Impact of qualifications during recruitment and selection

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative research is to investigate employers’ perceptions of applicants' qualification when selecting potential candidates for jobs in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. This study sought to review the extent to which employers value candidates’ level of qualifications within this sector. The main aim of this study was to explore what makes an individual employable in Malta and what validity is given to qualifications in the ICT sector. The research data was acquired through one-to-one, in-depth, semi-structured online interviews, conducted between December 2020 and January 2021, with eight respondents who are Human Resources professionals. All of whom have experience recruiting personnel for this sector. Seven of the participants were from a private company and one was from the public sector. After the interviews, the data collected were analysed and the themes formed. The research findings show that even though qualifications are considered crucial in the ICT sector, for a person to perform well on the job other factors are also required for such IT positions. These included employment experience and culture fit. Moreover, employers claimed that candidates' participation in work placements may increase their chances of employment. It was suggested, that educational institutions and employers should collaborate more to ensure that their courses reflect the requirements of IT job positions in today’s labour market. This research study provides a perception of the value of qualifications from the employers' side, together with other aspects that are measured during the recruitment and selection process and reflect the needs of the labour market in the ICT sector