Comprehensive hiring and separation practices

Hiring practices

The hiring process is an important mechanism for offering opportunities to enhance employability when it is well integrated with a whole range of efficient personnel management practices, such as apprenticeship opportunities, employer-based training, incentive pay, and employee participation. The commitment to "equal opportunity" -- publicly announced in advertising jobs in the database -- will also play a role in improving the labour market situation of disadvantaged people.

59. We recommend that human resources personnel be trained in cultural sensitivity and equity issues and demonstrate an inclusive attitude in the recruitment and selection process.

Employers, individually and collectively through their sectoral organizations, have a major impact on orientation and career decisions made early by students in the education system. Ignoring school marks or providing incentives to students to leave school before graduation by offering short-term, low-wage jobs sends the wrong signals to students and harms them in the long term by affecting their future employability. On the other hand, by clearly articulating what they expect from young recruits, employers send a useful message to students and all partners in the education system.

60. We recommend that employers clearly and publicly articulate their criteria for recruiting personnel for entry-level positions to send adequate signals to students, parents, and professionals in the education system, and training providers about aptitudes, competencies, and qualifications required for those positions.

61. We recommend that sectoral organizations develop standards, where appropriate, and facilitate partnership initiatives with educational institutions and training providers.