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The use of qualifications by employers is poorly understood and documented.
This study explored how employers use qualifications in their recruiting
processes.
- The study found that about half of the 359 employers surveyed used
qualifications as a screening mechanism and minimal requirement
in their selection processes, while a quarter used them as a sorting
or ranking
mechanism. Employers valued qualifications as a signal of greater
potential for further learning and skills acquisition.
- As a signal of immediate competence, employers placed a high priority
on previous work experience and experience in their industry. Employers
also considered personal qualities in their recruitment decisions.
- These uses of qualifications by employers do not apply across the
board to all positions within the enterprise. They apply more to professional,
managerial and clerical employees. Employers typically rely on networks
and local contacts and work experience for operator level and technical
trades positions. The growth of casual employment has not altered
these
behaviours.
- The detailed results suggest that qualifications are embedded in
employers' recruitment
decisions. However, there is room to build stronger currency of vocational
education and training (VET) qualifications by linking them with industry
and work experience to reflect the behaviours and experiences that
are most valued by employers.
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