Enhancing candidate quality: E-recruitment in the Tanzania Public Service Recruitment Secretariat

The advent of online recruitment and selection in the Tanzanian public service was a strategy to reduce bureaucratic challenges in the recruitment process. This could create equal access to public service employment opportunities for all people. The extant studies did not specifically explain how the adoption of e-recruitment systems improved the quality of public service recruitment processes in Tanzania. Thus, this study assessed the effectiveness of e-recruitment and selection processes in Tanzania's public sector, with a specific focus on the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat (PSRS) in Dodoma. Sociotechnical Theory (STT) guided this research. A qualitative research approach was employed to gain in-depth insights into the experiences, perceptions, and challenges associated with e-recruitment. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with HR personnel directly involved in recruitment processes, as well as job applicants who had used the PSRS online platform to apply for public sector positions. The findings of this study indicate that e-recruitment has significantly improved recruitment effectiveness by automating various aspects of the hiring process. The system has helped reduce administrative burdens, minimise paperwork, and accelerate candidate shortlisting. The study concludes that while e-recruitment offers substantial advantages in candidate quality, recruitment and selection effectiveness, and transparency in the public sector recruitment process, several structural and technological challenges must be addressed to optimise its effectiveness. Hence, the need to increase investment in digital infrastructure and comprehensive training for both HR personnel and job applicants. This shows the significance of e-recruitment and civil service reforms for quality recruitment and selection in Dodoma, Tanzania, and other regions with similar environments. Conclusively, despite the challenges, e-recruitment at the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat (PSRS) is a valuable tool that plays an important role in improving the quality of human resources in Tanzania's public sector. Tanzania. There is a need to improve e-government infrastructure nationwide, train staff to use e-recruitment systems effectively and efficiently, and fill the e-recruitment gap by having HR personnel assess soft skills.