Benefits and limitations of external sources of recruitment

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of external sources of recruitment?

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Advantages of External Sources of Recruitment

(i) Wide options—External sources bring in a large number of applicants. This will permit the enterprise to have a free hand in making the selection.

(ii) Infusion of new blood—The enterprise can expect to get fresh, talented candidates from outside. This means infusion of new blood and new ideas, into the enterprise represented by outside candidates.

(iii) Element of Competition—Internal candidates have to compete with outside candidates for the vacancies. This is a healthy feature from the point of view of the enterprise.

Limitations of External Source of Recruitment

Frustration among existing employees-Recruitment from outside may cause dissatisfaction and frustration among the existing employees who aspire for the jobs by promotion or transfer. This is likely to strain the relations between management and the employees.

High expense—The process of recruitment of candidates from outside involves considerable expense in the form of advertising for vacancies, screening and selection.

Time consuming-External recruitment takes more time than the internal recruitment since the enterprise has to publicise about the vacancies, or otherwise contact the sources and wait for their response.

Lack of certainty—The prospective candidates from outside may or may not be good for the enterprise. There is no guarantee that the enterprise will be able to attract suitable applicants even after advertisement, and other steps.