The human resource perspective on the values of education for recruitment

Abstract

This qualitative research set out to explore the perspective of human resource (HR) representatives and hiring managers on the value of educational qualifications during the recruitment process. The study illustrates how much a recruiter in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector values a candidate’s level of qualifications obtained by the two main tertiary educational institutions in Malta: the University of Malta (UM) and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). Although qualifications are deemed necessary in the ICT sector for an individual to perform on the job, other factors that qualify candidates to be chosen for information technology (IT) roles are also explored. These include informal education and family background. The research is based on one-to-one in-depth interviews that were held with eight respondents that occupy the position of HR Managers, HR Executives or hiring managers. The themes that emerged from the collected data were analysed after the interviews were concluded. The findings suggest that qualifications are valued amongst recruiters in the ICT sector, however their value is either equal to or less than the value attributed to such other factors as an applicant’s informal education. Nonetheless, considering that there is quite a substantial low supply of ICT suitably qualified candidates in the labour market, employers are forced to resort to the next best alternative. Research suggests that there are various means to address this situation. This can be achieved by collaboration between educational institutions and employers in order to ensure that tertiary institutions design their courses in a manner that enhances employability while meeting the constantly changing needs of the labour market due to evolving technology. Overall, this research study provides an overview of the value of qualifications together with other factors that are considered during the recruitment and selection process, as well as the demanding needs of the labour market in the ICT sector.