SELECTION PROCESS

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 organization. The selection
process varies from industry to industry, company to company and even amongst departments of the
same company. Every organization 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 works.

 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 organization. This leaves the organization with a pool of potentially fit
employees to fill their vacancies.

 Receiving Applications 

Potential employees apply for a job by sending applications to the organization. The application
gives the interviewers information about the candidates .

Information is generally called on the following items:

a. Biographical Data- Name, father’s name, date and place of birth, age, sex, nationality,
height, weight, identification marks, physical disability, if any, marital status, and number of
dependents.

b. Educational Attainment- Education (subjects offered and grades secured), training acquired
in special fields and knowledge gained from professional/technical institutes or evening
classes or through correspondence courses.

c. Work Experience- Previous experience, the number of jobs held with the same or other
employers, including the nature of duties, and responsibilities and the duration of various
assignments, salary received, grades, and reasons for leaving the present employer.

d. Salary and Benefits- Present and expected.

e. Personal Items- Association memberships, extracurricular activities, sports, hobbies, and

any other pertinent information supporting a candidate’s suitability for a post.

f. Other Items- Names and addresses of previous employers, references, etc.

A brief history sheet of an employee’s background can be used for future reference, in case or
need. The data submitted in an application form should help predict the candidate’s chances
 for making a success of his job. The information sought in it should be relevant to the objective
of selection.

 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 organization 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 organization 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.

Importance of the Selection Process

1. Proper selection and placement of employees lead to growth and development of the
company. The company can similarly, only be as good as the capabilities of its employees.

2. The hiring of talented and skilled employees results in the swift achievement of company
goals.

3. Industrial accidents will drastically reduce in numbers when the right technical staff is
employed for the right jobs.

4. When people get jobs they are good at, it creates a sense of satisfaction with them and thus
their work efficiency and quality improves.

5. People who are satisfied with their jobs often tend to have high morale and motivation to
perform better.

 CONCLUSION / APPLICATION

The objectives of the selection process are to select the candidates whose success probability in the
job is the highest and motivate right candidates to opt for the vacancy by a proper presentation of
the organization to the potential candidates.

In HR departments such as ORMECO, recruitment is done by the HR Division through posting of job
vacancy indicating the position with attached Basic Duties and Responsibilities and Minimum
Qualification Requirements. Interested applicants shall submit the all the requirements including
their letter of intent to the HR Department for their endorsement to PPC.

It is the responsibility of the Personnel Placement Committee (PPC) to conduct the interview, select
and recommend the applicant with the highest rate based on the criteria that electric cooperatives
used for hiring. Recommendation for hiring signed by all the PPC members and approved by the
General Manager will be the basis for issuance of job appointment to be prepared by HR
Department.

The selection process is quite lengthy and complex as it involves a series of steps before making the
final selection. The procedure of selection may vary from industry to industry, company to company
and even from department to department. Every organization designs its selection process,
keeping in mind the urgency of hiring people and the prerequisites for the job vacancy. Developing
a strong HR selection process can help ensure that your company hires competent, loyal employees
who help you to reach your business goals.
 Prepared by:
Morena L. Bautista