Approaches to Selection: Systematic Recruitment Methods

The systems approach aims to reduce the amount of personal bias in the selection process to a
minimum. To do this, a series of laid-down procedures is needed, all interlocking with one another and
all leading to the rational selection of the best candidates. There are twelve sub-systems in a normal
recruitment drive. They are: the manpower plan (vacancy; numbers; timescale); the job analysis; the job
description; the person specification; the marketing; handling the response; shortlisting; assessing
candidates; selecting; obtaining references; making an offer; starting new employees.

Approaches to Selection: The Peacock & the Magpie

Aesop tells the following fable which illustrates the dangers of the two different recruitment methods.

The birds of the forest convened to choose a new king. A number of candidates stepped forward to
promote their cause but the favoured contender was undoubtedly the peacock. He strode in front of the
judges displaying his long tail of brightly-coloured feathers. The judges were dazzled and so were the
throng of onlooker