What is the process of deciding which applicant is the best fit for a job called?

The process of deciding which applicant is the best fit for a job is known as personnel selection. This term encompasses the series of methods and procedures used by employers to evaluate candidates for a position and determine their suitability for it based on various criteria such as skills, experience, and cultural fit within the organization.

Personnel selection involves multiple steps, including reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and possibly utilizing assessment tests or reference checks. The objective is to make an informed decision that aligns the talents and qualifications of the candidate with the requirements and values of the organization. This process is critical for ensuring that the chosen candidate not only has the right competencies but also will contribute positively to the team and organizational goals.

In contrast, recruitment refers to the initial process of attracting candidates to apply for a job; job placement involves assigning an employee to a specific position; and employee evaluation typically refers to assessing an employee's performance after they have been hired. Each of these actions plays a role in the broader human resource management framework but does not specifically refer to the decision-making process involved in selecting the most suitable candidate.