Page 115 - Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies

8: Recruitment, selection and training of workers

A candidate being interviewed for a job

Selecting the right candidate
TOP TIP Following the interviews and results of any test, the interview panel will select who
Do not confuse job description they think is the best applicant for the job.
with person specification. Learn The applicant will receive a formal job offer in writing, although they might fi rst

the difference between the two receive a phone call offering them the job. Once they start work, they will be given a

and how they are used in the
contract of employment and induction training (see below).
recruitment process. 113
Benefits and limitations of part-time and full-time workers
Not all workers want to, or are able to, work full-time. Although in some countries
things are changing, women are more likely to want to work part-time so that
they can combine work with raising a family or other commitments. College and
university students are another important source of part-time workers.
There are a number of benefits to a business of employing part-time workers,

such as:

■ A business can often attract well-qualified workers – mainly women – who want to
return to work but need to have flexible working hours.

■ Offering a full-time worker the opportunity to work part-time can help a business to
keep experienced staff .
■ Part-time work provides greater flexibility. For example, if a worker is off sick, part-

time workers can often cover their duties at short notice.

■ The contract hours of part-time workers may be flexible to allow for changes in
demand. The part-time worker works longer hours during busy periods and fewer
hours when the business is less busy.
■ There is some evidence to suggest that part-time workers are more productive
than full-time workers. Perhaps because they work fewer hours so are less tired, or
because they are motivated to work for an employer who recognises the benefits of
part-time workers.
■ Employing two part-time workers instead of one full-time worker, oft en increases
the skills and experiences of the workforce.

■ Part-time workers do not need to take time off work for medical and dental

appointments. When full-time workers take time off for these reasons, output falls.