All vacancies at various levels in an organization cannot be filled through internal sources of recruitment. Explain any five external sources of recruitment.

Five external sources of recruitment are:

1. Advertisements — Advertisements in newspapers and journals are the most widely used method of attracting candidates. The job requirement and terms of employment are given in the advertisement. Candidates evaluate themselves against the job requirements and send applications. Advertisements bring a large number of applications due to wide circulation. This method is convenient and economical.

2. Employment Exchanges — Employment exchanges run by the Government register job-seekers and notify vacancies. The exchange supplies a list of candidates fulfilling the required qualifications. This source is useful for semi-skilled and unskilled personnel, and no cost is involved.

3. Placement Agencies — Private employment agencies advertise vacancies, receive applications, conduct interviews, and short-list candidates on behalf of employers. They charge a fee but are popular for recruiting managerial and technical personnel.

4. Educational Institutions (Campus Recruitment) — Companies maintain liaison with management and technical institutes. Brilliant students are spotted during their studies and offered jobs on completion. Examples include recruitment from IITs and IIMs. It is suitable for recruiting engineers, computer experts, and managers.

5. Gate Hiring — Small firms make recruitment at the factory gate. Workers gather at the gate after reading the notice of vacancies, and suitable candidates are selected. This method is used to fill temporary and casual vacancies.