Introduction
A solid recruitment policy is indispensable if you want to attract the right candidates, especially when competition is tough and top talent is scarce. In fact, 70% of hiring professionals believe there’s currently a talent shortage. As organizations struggle to find suitable hires, over half have shifted to skills-based hiring.
This shift has led to:
- 74% of companies evaluating candidates’ skills in new ways
- 68% rewriting job descriptions
- 20% removing degree requirements altogether
This article, brought to you by Token Talent — a leading HR software platform in the Middle East, including countries such as United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman — discusses how to write a recruitment policy and what to include in one. It also provides a free recruitment policy template to help you strengthen your organization’s recruitment process using tools like Token Talent’s applicant tracking system (ATS).
What is a Recruitment Policy?
A recruitment policy (or recruitment and selection policy) is a formal document that defines how a company attracts, evaluates, and hires new employees. It acts as a blueprint for every stage of the recruitment process.
Why is a Recruitment Policy Important?
A recruitment or hiring policy defines how an organization gains new hires by mapping out a straightforward, consistent process. It:
- Ensures legal compliance
- Promotes fairness and equity
- Supports a diverse and inclusive workplace
- Aligns with company culture and values
Without a recruitment policy, organizations risk inefficiencies, bias, and legal issues. Token Talent helps automate and streamline these processes for better outcomes.
Recruitment Policy vs. Recruitment Framework
Recruitment Policy: Defines the ‘what’ and ‘why’ — rules, goals, and legal safeguards. Recruitment Framework: Covers the ‘how’ — structure, procedures, and tools like Token Talent’s ATS for execution.
Together, they form a comprehensive hiring strategy.
11 Key Elements to Include in a Recruitment Policy
- Scope and Objectives
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Legal and Ethical Hiring Guidelines
- Steps in the Recruitment Process
- Equal Opportunity and DEIB Commitment
- Use of Recruitment Tools like Token Talent ATS
- Internal vs. External Hiring Considerations
- Data Protection and Candidate Privacy
- Pre-employment Checks and Assessments
- Use of External Recruitment Partners
- Appeals or Candidate Feedback Process
Benefits of Using a Recruitment Policy Template
- Saves time and effort
- Ensures consistency across teams
- Reduces legal risk
- Customizable to your organization
- Easy to integrate with HR software like Token Talent
- Improves training for HR staff
Key Elements of a Recruitment Policy Template
1. Recruitment Philosophy
Defines your company’s approach to identifying and valuing talent.
2. Recruitment Framework
Outlines hiring workflows, decision-makers, and stages. Tools like Token Talent simplify this with digital process flows.
3. Job Requisition and Approval Process
Formalizes how roles are requested and approved — easily managed within Token Talent’s hiring dashboard.
4. Advertising and Sourcing Channels
Specifies job boards, agencies, and referral programs. Token Talent integrates with top job portals in the Middle East, including Bayt, GulfTalent, Naukrigulf, and others.
5. Interviewing and Selection Procedures
Standardizes interviews and reduces bias with structured rubrics — all trackable within the Token Talent app.
6. Background and Reference Checks
Ensures checks are fair and compliant. Token Talent allows secure document and reference uploads.
7. Offer Management and Documentation
Facilitates transparent, efficient offer processes. Token Talent automates approval workflows and letter generation.
8. Equal Opportunity and Anti-discrimination Clauses
Promotes fair practices aligned with DEIB standards.
9. Review Dates and Policy Ownership
Assigns ownership and sets review intervals.
10. Resources
Links to internal tools, guidelines, and platforms like Token Talent’s employee portal.
Free Recruitment Policy Template
Need a starting point? Download Token Talent’s customizable recruitment policy template to jumpstart your hiring process.
9 Steps to Write a Recruitment Policy
Step 1: Define Recruitment Goals
Align recruitment with business strategy.
Step 2: Gather Input from HR, Legal, and Leadership
Ensure practicality, compliance, and alignment.
Step 3: Map Your Existing Hiring Process
Identify current workflows and tools in use.
Step 4: Identify Gaps and Compliance Risks
Find inefficiencies or risk points.
Step 5: Choose a Template
Use Token Talent’s template as a reliable starting point.
Step 6: Customize the Template
Adapt to your company’s tone, culture, and values.
Step 7: Review with Stakeholders
Get feedback from all hiring team members.
Step 8: Train Hiring Managers
Use Token Talent’s training tools for consistent implementation.
Step 9: Update Regularly
Keep it current with business changes and legal updates.
Real-Life Recruitment Policy Examples
Example 1: University of York
Merit-based, inclusive process.
Example 2: CUTS International
Transparent and equal opportunity hiring.
Example 3: Google
Fair, values-driven hiring aligned with privacy standards.
Example 4: Microsoft
Structured, data-informed recruitment strategy.
Conclusion: Align Your Hiring with Token Talent
With hiring shifting towards skills-based and DEIB-driven practices, your recruitment policy must evolve. Using Token Talent’s HR software in the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, organizations can:
- Standardize hiring across departments
- Eliminate bias and reduce legal risk
- Provide a seamless candidate experience
A well-defined policy, paired with digital tools like Token Talent’s applicant tracking system, ensures consistent, inclusive, and efficient recruitment — empowering your organization to hire smarter, faster, and fairer.
