Introduction To Recruitment Process
Introduction To Recruitment Process
Understanding
Recruitment
What is Recruitment?
a. Talent Acquisition
Recruitment helps bring in talent that matches the company’s culture, vision, and
strategic goals.
b. Organizational Growth
Hiring the right people is directly linked to increased productivity, innovation, and
profitability.
c. Reduction in Turnover
A structured recruitment process ensures better candidate-job fit, reducing the chances
of attrition.
d. Legal Compliance
Proper recruitment processes help organizations comply with labor laws and equal
opportunity standards.
e. Employer Branding
A positive recruitment experience improves the organization’s image and attracts top
talent in the long term.
Types of Recruitment
Recruitment can be broadly classified into two main categories: Internal and External Recruitment, each
with its own methods.
A. Internal Recruitment
Filling positions with current employees within the organization.
Internal Job Postings (IJP): Openings are shared internally for interested employees to apply.
External Recruitment
A structured recruitment process improves hiring efficiency and candidate experience. Here's a step-by-
step breakdown:
Step 7: Onboarding
•Guide the new hire through orientation and integration into the organization.
DAY 2
SOURCING
STRATEGIES
&
JOB ANALYSIS
ACTIVE vs PASSIVE CANADIDATES
🔹 Active Candidates:
•Definition: Actively looking for a job.
•Characteristics: Applying to job ads, updating resumes, attending job fairs.
•Where to find them: Job boards (Naukri, Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs), walk-ins,
referrals.
🔹 Passive Candidates:
•Definition: Not actively looking, but open to opportunities.
•Characteristics: Employed, not applying, but may respond if approached
correctly.
•Where to find them: LinkedIn, GitHub, networking events, employee referrals.
SOURCING CHANNELS
A. Job Boards:
•Examples: LinkedIn, Naukri, Monster, Indeed, Glassdoor
•Pros: Large candidate pool, quick reach
•Cons: High competition, mostly active candidates
B. Social Media:
•Platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram
•Strategies: Share job openings, company culture posts, direct messages to
potential candidates
•Pros: Engages both active and passive candidates
C. Referrals:
•Use internal referral programs
•Encourage employees to recommend from their networks
•Often faster and better culture-fit hires
•Cost-effective compared to paid sourcing
D. Other Channels:
•Talent communities
•Email outreach
•Freelance marketplaces (for contract roles)
•Industry-specific forums (e.g., Stack Overflow for developers)
BOOLEAN SEARCH BASICS
Boolean logic helps refine online searches to find specific candidate profiles, especially on
LinkedIn or Google.
Use case:
"software engineer" AND ("Python" OR "Django") AND "Bangalore"
This will find candidates with Python or Django skills who are software engineers in Bangalore.
CREATING AN EFFECTIVE JOB DESCRIPTION
A well-written JD includes:
Strategies:
•Write compelling job ads, not just JDs
•Promote job openings via social posts, employee advocacy, and niche platforms
•Optimize for SEO – use relevant keywords in your postings
•Personalize your outreach messages (especially to passive candidates)
•Highlight company culture, impact of the role, and growth opportunities
DAY 3
SCREENING &
SHORTLISTING
TECHNIQUES
RESUME SCREENING: What to Look For
✅ Key Qualifications
•Education, certifications, and technical/professional skills that match the JD.
✅ Relevant Experience
•Job roles, industries, and technologies handled in previous jobs.
•Look for keywords that align with the job description.
✅ Achievements & Metrics
•Numbers speak louder than words. Look for performance metrics like:
"Increased sales by 25%" or "Reduced processing time by 40%.“
✅ Career Progression
•Growth from junior to senior roles over time shows development and commitment.
🛠 Screening Tools:
•ATS (e.g., Zoho, Greenhouse, Lever): Automatically parses resumes, matches keywords,
tracks candidates.
DOCUMENTS STATUS
DOCUMENTS STATUS
Colored Scanned Passport size
photo pending
Relieving Letter & Resignation
Acceptance pending
Offer Letter pending
3 Pay Slips pending
NDCA/form 11,2,F – Gratuity form/ pending
ESIC FORM
UNDERSTANDING ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
What is an ATS?
•Software that automates collecting, sorting, and ranking applications.
•Helps recruiters manage high application volumes efficiently.
Functions:
•Resume parsing & keyword matching
•Job posting distribution
•Status tracking of each candidate
•Interview scheduling
•Communication logs
Purpose:
•Validate resume claims
•Assess communication skills
•Clarify key details before forwarding to hiring manager
🔹 UNSTRUCTURED INERVIEWS
🔹 Panel Interviews
🔹 Technical Interviews
✅ S - Situation: Background/context
✅ T - Task: Responsibility or challenge
✅ A - Action: Steps taken
✅ R - Result: Outcome (quantified if possible)
COMMON INTERVIEW MISTAKES TO AVOID
🚫 Lack of documentation
✔️ Take structured notes or use scorecards
•Skill: “Can you walk me through a project where you used (SKILL)?”
Candidate Expectations:
•Clear job title and responsibilities
•Easy-to-understand qualifications
•Company overview and value proposition
•Simple, mobile-friendly application process
•Transparency about location, salary range (if possible), and process timeline
Best Practices:
•Use inclusive, bias-free language
•Avoid jargon and generic buzzwords
•Mention application deadlines and next steps
APPLICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Candidate Expectations:
•Confirmation that their application was received
•Clear next steps or timelines
Best Practices:
•Set up auto-reply emails with a personal tone (e.g., “Thank you, [Name]”)
•Mention expected response time
•Share relevant resources or contact details
Example Email:
“Hi [Name], thank you for applying for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. We’ve received
your application and will be in touch within 5 working days if you're shortlisted.”
SCREENING & INTERVIEW
Candidate Expectations:
•Prompt scheduling and clear instructions
•Respect for their time and availability
•Professional, two-way interaction
Best Practices:
•Send calendar invites with interviewer names, links (if virtual), and preparation tips
•Confirm the format (phone, Zoom, in-person)
•Keep the tone warm and professional
•Ask relevant, structured questions
POST-INTERVIEW
Candidate Expectations:
•Timely feedback or status updates
•Transparency on next steps
Best Practices:
•Send follow-up email within 2–3 business days
•If there are delays, inform the candidate
•If rejected, share constructive feedback when possible
Example:
“Thank you again for your time. We're currently in the final
stages of our evaluation and will update you by [date].
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.”
OFFER or REJECTION
Candidate Expectations:
•Fair, prompt, and clear decision
•Respectful rejection if not selected
Candidate Expectations:
•Smooth transition from recruiter to HR or hiring manager
•Warm welcome and clarity on Day 1 process
Best Practices:
•Share a welcome email and a joining checklist
•Inform internal teams (IT, HR, Admin) beforehand
•Stay in touch to reduce last-minute drop-offs
•Ensure they feel valued before and after joining
ON-BOARDING (Handover to HR/Manager)
Candidate Expectations:
•Smooth transition from recruiter to HR or hiring manager
•Warm welcome and clarity on Day 1 process
Best Practices:
•Share a welcome email and a joining checklist
•Inform internal teams (IT, HR, Admin) beforehand
•Stay in touch to reduce last-minute drop-offs
•Ensure they feel valued before and after joining
COMMON RECRUITMENT TERMS & THEIR MEANING
FOLLOW –UP: Keeping track of the candidate after the interview or offer.
DROPOUT: When a candidate is selected but does not join the company.
Naukri.com
linkedIn.Jobs
Indeed
MonsterIndia
Shine.com
Timesjobs
Glassdoors
Simplyhired
WRITING EMPLOYER-FOCUSED JOB Ads
A strong job ad does more than describe duties—it sells the company and
connects with the ideal candidate.
This session helps recruiters master high-volume hiring—whether it's for fresh
graduates through campus drives or for bulk roles in BPO, retail, or tech support
industries.
Planning Campus Drives
Campus recruitment targets fresh graduates for entry-level roles.
Proper planning ensures successful outcomes and strong
employer branding.
6.Coordinate Logistics:
Travel, interview panels, evaluation sheets, offer letters
BULK HIRING TECHNIQUES
•BPOs (voice/non-voice)
•Retail sales
•Delivery/logistics
•Customer or tech support
AREA STRATEGY
Sourcing Job fairs, walk-ins, employee
referrals, vendor partnerships
Advertisement WhatsApp groups, posters, social
media reels, local newspaper ads
Pre-decide venue & time, invite
Walk-in Drives
candidates via SMS/WhatsApp
Screen on basic criteria (education,
Resume Shortlisting
language, attitude)
Interviewing Simplified: Group discussion or
single-panel screening
Speed is key—issue LOI (letter of
Same-day Offers
intent) immediately where possible
ASSESSMENTS:
Types of Assessments:
Many bulk or campus hires drop out before joining. Prevent this through:
Engagement Strategies:
Welcome emails/videos
Buddy programs – assign mentors
Pre-boarding tasks – learning modules or forms
Regular follow-up – HR calls, WhatsApp updates
Share company news, success stories, culture videos
Document Collection:
Send offer letter promptly
Collect KYC, educational proofs early
DAY 6
CANDIDATE
EVALUATION &
SELECTION
CREATING CANDIDATE SCORECARDS
SKILLS FIT
CULTURAL FIT
•Candidate aligns with the company’s values, work style, and team dynamics.
•Evaluated through behavioral questions, attitude, and interaction style.
•Example: Startup mindset, team collaboration, adaptability.
COLLABORATION WITH HIRING MANAGERS
Best Practices:
Avoid:
•Gut-based hiring
•Rushing decisions due to pressure
PROCESS OF POST-INTERVIEW DISCUSSION
•Overqualification or under-experience
Reference Checks:
Ask about:
•Work ethic and attitude
•Strengths and weaknesses
•Team collaboration
•Reason for exit
(Java AND Spring AND "Web Services") AND (Bangalore OR Bengaluru) NOT fresher
•Why it matters: Long TAT can lead to lost candidates and unmet business needs.
•Formula:
TAT = Date of offer acceptance – Date requisition was opened
b. Cost-per-Hire
•Formula:
•Definition: Where your hires come from and how good they are.
•Common sources: Job boards, referrals, LinkedIn, career page, campus drives
•Metrics to track:
• Number of candidates sourced from each channel
• Conversion rate per source (applications → interview → hire)
• Retention/performance by source (for long-term quality)
•Formula:
The recruitment funnel shows candidate drop-off at each stage, helping you
optimize the pipeline.
Example Funnel:
Stage Candidates
Applications Received 500
Resumes Screened 200
Shortlisted for Interview 80
Interviewed 50
Offered 10
Joined 6
Problem Improvement
Metric to Monitor
Strategy
Speed up screening,
High TAT Time-to-Hire schedule interviews
faster
Engage candidates,
Dropouts Post-Offer Dropout Rate pre-onboarding
communication
REPORTING TOOLS AND DASHBOARDS
Common Dashboards:
Key Tips:
MODES OF COMMUNICATION
Sample Script:
“Hi Arjun, I came across your profile on Naukri. Based on your
Java and Spring experience, we’d like to schedule you for an
interview for our Backend Developer role at XYZ Corp. Are you
currently looking? What would your notice period and
expected CTC be?”
IF THE CANDIDATE IS NOT MOVING FORWARD (Screened Out)
Guidelines:
•Always close the loop politely
•Don’t ghost candidates—it hurts the brand
•Offer a reason if possible (without legal risk)
•Keep it brief, kind, and professional
📩 Sample Email:
Subject: Application Update – [Job Title] at [Company Name]
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Talent Acquisition Team
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Principle Explanation
Use polite, formal language—avoid slang or
Professional Tone
emojis
Describe the purpose of the email briefly and
Clear Subject Line
accurately
Concise Messaging Get to the point, but don’t skip important info
Proofread for typos and structure to maintain
Correct Grammar
credibility
Reply within 24 hours to keep candidates
Timely Responses
engaged
Use paragraphs, spacing, and bullet points where
Proper Formatting
needed
Always end with your name, title, and contact
Use of Signature
info
COMMON TYPES OF RECRUITMENT EMAILS & BEST PRACTICES
a. APPLICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
•Best Practices:
•Automate using ATS
•Thank the candidate
•Mention expected timeline for next steps
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Talent Acquisition Team
INTERVIEW INVITATION
•Include: Date, time, location/Zoom link, interviewer name, expected duration, any documents
to bring or prepare.
Regards,
[Your Name]
c. FOLLOW-UP OR REMINDER
Hi [Name],
Just checking in to confirm your availability for the scheduled interview on [Date]. Let us know if you
need to reschedule.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
d. Offer Letter Communication
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
e. REJECTION/REGRET EMAIL
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
KEY DO’S & DON’TS IN RECRUITMENT EMAILS
✅ DOs ❌ DON'Ts
Use candidate’s name correctly Misspell names or use incorrect titles
Always proofread before sending Send without reviewing for grammar or tone
Be empathetic, especially when rejecting Sound robotic or cold
Respond within 24–48 hours Leave candidates waiting for days/weeks
Use standard, readable fonts (Arial, Calibri) Use decorative fonts or colored text
Use a proper email signature Leave out contact details
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
(POSH Act)
•Purpose:
Prevents sexual harassment in the workplace.
•Recruitment Relevance:
• Must ensure a safe, respectful hiring process.
• No inappropriate or discriminatory behavior during interviews.
• POSH awareness can be shared during onboarding.
DAY 10
COLD CALLING &
PITCHING
What is Cold Calling in Recruitment?
Cold calling is the process of initiating contact with potential candidates by phone who haven’t
applied or shown prior interest in a job, with the goal of sparking interest in an opportunity.
Pre-Call Checklist:
Stage What to Do
Who you are, where you're calling from,
Introduction
and why you're calling
Hook Mention something personalized
(company, project, skill match)
Value Pitch Share why this opportunity may interest
them
Discovery Ask a few screening questions (interest,
experience, CTC, notice)
Next Step Schedule an interview or send JD/email;
confirm contact method
CRAFTING THE PERFECT PITCH
Your pitch is what sells the opportunity in the first 30–60 seconds.
It should answer the candidate’s key question: “What’s in it for me?”
Example:
“We’re hiring for a Senior Data Analyst with a company that’s
scaling its AI team for global product launches. The role includes
hands-on work with large-scale datasets and real-time analytics
platforms. You’d lead a 4-member team with access to the latest
cloud stack.”
HANDLING OBJECTIONS
Most passive candidates may resist at first. Be prepared to answer objections politely
and keep the door open.
Common Objection:
“That’s great! Just curious — what would make you consider a switch in the future?”
“Completely agree — I’ll keep it short. Would you be open to a brief 2-minute pitch?”
POST CALL FOLLOW-UP
Hi [Name],
Thank you for your time earlier. As discussed, here’s the job description for the [Role] at
[Company]. I truly think it aligns with your expertise in [Skill/Project].
Let me know your thoughts and availability for a quick 15-minute discussion this week.
Regards,
[Your Name]
CAMPUS & BULK
HIRING
1. Planning Campus Drives
Campus MoU or
Target College List JD & Eligibility Sharing
Invitation
Building strong relationships with educational institutions helps in long-term hiring success.
Best Practices:
Bulk hiring refers to recruiting many candidates in a short time—often for entry-level or
frontline roles.
Strategic roles are high-impact positions that influence business direction, revenue, operations, or
innovation. These include CXOs, VPs, Directors, Senior Managers, and domain experts.
Recruiter's Role:
•Deeply understand the business needs behind the role
•Work closely with business heads, not just HR
•Ensure cultural alignment and long-term value
•Position the role attractively to passive candidates
HEADHUNTING TECHNIQUES FOR LATERAL HIRING
Definition: Headhunting in lateral hiring refers to the proactive and targeted search of
professionals who are already employed and not actively looking for a job, but may
be suitable and open to switching for the right opportunity.
Lateral hiring typically involves experienced professionals (2–20+ years) being hired
for equivalent or advanced positions in new organizations.
Steps:
1.Understand the role deeply: Tech stack, tools, business impact, reporting line
2.Identify target companies: Competitors, peer industries, similar cultures
3.Map relevant designations: Don’t just look for title match—map skillset equivalency
4.List potential candidates: Use LinkedIn, GitHub, company org charts, forums
REFFERAL MINING & NETWORK OUTREACH
Passive lateral talent often responds better through peer-to-peer referrals or industry circles.
Tactics:
•Reach out to placed candidates for peer referrals
•Use alumni networks and Slack/Telegram groups
•Attend meetups or webinars to build your name
•Use tools like Hiretual, Amazing Hiring, or Rocket-Reach for deeper contact discovery
🔹 Definition
Domain-based recruitment is the strategy of sourcing and hiring
candidates based on the specific requirements of a particular industry
or business sector.
💡 Example:
4.Shorter Time-to-Hire:
Recruiters are more efficient as they know the right sourcing channels and
criteria.
Benefit Description
Tailored profiles that match
Better Job-Candidate Fit
domain needs precisely
Focused sourcing and accurate
Reduced Time-to-Fill
filtering reduce hiring delays
Recruiters gain trust by
Enhanced Credibility understanding the industry jargon
and structure
Can identify relevant certifications,
Efficient Screening
tools, KPIs quickly
Candidates perform better when
Predictable Performance
matched to domain expectations
KEY DOMAINS COVERED
5.Manufacturing/Engineering
Key Areas:
Best Practices:
It’s not just about reading a job description (JD) — it’s about asking the right
questions to decode the true expectations and define the ideal candidate
persona.
Why Is It Important?
✅ A. Intake/Kick-off Meetings
Client Brief: “We need a Senior Software Engineer with full-stack experience.”
Clarification by Recruiter:
•What stack? (React + Node + MongoDB)
•Any cloud experience required? (Yes, AWS basic knowledge)
•Remote or hybrid? (Hybrid, 3 days from Bangalore office)
•Max budget? (18–22 LPA fixed)
•Culture? (Fast-paced startup environment)
✅ Result:
The recruiter sends only 4 profiles, and 2 get shortlisted — faster closure, better
satisfaction.
DAY 13
SALARY FITMENT &
NEGOTIATION
Salary fitment is the process of determining and aligning a candidate's
compensation (CTC, take-home salary, etc.) with the company's salary structure,
internal parity, and the candidate's expectations or current salary. It ensures the
right balance between the candidate’s current/expected salary and what the
company can offer.
Component Description
Candidate’s current total compensation (fixed +
Current CTC
variable + perks).
Expected CTC What the candidate expects in the new role.
What the company is ready to offer based on
Offered CTC
the job role, budget, and level.
Percentage increase from current to offered
Fitment %
salary.
Keeping the offer in line with what existing
Internal Parity
employees at the same level earn.
Predefined ranges for each role/grade in an
Salary Bands
organization.
Job Level/Grade The position's hierarchy which affects the fitment.
SALARY FITMENT FORMULA
Example:
If the current CTC is ₹6,00,000 and the offered is ₹7,80,000:
Fitment % = ((7,80,000 - 6,00,000) / 6,00,000) × 100 = 30%
It involves evaluating:
•Candidate's experience, skills, and current salary
•Market standards and internal parity
•Company’s budget and salary structure
•Perks, bonuses, ESOPs, etc.
STEPS IN SALARY NEGOTIATION
Document and confirm the final offer before issuing the official letter
FACTORS INFLUENCING SALARY NEGOTIATION
Factor Influence
Sets the base for fitment and
Candidate’s current salary
negotiation
More relevant experience = stronger
Years of experience & skill match
position to negotiate
Do’s Don’ts
Don’t promise what you can’t
Be transparent with salary structure
offer
Benchmark with market data Don’t ignore internal parity
Don’t push too hard or sound
Keep buffer for negotiation
desperate
Don’t focus only on CTC – explain
Understand candidate’s real need
role, perks, growth
Don’t delay responses – it shows
Offer flexibility where possible
lack of seriousness
Common Fitment Scenarios
Scenario Strategy
Candidate has low current CTC Justify a higher fitment % with role-
but strong skills based benchmarking
Focus on total value proposition
Candidate has multiple offers
(role, brand, growth, perks)
Negotiate on perks or joining
Internal budget constraints
bonus instead of fixed pay
Provide rationale for industry norms
Candidate expects 100%+ hike or performance-based growth
post-joining
Recruiter’s Tips for Successful Negotiation
2.Have alternatives – salary isn’t the only negotiating point (bonus, flexi hours,
remote work).
3.Don’t wait till the end of the process to talk salary – qualify early.
Recruiter:
“Your current CTC is ₹9.2 LPA, and you’re expecting ₹13 LPA. Based on our
budget and role level, we can offer ₹11.5 LPA + ₹1 LPA performance bonus.
Would you be open to this?”
Candidate:
“That’s a bit lower than my expectation. Is there flexibility?”
Recruiter:
“We value your experience, and the role offers rapid growth. While we can’t
increase the fixed component further, we can add a ₹50K joining bonus and
revisit performance-based increments in 6 months.”
DAY 14
HANDLING DROPOUTS,
FOLLOW-UPS & BACKUP
CANDIDATES
Handling Dropouts in Recruitment
Category Examples
Better Offers Higher pay, better role, MNC brand
Retention attempt with hike or
Counter-offer from current employer
promotion
Relocation/personal issues Family constraints, health, marriage
No regular contact from recruiter or
Lack of engagement
hiring manager
Role, team, culture different from what
Mismatched expectations
was promised
Strategies to Handle & Reduce Dropouts:
Pre-offer counseling
Ensure the candidate is mentally prepared to join before releasing the offer
Offer acceptance communication
Immediately send formal documents and joining checklist
Post-offer engagement
Regular follow-ups, introduce to team, share videos, company updates
Highlight EVP (Employer Value Proposition)
Growth path, perks, culture, long-term value
Counteroffer proofing
Ask what they’d do if countered – prepare accordingly
Early joining incentives
Relocation assistance, bonuses, flexible joining dates
Dropout tracking system
Maintain a database to flag frequent defaulters or red flags in behavior
Follow-ups with Candidates
Post-offer release
Pre-joining
Post-joining (first week/month)
•Drops out
•Fails background verification
•Is no longer interested
Time to Hire
Formula:
Time to Hire = Date of Offer Acceptance – Date of Application
Source of Hire %
Formula:
Source of Hire % = (Hires from a Specific Source ÷ Total Hires) × 100