Recruitment Fall 2024: An Overview
In an association such as ESN Coimbra, driven entirely by volunteers, the recruitment and onboarding process is essential for the growth and sustainability of the organisation.
To gain further insight into this process, two key members of the Fall recruitment team shared their perspectives: Mariana Faustino, member of the Human Resources Department, and Maria Morgado, the department's Coordinator.
The recruitment process begins with a call for applications via collective email, social media, and institutional channels. Candidates selected from this initial stage are invited for interviews and, if successful, move on to a group dynamics exercise. Those who stand out are invited to the Onboarding Day, a special event designed to introduce the mission, vision, and structure of ESN Coimbra.
This year’s recruitment and onboarding process stood out due to its careful planning — which began as early as August — and the team's dedication to continuous improvement. Despite a general reduction in volunteer numbers, the department has reinforced its support materials, including a Rookie Checklist, a Comprehensive Survival Guide, and other helpful resources to ensure smoother integration.
The process also included the introduction of stricter selection criteria and the full involvement of the HR department, making sure that all team members had an active role. Close collaboration with other departments played a crucial part, highlighting the importance of interdepartmental synergy.
Despite the formal nature of the onboarding event, feedback from new members was overwhelmingly positive. As Mariana Faustino noted, “Although the onboarding day is a required formality, it is an important foundation for building trust and connection between new members.”
The commitment and teamwork of the Human Resources department, along with their openness to feedback and growth, continue to be vital for the successful integration of new volunteers into ESN Coimbra. This project is a testament to the dedication and professionalism behind the scenes.
By Bernardo Micaelo
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