Defining our terms
Often the terms recruitment and selection are used interchangeably but they describe different parts of the process.
- Recruitment is the process of attracting a field of applicants, where an applicant is someone that applies to an organisation.
- Selection is the process that distinguishes between different applicants, by shortlisting. Additional selection activities take place at subsequent stages.
- An applicant becomes a candidate once they have been selected to participate in the next stage of the process.
Understanding this difference in terminology can help you to identify where you need to pay most attention when reviewing your process(es).
For example: are you successful in attracting a diverse range of applicants, but at the point of shortlisting the criteria excludes them, or your interview design means candidates are less able to perform to the best of their ability? Or could it be that you have an inclusive approach to selection, but you are unable to attract a diverse field of applicants in the first instance?
Understanding the barriers and challenges within your recruitment and selection process enables you to make changes that will create real impact.
Read our more detailed glossary of terms.