UNIT 3

RECRUITMENT

A. DISCUSSION
1. Have you ever attended an interview? Think of the last interview (if possible) and discuss
the following questions.
What are the most common methods that companies in our country use to recruit people?
What are the steps that you, as a candidate, have to follow in order to be hired?
What impression do you try to give in an application letter?
How important is a well-presented CV?
Do you always have to be completely honest in an interview?
3. Suggest different jobs that can offer you the following possibilities:
- having free time in the mornings for yourself;
- meeting people that like to travel and helping them with specific information;
- benefiting from certain facilities like a spacious office;
- getting training in some areas specific for your job, which you arent very familiar with.
4. Comment on the following quote: Most employers hire people they like, rather than the
most competent persons. (Orv Owens - a psychologist who sizes up executive candidates).
Can you give examples of your own?
(Adapted from: Graham Tullis and Tonya Trappe, New Insights into Business, Students Book, 2000, 16)

B. READING
Recruitment and Selection of Human Resources
In spite of all appearances, the process of recruitment and selection of human resources is
laborious, difficult and requires good knowledge in the domain. The success is ensured by a
rigorous approach, a high quality of the methods of selection and a special attention paid to the
new employee.
One of the most important problems is not who the company chooses, but where and how
the most competitive and motivated persons are chosen. It is not easy at all to identify a highly
committed and utterly dedicated person for each job. Therefore, the activity of recruitment is
considered the basis of the whole process of ensuring a company with personnel. Today, finding
a job is getting more and more difficult because, even if the job market offers a lot of
workplaces, the number of persons looking for a workplace is also increasing and so is the
competition to get a job, too. The selection of the personnel represents the ground activity of the
management of human resources.
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The objective of recruitment is to find the best candidates at the lowest costs of
recruitment possible. This process starts with searching for candidates and ends when the
candidates have presented their letters of application and or CVs.
Two important sets of information in the process of recruitment are contained in the
recruitment file and the candidate file. The recruitment file contains information about: a) the
company; b) the position to be held; c) the duties and responsibilities of the position; d) the
requirements the candidate has to answer. As essential elements of this file, mention must be
made of the companys profile (its history, domain of activity, development plans) and the job
description (name, objectives, duties, responsibilities, opportunities, hierarchic level, etc.).
The candidate file should contain a minimum of information about the person who
applies for a job, such as: a) a CV; b) references; c) a letter of motivation. The CV and the letter
of motivation are the two instruments that give the candidates the possibility to introduce
themselves to the company, in order to fill a vacancy.
The CV is used by the employers to identify the candidates potential for a certain job. It
is considered to be one of the most practical ways of evaluation as it is based on biographic
information. Therefore, the CV should be a concise and attractive document in point of both
layout and content. In this way it can stir the readers interest in learning about the candidate,
offering him the chance of an interview.
The most utilized types of CVs are the chronological and functional ones. The
chronological CV is built in stages, beginning with the present day period or the most recent
activities and continuing in a reversed chronological order. A functional CV is focused on
achievements irrespective of their chronology. The candidate has the right to list the jobs he had
as he likes, emphasizing his achievements and skills acquired.
The role of the letter of motivation is to guarantee the candidate that the employer will
read the CV and to increase the formers interest in the candidates qualifications and potential.
Further on, the candidate will go to selection and employment interviews. The main types
of interviews (structured, unstructured, semi-structured) differ from each other in point of
rigidity, the number of interviewers, the depth of discussion and stress. The candidates who have
managed to pass through these interviews and other tests (medical ones, for example) are
introduced to the hierarchic manager of the department where the vacant job is, in order to have
a discussion or for the final interview.
(Adapted from: Aurel Manolescu, Managementul Resurselor Umane, 2003, 265-321 and Aurel Manolescu
(coord.), Cristian Marina, Irinel Marin (autori), Managementul Resurselor Umane. Aplicaii, 2004, 81, 82, 85,
88, 89).

C. FOCUS ON VOCABULARY
1. Match the following structures with their definitions.
1. job
2. job satisfaction

3. job security

a) a government office in the main part of a

town or city which helps people to find jobs.
b) the result of rearranging the methods of
working, so that the workers have more
responsibility for doing the work, and get more
pleasure from the job.
c) a list of important factors of a job, e.g. the
purpose, the duties and the responsibilities of a
job.
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4. job evaluation

d) the particular activity that someone does

regularly in order to earn money, especially
when they are employed by someone else.
e) a method of judging the relative work of jobs
within a company, deciding how much skill,
responsibility, experience they need.
f) the extent o which people will move from one
part of the country to another in search of jobs.
g) the pleasure a worker gets from his/her work;
it may come from the comradeship, the pay, the
security, the chances of promotion in a job.
h) the extent to which a worker feels that his job
will last.
i) a detailed description of a job, including its
responsibilities
and
the
abilities
and
qualifications needed to do it.

5. job enrichment
6. job centre
7. job description
8. job mobility
9. job specification

2. Fill in the blanks with words or phrases from the box.

apply for
application form
letter of application
recruit

CV
hire
recruitment agency

interview
shortlist

When a company wants to (1) .. new people, they advertise the job in a
newspaper. Those who are looking for a job can (2) it and send in a (3)
and a (4) ... with details about their education, qualifications
and experience. Sometimes this initial selection is done after companies ask candidates to fill in
a standard (5) ... The HR department can thus select the most suitable applications
and draw a (6) of applicants, who are invited to an (7) . It is also
possible for a company to (8) .. new people with the help of a (9)
that can offer them a list of suitable candidates.
(Adapted from: Graham Tullis, Tonya Trappe, New Insights into Business, Teachers Book, 2000, 66)

3. Here are some words related to the topic of our unit: employment, work, job, to apply.
Find as many words as possible that are derived from them and explain their meanings
(use a dictionary if necessary).
Employment

Work

Job

Apply

Ex: employ (verb)

Ex: worker (noun)

Ex: jobber (noun)

Ex: applicant (noun)

..
..
..
..
..
..

....

4. How do you call these people who work in the following situations?
Ex: He does his job in his home = He is a home worker.
a. He works with you and has a similar position. He is a ...
b. He works for only part of each day or week. He is a .
c. He works for all the hours of a week during which it is usual for people to work. He is a
...
d. He works independently for different companies rather than being employed by one particular
company. He is a ...
e. He works for himself and is not employed by a company. He is
f. He is being trained for a job. He is a .
g. He has a job in an office, rather than a job working in a factory. He is a
h. He does manual work, rather than work in offices. He is a ...........

D. GRAMMAR REVIEW
MODAL VERBS
USE
ability

possibility

permission
obligation

PRESENT/ FUTURE
can/ is, are able to
He can play the piano but he
cant play the violin.
Despite his old age he is able to
swim well.
may, might, could/
will be able to
There may be a change in the
weather.
This could be a valuable proof.
Well be able to decipher the
code but we wont be able to do
it quickly.
can/ cant
Can I use your computer? No,
Im afraid you cant.
Have (got) to, must, need (to),
should/ will have to,
will need to
In our school students have
(got) to wear badges.
They must be in time for
seminar.
Do we need to get prescription
for the medicine?
Children should respect their
parents.

PAST
could/ was, were able to
Enescu could play the piano at
an early age.
My computer had a problem but
I was able to solve it.
could have/ might have
You might have done well; you
had plenty of time.

be allowed to
The candidates were allowed to
enter the exam room at 8.30.
had to
We had to finish the translation
by six oclock in the afternoon.

necessity

absence of
obligation or
necessity

Ill have to/Ill need to get all

my books sorted out.
must, have to, need to/ will
have to, will need to
Before an exam you must/ have
to/ need to have a good sleep.
Hell have to/ll need to be
more committed than before.
do not have to, do not need to/
will not have to,
will not need to
You dont have to/ dont need to
finish all the work today.
We wont have to/ wont need
to write more than 5 pages.

prohibition

must not, cannot, may not,

should not
You mustnt touch the exhibits
in a museum.
Pedestrians cant/ may not
cross the road in this place.
People in the theatre hall
shouldnt talk during the
performance.

past criticism

routines

Explorers had to/ needed to

have good equipment in order
to survive.
did not have to/ did not need
to/ need not have
They didnt have to/ didnt need
to carry all the luggage by
themselves.
I neednt have bought a
dictionary as I already have
one.
could not

They couldnt enter the building

because they had no ID.

Should (not) have

You shouldnt have made such
noise.

advice/
must, should, had better
recommendation I really must try this recipe!
They should attend the concert.
Youd better type the letter of
application.
logical
must, have to, cannot
deduction
You must/ have to be the new
neighbor.
This translation cannot be
correct.
probability
should
The train should be arriving
now.
certainty

had to/ needed to

will
They say it wont rain in the
next weeks.
will
Well wake up early in the
morning and sip our coffee on

must have, cannot have

That party must have been a
success.
You cant have understood it.
You dont speak Spanish.
should have
Where are they? They should
have reached the Pole 24 hours
ago.
will have
Im sure he will have got my
message by now.
would
Wed read a good book every
afternoon before tea.
5

the terrace.
habits

will
The public will always stand
and sing the anthem at the end
of the Proms.

would
He would always correct any
mistakes.

PRACTICE:
1. Identify the use of the verbs in bold, then write a synonymous expression.
1. Can I use your laptop for my presentation? .....
2. Your secretary should book seats for this flight. ..............
3. Jim has got to go and see the manager. .......
4. Such a company must soon be bankrupt. .....
5. You neednt wear a tie to the interview. ......
6. Shall we hold a brainstorming meeting? ..
7. This company may launch their product anytime now.....
8. I should look into consumer protection legislation. .
9. Would you mind getting me a quick update on EU funding requirements?
10. Kim cant still be at work; its already 6 pm. .....

2. Rephrase the following in as many ways as possible.

1. I dont think it will become a global brand. _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. The market must be expanding. __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Perhaps they got an export license. _______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
4. Im sure your colleagues planning to write the ad. __________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
5. The poor after-sales service may have undermined their image already. __________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
6. You ought to return that catalogue. _______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
7. I have to contact all the representatives connected to our company. ______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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8. Can I suggest a better plan for employee child care? _________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
9. The website launching needs to be done today. _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
10. The last speakers must not introduce themselves straightaway. ________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

3. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence. Use
the word given and other words to complete each sentence. Do not change the word in any
way.
1. It wasnt necessary for you to mention our successful new business as they have already been
briefed on it.
neednt You..... briefed.
2. Its likely that hell approve our plan
may He..... plan.
3. Ill file that document for you.
like Would... that document for you?
4. I advise you to put forward one or two more ideas.
should You. ideas.
5. It would be a good idea for us to work together as a team.
better We .... team.
6. The act of theft is forbidden by law.
drive You...... brakes.
7. Im sure the report was submitted a lot earlier.
have The report..... earlier.
8. Its impossible for the merger to have worked out.
cant The merger.... out.
9. Its possible that Ann is looking for a new job.
may Ann... a new job.
10. The company will probably get a huge turnover after this.
likely The company.. after this.

4. Write what each person would say in each situation using modals, and then identify their
use. Sometimes more than one use is possible.
1. A colleague has just come into the office and left the door open. Its noisy outside. You say:
...
2. Your sales team are motivated, dynamic and enthusiastic. On one occasion they were working
a little too hard to increase sales and were likely to get all burned out. You say to him: ..
...
3. A business partner from Croatia phones to tell you shell be flying in to Bucharest in a couple
of days. You want to suggest some accommodation options. You say:

...
4. Your boss wants to know where you colleague is. You think hes busy with the school children
on

field

trip

at

your

company.

You

say:

..

.......
5. Your friend wants to pay for your lunch. You tell him its not necessary
...
6. Your company is refurbishing the office premises. Your team wants to order 20 microwaves
from a German

manufacturer. You ask if its necessary .

...
7. Your friend is sure you go to a gym every morning before work as you always look so healthy.
You say to him: .

EXPRESSIONS SIMILAR TO MODAL VERBS

EXPRESSION
Be supposed to +
infinitive

Be to + infinitive

USE
means should but it
expresses the idea that
someone else expects
something to be done.

EXAMPLE
Im supposed to attend the
seminar. (The manager
expects me to do so. I
should attend the seminar.
Its a good idea because I
might get some useful
information.)

means must but it

expresses the idea that
someone else demands
something.

I am to be at the airport at
9.00. (My boss has told me
to go there, so I cant avoid
it.) I must be at the airport
at 9.00. (If I dont get there,
there will be no one to meet
Mr. Jones who is coming
tonight.)
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Be supposed to and be to

are used to express what

someone expects about a
previously arranged event.

The conference is supposed/

is to start tomorrow. (It is
scheduled.)

Be likely to

means may (possibility).

To express possibility in
questions we dont use
may. We use: Is he likely
to?, Is it likely that
he?, Can he?, Could
he?, Might he?.

Is he likely to win the race?

Is it likely that he will win
the race? Could he win the
race?, etc.

Would you mind

is used to express polite,

formal requests.

Would you mind lending

me a hand?

Lets/How
about?/Why dont
we?/What about?

are used to make

suggestions.

Lets go for a ride. How

about going for a ride?
Why dont we go for a
ride? What about going for
a ride?

Would you like to/would

you like me to? (=Shall
I...?)

are used when we offer to

do something.

Would you like me to write

the report? (Shall I write
the report?)

Be allowed to

is used to express
permission, to say what the
rule is.

He was allowed to cross the

border. (not He could cross
the border.) Was he allowed
to enter the building?

PRACTICE:
1.

Fill in: must or have to.

Welcome on behalf of Newton Industries. Id like to explain a few of the factory rules. Mr.
Newton has said we 1) ..... wear overalls at all times. He wants us to arrive at 8
am and we 2) .. clock in. There is a possibility of working overtime, but you 3)
.... decide whether you want to work extra hours. Mr. Newton insists that we 4)
..... have fifteen-minute breaks every three or four hours but we 5)
... choose when we would like those breaks. There is a problem with parking.
The city insists we 6) .... use the public garage. They believe parking on the
grass is too damaging to public property and I 7) .... say I agree. Finally, as far
as health insurance is concerned, you 8) .. register as soon as possible. Are
there any questions?

2. Fill in: mustnt or needn t.

9

Tom,
Thanks for offering to chair tomorrows meeting for me. Apart from Sally and Dave, the
sales staff 1) .. attend, but the Personnel people 2) miss it, as several
matters concern them. You 3) mention the new offices we can deal with that
later and you 4) . discuss the changes in the computer course timetables since
theyre not urgent. Dont forget that you 5) mention the visit by the inspectors;
we dont want people panicking. You 6) .. forget to bring up the matter of the
Smithson contract, and you also 7) leave out the new managers appointment.
You 8) . go into details unless people have questions. But remember you 9)
. give anyone the idea their job is at risk because of this. Make it clear that
employees 10) speak unless they want to. Last but not least, you 11) ..
mention the staff party. Mr. Jones wants to announce that himself. By the way, you 12)
take notes as my secretary will be there to do that.
Thanks,
Laura
3. Fill in: neednt have or didnt need/have to, dont need/have to/neednt and the correct
form of the verbs in brackets.
Have you seen Modern Families yet? Paul asked Mary as he was checking through the
cinema listings.
I saw it last night, she replied. I 1) ... (go) through I already
knew what it would be like.
Didnt you like it?
Not really. The director 2) . (spend) so much money presenting
such a weak story. Its a good thing I 3) .. (pay) to get in.
How did you manage that? asked Paul.
I went with Tom, she answered. Critics 4) (pay) to see films,
you know.
How was the acting?
Well, the director 5) . (hire) such good actors for a movie like
that. said Mary. I mean you 6) (have) much talent to sit around talking
about nothing for hours.
Did Tom review it?
He 7) (write) about it. Somebody else had done it for his paper.
We just went out of curiosity, but we really 8) (go).

E. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
1. Role play the following situation.
Two persons act out a job interview. The interviewee (applicant) is applying for a Market
Researcher position at Coca Cola Company. The interviewer is the Sales Manager at Coca
Cola Company.
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Sales Manager
Market Researcher
Interviewers Questions
Interviewees Answers
GENERAL
I have been working as .
What sort of person are you?/ Tell me I hold a degree/ diploma in ..
I feel that my experience/ ability/
about yourself.
What would you describe as your knowledge/ dedication/ organizational skills
will be useful.
greatest achievement to date?
What are your greatest strengths and I have always thought that one of my assets
is
weaknesses?
What are your personal interests?/
How do you spend your free time?
Interviewees Questions
What decisions do you find it easy to
What career opportunities exist within
make? difficult to make?
your company?/ What is the firms
What motivates you?
policy regarding promotions?
JOB-RELATED

Will I work independently or as a

What things are most important to you
member of a team?
in a job?
What do you expect of your employees
Do you prefer working in a team or on
in terms of clothing, working hours,
your own?
deadlines?
Why should we offer you this job?/
How
often
is
an
employees
How does your education equip you
performance evaluated and what criteria
for this job?/ Why do you feel qualified
are used?
for this position?
Do you offer any fringe benefits/ perks/
What do you know about our
bonuses?
organization?
What are your short/ long terms plans
for the future?/ How long would you
plan to stay with this company?
What sort of salary are you expecting?
PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE
What do you like best about your
current job?
What did you learn in your last job?
Why do you want to change jobs?
Do your present employers know
where you are?
What will you do if you dont get this
job?
2. Write a letter of application for a position/ job you have just seen advertised in a national
newspaper, following the guidelines. (SEE MODEL)
- name of the post;
- where advertised;
- present job;
- duties/ responsibilities;
- academic qualifications;
- other skills;
- personal qualities/ experience;
- reason for wanting the job;
- closing remarks.
11

THE LAYOUT OF AN APPLICATION LETTER

Your Street Address

City, State Zip Code
Telephone Number
E-mail Address
Month, Day, Year
Mr./Ms./Dr. First Name Last Name
Title
Name of Organization
Street or P. O. Box Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name,
Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position,
and basic information about yourself.
2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does
(Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter).
Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to
the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the
employers needs. (Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for
you.) This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the
fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a
position.
3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk
with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do
to follow up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employers
location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to
provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his
consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your handwritten signature [on hard copy])
Your name typed
Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, etc.)

12

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Replace with First name(s) Surname(s)

[All CV headings are optional. Remove any empty headings.]

Replace with house number, street name, city, postcode, country

Replace with telephone number

Replace with mobile number

State e-mail address

State personal website(s)
Replace with type of IM service Replace with messaging account(s)
Sex Enter sex | Date of birth dd/mm/yyyy | Nationality Enter nationality/-ies
JOB APPLIED FOR
POSITION
PREFERRED JOB
STUDIES APPLIED FOR

Replace with job applied for / position / preferred job / studies applied
for (delete non relevant headings in left column)

WORK EXPERIENCE
[Add separate entries for each experience. Start from the most recent.]

Replace with dates (from - to)

Replace with occupation or position held

Replace with employers name and locality (if relevant, full address and website)

Replace with main activities and responsibilities

Business or sector Replace with type of business or sector

EDUCATION AND
TRAINING
[Add separate entries for each course. Start from the most recent.]

Replace with dates (from - to)

Replace with qualification awarded

Replace with EQF

(or other) level if
relevant

Replace with education or training organisations name and locality (if relevant, country)

Replace with a list of principal subjects covered or skills acquired

PERSONAL SKILLS
[Remove any headings left empty.]

Mother tongue(s)
Other language(s)

Replace with mother tongue(s)

UNDERSTANDING

Listening

Replace with language

Enter level

SPEAKING

WRITING

Reading

Spoken interaction

Spoken production

Enter level

Enter level

Enter level

Enter level

Replace with name of language certificate. Enter level if known.

Replace with language

Enter level

Enter level

Enter level

Enter level

Enter level

Replace with name of language certificate. Enter level if known.

Levels: A1/2: Basic user - B1/2: Independent user - C1/2 Proficient user
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Communication skills
Organisational / managerial skills

Replace with your communication skills. Specify in what context they were acquired. Example:

good communication skills gained through my experience as sales manager

Replace with your organisational / managerial skills. Specify in what context they were acquired.
Example:

leadership (currently responsible for a team of 10 people)

13

Job-related skills

Computer skills
Other skills

Driving licence

Replace with any job-related skills not listed elsewhere. Specify in what context they were acquired.
Example:

good command of quality control processes (currently responsible for quality audit)
Replace with your computer skills. Specify in what context they were acquired. Example:

good command of Microsoft Office tools

Replace with other relevant skills not already mentioned. Specify in what context they were acquired.
Example:
carpentry
Replace with driving licence category/-ies. Example:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Publications
Presentations
Projects
Conferences
Seminars
Honours and awards
Memberships
References

Replace with relevant publications, presentations, projects, conferences, seminars, honours and
awards, memberships, references. Remove headings not relevant in the left column.
Example of publication:

How to write a successful CV, New Associated Publishers, London, 2002.

Example of project:

Devon new public library. Principal architect in charge of design, production, bidding and
construction supervision (2008-2012).

ANNEXES
Replace with list of documents annexed to your CV. Examples:

copies of degrees and qualifications;

testimonial of employment or work placement;

publications or research.

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR CANDIDATES IN

14

MASTER IN MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES

For Useful Phrases for Letters of Recommendation, check:
http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~natalia/studyinus/guide/recom/phrases.htm
Name:
Position:
Company/ University:
Address:
Telephone:
Email:
Name of Candidate:
Candidates Chosen Program:
Candidates Date of Birth:

Evaluations
Please write a short candid description of the candidate. We are particularly interested in the
candidates strengths, weaknesses and characteristics that would help the Selection
Committee judge the candidates aptitude to succeed in the programme. Specific examples
are more useful than generalisations.

Please describe the candidates potential for becoming a responsible and successful
manager in international business compared with other students or employees
whom you have known in a similar capacity.

How would you characterise the candidates major strengths?

What do you consider to be his or her major weaknesses?

15

How would you evaluate the candidates motivation, initiative and drive? Please
give examples.

How do you see the candidates career progressing over the next five years?

Are there other issues you think the Admissions Office should consider in assessing
this candidates suitability for the chosen Master programme(s).

16

Please give your impression of the candidate in the chart below.

Top 2 % = Top 10% Top 25% Top 50% Bottom 50% unobserved
Exceptional =
= Good
=
=
Very
Average Unsatisfactor
Good
y

Academic ability
Competence in
his/her field
Professionalism
Focus on task at
hand
Motivation
Intellectual
curiosity
Entrepreneurial
spirit/ initiative
Creativity and
innovative thinking
Teamwork ability
Organisational
ability
Oral English
communication
skills
Written English
communication
skills
Capacity to reason
and present
arguments logically

__________
Signature
Official Stamp

Date

17