The Role of the Human Resources Department in Recruiting Employees

Introduction


Recruiting the right employees is one of the most important jobs of the Human Resources (HR) department. In today’s business world, organisations must find, select and hire people who fit both the job and the organisation. In a Sri Lankan government bank branch, HR therefore plays a vital role in securing staff who can serve customers, follow rules and support public trust.


What is the HR Department?

    The HR department is the function within an organisation that takes care of employees — from hiring to training, performance management and handling issues (Mudannayake & Weerasinghe, 2021). One of its key roles is recruiting employees — that is, finding and acquiring the right talent so the organisation has the right people in the right jobs (Sarwary, Faizi & Banayee, 2022).

Why Recruiting is So Important

    If a company hires the wrong person, it may lose money, waste time or damage its reputation. Recruiting well ensures that the organisation has qualified, motivated staff who help meet its goals (Ramakrishnan & Nanthagopan, 2023). In the context of a government bank branch in Sri Lanka, where service, compliance and trust matter, recruiting becomes more than just filling a vacancy — it becomes future‐facing talent planning.

Key Responsibilities of the HR Department in Recruiting

  1. Human Resource Planning & Job Analysis — Before recruiting, HR must understand what jobs are needed now and in the future and what skills and qualifications are required (Sarwary et al., 2022).
  2. Attracting Candidates (Sourcing) — HR creates clear job descriptions, advertises both internally and externally, and may use job boards or agencies to attract suitable candidates.
  3. Selection Process — Once candidates apply, HR screens resumes, shortlists, conducts interviews and background/reference checks, and then makes job offers (Mudannayake & Weerasinghe, 2021).
  4. Onboarding and Integration — Recruiting doesn’t end at the hire. HR helps new employees to join the organisation, learn their roles, become ready and integrate into the team (Sarwary et al., 2022).
  5. Ensuring Strategic Fit and Compliance — HR must ensure that recruited staff fit the strategic goals of the organisation, its culture and comply with labour laws and internal policies (Ramakrishnan & Nanthagopan, 2023).

Conclusion

    Recruiting employees is a central responsibility of the HR department. It requires planning, sourcing, selecting and integrating. As a branch manager in a Sri Lankan government bank branch, understanding these responsibilities will help me to support the branch’s mission: get the right people, boost productivity and meet organisational goals.

References

Mudannayake, M. & Weerasinghe, K. (2021) ‘The perceptions of human resource professionals and persons with disabilities about recruitment … in Sri Lanka’, Kelaniya Journal of Human Resource Management, 16(02), pp. 38-49.

Sarwary, K., Faizi, F. & Banayee, M.R. (2022) ‘The role of human resource planning on the improvement of employees’ recruitment process’, Journal of Corporate Finance Management and Banking System, 2(25), pp. 29-41.

Ramakrishnan, V. & Nanthagopan, Y. (2023) ‘Strategic human resource management challenges in graduate development officer recruitment in Sri Lanka’, Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences, 46(1), pp. 125-138.

Comments

  1. niroshaniNovember 7, 2025 at 10:20 AM

    Here is a clear and well-structured overview of the role of HR in recruitment. It highlights how strategic planning and careful selection are essential to building trust and efficiency in government banking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kalani BinushaNovember 18, 2025 at 7:20 AM

      Thank you for your kind words. Yes, proper recruitment is very important for public trust and smooth service.

      Delete
  2. Rukshan HewamallikageNovember 22, 2025 at 1:02 AM

    Reading this article on the role of HR in recruiting for a Sri Lankan government bank, I’m struck by how universal these lessons are across service industries. In hotels, just like in banks, recruitment isn’t only about filling a vacancy — it’s about safeguarding trust, ensuring compliance, and creating memorable experiences for the people we serve. A poorly chosen hire can affect guest satisfaction as much as a bank customer’s confidence. What resonates with me is the emphasis on planning, onboarding, and cultural fit. In hospitality, we see every new recruit as a future ambassador of our brand, and HR’s role in shaping that journey is critical. This article reminds us that recruitment is not a transaction but a long‑term investment in dignity, service quality, and organizational success

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kalani BinushaNovember 28, 2025 at 2:52 AM

      Thank you! I agree, recruitment is a long-term investment in trust and service quality.

      Delete
  3. DayanNovember 26, 2025 at 9:33 AM


    This blog provides a solid, practical explanation of the HR recruitment lifecycle, effectively highlighting its strategic importance beyond just filling vacancies. The focus on planning, compliance, and integration—especially within a structured environment like a government bank—correctly frames recruitment as a critical business function essential for long-term organizational health and service delivery. A concise and useful primer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kalani BinushaNovember 28, 2025 at 2:52 AM

      Thanks! Yes, recruitment is a key strategic function in government banks.

      Delete
  4. Dilmini WanigasekaraNovember 27, 2025 at 8:26 AM

    Good post! As a banker working in the Sri Lankan financial sector, I find this post highly relevant especially for institutions like government banks where trust, compliance and service quality are essential. The HR department truly sits at the heart of our operations. In branches, we often experience firsthand how the quality of recruitment directly affects customer satisfaction, workflow efficiency and even the bank’s reputation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kalani BinushaNovember 28, 2025 at 2:52 AM

      Thank you! I also see how good recruitment strongly improves branch service and reputation.

      Delete
  5. Ashoka JADDecember 2, 2025 at 4:31 PM

    Your post offers a well-structured academic analysis that successfully links the universal principles of HR recruitment to the specific compliance and service demands of a public sector institution in Sri Lanka. It serves as an excellent foundational summary for anyone seeking to understand the strategic value of quality recruitment in this environment.

    ReplyDelete

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