional event planning (prior experience in a related area can be preferred) and knowledge of applicable UC policies and procedures (prior experience within the UC system can be preferred).
Applicants who meet some or all preferred qualifications (e.g. UC experience) tend to have shorter assimilation time, reach full job competence faster and are able to take on advanced responsibilities sooner.
To ensure the most current placement goals are identified for the department and unit, you may contact the office of Faculty and Staff Affirmative Action. Recruitment Plan Elements: A. Posting Period B. C. D. E. Placement Goals Additional Advertising Resources Diversity Agencies Resume Banks
For positions that are frequently recruited and utilize a search committee, the mix of search committee members should change frequently as well to minimize the risk of group think or collective bias.
The Hiring Manager will determine the size (no more than 6) and composition of the committee based on the nature of the position. It is highly recommended the committee members include:
At least one individual who has a strong understanding of the role and its contribution to the department
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A job specialist (technical or functional) Staff representative if position has supervisory responsibilities An individual who will interact closely with the position and/or serves as a main customer
Search committee members must ensure no conflict of interest in relation to the applicants under consideration and must never be individuals who may have interest in the position
Search committee members should ensure they are well equipped for their role in the recruitment process to ensure fairness and compliance. The following tools are available to assist committee members with the recruitment process:
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Search Committee Checklist Each committee member is expected to be well versed in the recruitment and selection process and have an understanding of laws related to Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity. The following training opportunities are available (registration through UC Learning Center). At a minimum, the search committee member must have completed one of the learning activities listed below before serving on the committee:
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Training workshop - Affirmative Action 101 Training workshop - Recruitment & Selection Strategies for the Hiring Manager Recruitment Advertising & Affirmative Action webinar Diversify and Train the Search Committee tutorial
It is recommended the committee communicate prior to the application review to determine criteria for applicant evaluation
The Search Committee Chair should ensure that all members of the committee are thoroughly familiar with the job description
The requisition is created by the Service Center Human Resources Coordinator or Departmental Human Resources Coordinator and approved by the Service Center HR Organizational Coordinator or Organizational HR Coordinator
Once approved, the Departmental HR Coordinator or Service Center will review the requisition and route online to the HR Classification Analyst who will assign the classification The requisition is then routed to the HR Recruitment Analyst who will post the position Applications can be reviewed once the minimum number of posting days has been reached Internal candidates will apply through the regular application process and will be included in the candidate pool along with external candidates
Special attention should be given to the progress of the diversity strategy. Applicant pools for each recruitment can be monitored by search committee members throughout the recruitment cycle by reviewing the Affirmative Action Statistics located in the ATS.
All applicants must be reviewed and considered. Applicants are those who apply during the initial application period as described in Step 5. Candidates who apply after the initial application period will be considered expressions of interest and not viewable by the search committee.
It is recommended that all search committee members review all Applicants to ensure more than one person assesses their qualifications and that individual opinion or biases are avoided. Each committee member may provide comments to each Applicants qualifications as they relate to the minimum requirements of the position.
Upon the search committees review of each Applicant, the Chair or Chairs Associate will review all search committee comments and develop the short list. Once the short list has been determined, the AACO will request an Affirmative Action Applicant Pool Statistics analysis from the OFSAA. If the short list is deemed to represent a sufficiently diverse applicant pool, the short list will be approved. Once approved, the applicants can then be contacted for interviews. If the shortlist is not sufficiently diverse in light of the departments placement goals, the OFSSA wi ll contact the Search Committee Chair or Chairs Associate to discuss how the pool might be diversified. One option might be to review the existing applicant pool to evaluate any additional qualified applicants prior to reviewing applicants who are expressions of interest status. If it is determined the expressions of interests are to be reviewed, the Search Committee Chair or Chairs Associate may move those in the expression of interest status to the applicant pool, in one or more batches on certain date(s) and time(s), as needed to achieve a sufficiently diverse and qualified pool. All expressions of interest candidates moved to the applicant pool are to be reviewed by the search committee. Note: Several bargaining unit contracts contain language related to applicant screening. Refer to the appropriate contract for specific requirements.
Format of the interview and order of questions Questions to be asked of all applicants Specific questions to be asked of individual applicants Who is going to ask which questions Determine if a work sample should be submitted The optimum start date for the position
Any other details applicants may need about the role that were not noted in the position description
Prior to the interviews being conducted, the Search Committee Chair will notify members to download the application packets form iRecruit. The Search Committee Chair will provide the committee with interviewee comparison tools to assist in the evaluation process.
Phone Interviews
A phone interview may be conducted to initially screen the applicant for information such as availability, salary requirements, special position requirements (e.g. ability to perform shift work) and other preliminary information. Although a phone interview should not ordinarily take the place of the in-person interview, it is possible to screen out an applicant due to information obtained during this initial screening. Phone interviews should be properly documented and attended by all search committee members if possible .
Panel Interviews
Prior to the panel interview, committee members should ensure they know which interview questions each will ask. Committee members should limit the number of questions to 2-4 to allow sufficient time for all committee members to participate.
At the start of the interview, introductions of the Chair and panel members, including names and job titles/roles, are given. Next, the Chair should outline the format of the interview so that the candidate is aware of what is going to happen.
Introductions of each panel member A brief description of the role they are being interviewed for Describe how the interview panel will conduct the interview (e.g. each alternates questions and all will take notes)
The candidate gives an overview of their experience Each panel member provides their questions The interviewee is given time at the end to ask questions The interviewee is informed of the next step (e.g. will be contacted either by phone or in writing of the outcome) Thank the candidate for coming and ensure someone shows the candidate out
Virtual Interviews
To reduce travel costs and time associated with interviewing out of area applicants, virtual interviews can provide an alternative method to the in-person interview. Guidelines for conducting virtual interviews are as follows:
To ensure fairness and equity in the interview process, it is recommended out of area applicants are provided an opportunity to interview in the same manner as local applicants during each stage of the interview process. Departments should cover the travel costs associated with out of area applicant interviews.
When department budgetary constraints do not allow for a consistent interview process, on an exception basis, the following may be practiced when interviewing both local and out of area applicants:
o Department may offer to cover travel costs, but are not required Second/Final Interviews o o
All applicants provided the opportunity to interview in person Department covers travel costs
Interview Questions
Typical interview questions used are those which are relevant to the position and seek information on specific skills and abilities to perform the job such as describe your experience working with students in an academic environment and/or post-secondary degree-granting institutions. Interview questions not pertaining to the current requirements of the position are not to be used (e.g. an interview question on supervisory experience if position will not be supervising employees).
The use of behavioral and/or competency based interview questions are strongly encouraged as, when properly crafted, they allow the interviewer to obtain more meaningful d ata to determine the applicants ability to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the job, as well assess their ability to adhere to the Universitys core competencies. Behavioral/competency based interview questions do not simply ask if they performed a certain task, they ask how. They can be designed to probe specifically for past behaviors, competencies and characteristics which are believed to predict future behavior.
We often need to explore many details and aspects of a particular problem before coming up with an effective solution. If you can, give me an example of how youve done this in the recent past (Detail oriented)
Tell me about a time when you found it necessary to speak to co-workers about the quality of their work because it posed a real or potential risk to the organization (Quality-focused)
Tell me about a time when you were able to maintain your poise and composure in a delicate situation (Emotional Intelligence)
Some tasks require you to fully think through the results. Tell me about a time when you avoided making a quick decision because you faced these circumstances (Problem Analysis)
Because tests must be validated using statistical methods and administered consistently across the hiring process, all tests, along with their administration procedure and scoring rubric, must be approved by Human Resources and the Office of Faculty and Staff Affirmative Action prior to use.
The EEOC has set for the following Employer guidelines when developing and administering tests:
Employers should administer tests and other selection procedures without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age (40 or older), or disability. If a selection procedure screens out a protected group, the employer should determine whether there is an equally effective alternative selection procedure that has less adverse impact and, if so, adopt the alternative procedure. For example, if the selection procedure is a test, the employer should determine whether another test would predict job performance but not disproportionately exclude the protected group.
To ensure that a test or selection procedure remains predictive of success in a job, employers should keep abreast of changes in job requirements and should update the test specifications or selection procedures accordingly.
Employers should ensure that tests and selection procedures are not adopted casually by managers who know little about these processes. A test or selection procedure can be an effective management tool, but no test or selection procedure should be implemented without an understanding of its effectiveness and limitations for the organization, its appropriateness for a specific job, and whether it can be appropriately administered and scored.
Employers should ensure that employment tests and other selection procedures are properly validated for the positions and purposes for which they are used. The test or selection procedure must be job-related and its results appropriate for the employer's purpose. While a test vendor's documentation supporting the validity of a test may be helpful, the employer is still responsible for ensuring that its tests are valid.
Tests and sample work products should not be relied upon as the only screening tool and should only be required of short list candidates.
As an alternative to testing applicants, requesting applicants provide job related written certifications of completion for coursework or technical/industry certifications (as related to the position) help to provide a measure of skill aptitude to further evaluate qualifications.
Panel interviews, if conducted, can be an even more intimidating environment for an interviewee, so remember to break the ice if possible
When organizing interviews, it is best to assign a person who ensures the interviewees have the proper directions, parking details and who is easily accessible on the date of the interview
Allow enough time for the interview so the interviewee does not feel rushed. Let the interviewee do most of the talking. Remember the 80/20 rule. The interviewee should be doing 80% of the talking. While its important to articulate the needs of your department and the role, this is the one time you will have to gather as much data to evaluate their experience and ensure a proper fit.
Be sure to review the interviewees resume in advance to demonstrate your interest in their skills and background as this helps in appearing prepared and organized. Take notes and ask for clarification on responses if needed.
Be sure to avoid any inappropriate or illegal interview questions (see Prohibited Interview Questions). University literature (if available) and benefit information should be provided to the applicant at the conclusion of the interview
The search committee rating sheet will be helpful in justifying decisions and making them as objective as possible.
The most important thing to remember is that you will need to be able to justify your decision. Documentation is key and required to be in compliance with OFCCP requirements. As one of the most critical steps in the process, it is important to keep the following in mind:
The best candidate for the position was chosen based on qualifications The candidate will help to carry out the University and Departments missions
Reference Checks
Reference checks should be conducted on the final applicant prior to making an offer. While it is advisable to conduct a reference with the candidates current supervisor before a candidate starts employment, if the candidate is reluctant a conditional offer of employment can be made.
Before you begin the reference check process, be sure to: 1. Prepare carefully
Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the information the applicant has already provided, including the application, resume, work sample (if applicable) and interview responses Identify areas that require elaboration or verification such as the work sample Set up a telephone appointment with one or more references provided by the applicant Many employers are prohibited from providing information without a release, so if requested, send the signed Applicant Release and Disclosure consent form and the job description (optional) in advance of your telephone call
Write down your questions before you call, highlighting the information you want verified or expanded upon.
Note: You may consider conducting reference checks on all finalists before the final selection is
made. 2. Set up an environment that encourages the reference to respond willingly, cooperatively, and honestly.
Begin your conversation on common ground by referring to information that has already been provided by the applicant. For example: John Doe has asked us to speak with you regarding information he has already shared with us during the interview process. Or I'm calling to verify information provided by Mary Roe.
Describe the responsibilities, duties, and working environment of the position for which the individual has applied.
After describing the position, ask, Given our requirements, what is your assessment of the
individuals qualifications for the job? 4. In addition to your prepared questions, ask follow-up questions
If you get a general response (She's great!), follow up with a specific question (What did she do to merit that compliment? or Why did she leave? or How have things changed since she left?) If the reference provider declines to answer a question, ask if someone else might be able to share information about the topic.
There are legal ramifications if you ask illegal/ inappropriate questions that may have to do with race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran.
Ask the same basic questions about all applicants for whom you obtain references to ensure consistency. Weigh information you receive in the same manner for all applicants. Social network tools such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are not be used to conduct reference or background checks. Refer to University of California Guidelines Recruitment Through the Use of Social Networks. Additional information and guidelines can be found on the Reference Checks webpage.
Prior to initiating the offer, it is recommended that one more check of the selection process be completed as follows:
Review the duties and responsibilities of the position and ensure they were accurately described and reflected in the job description and interview process Review selection criteria used to ensure they were based on the qualifications listed for the position Confirm interview questions clearly matched the selection criteria Confirm all applicants were treated uniformly in the recruitment, screening, interviewing and final selection process
Once a final check of the selection process and the final applicant has been determined, the Committee Chair or designee will notify the Departmental HR Coordinator with the finalists name, salary and start date enter the selection information into the ATS
The Departmental HR Coordinator reviews the requisition in the ATS and ensures all applicants on the requisition have been assigned a decision code
The Departmental HR Coordinator forwards this information to the Organizational HR Coordinator for review and approval
Once approved, the Departmental HR Coordinator notifies the Committee Chair or designee of offer approval
The Committee Chair or designee makes the offer to the finalist Note: A verbal offer of employment and the finalists verbal acceptance creates a contractual relationship
therefore, ensure the offer has been approved prior to verbally offering the position
Whenever possible, its recommended your best offer be made the first time as this displays proper market and internal equity practices and demonstrates good faith to the applicant. As salary requirements would have been identified earlier on in the recruitment process, there should be a good understanding of the applicants requirements and whether you are able to work with those requirements.
When offering the finalist the position, be sure to discuss the total compensation package (in addition to salary) such as paid time off and retirement benefits. Be excited and enthusiastic about the offer and let them know you are excited about them joining your team. UCR benefits and retirement programs are great selling points. In many cases, they are a key factor when deciding on accept or decline the offer. Finalists with additional benefit related questions should be referred to the Benefits webpageor Central Human Resources Benefits office.
Lastly, if possible, discuss the great learning and development opportunities which may be available to them in achieving their professional goals. Most individuals value this just as much, in some cases more, than the base salary being offered.
If an offer is declined due to salary, the department may make a counter offer provided the amount is within the appropriate guidelines for the role and department
To ensure proper closure, the Staff Recruitment and Selection Checklist should be completed and the following actions conducted:
Once an offer has been accepted, the Committee Chair or designee notifies the Departmental HR Coordinator and requests the offer letter be sent
The Departmental HR Coordinator prepares and sends the offer letter The Departmental HR Coordinator ensures written acceptance of offer The Departmental HR Coordinator enters the finalist information into the ATS upon receipt of the signed offer (see iRecruitUser Guide for instructions)
The Departmental HR Coordinator contacts those individuals interviewed and not selected (at a minimum) by phone or letter. If contact is made by phone, ensure the conversation is documented.
The Departmental HR Coordinator ensures all recruitment related documents are uploaded to the requisition in the ATS
Upon notification of the recruitment being closed, the Departmental HR Coordinator will close out the requisition in the ATS