Understanding Candidate Data in the Recruitment Process
In light of the full enactment of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) on 1 July 2021, consumers and businesses are welcoming the next steps in implementing a law to better protect their privacy. The recruitment industry is not exempt as data protection law compliance is vital across boards. South Africa has experienced a cross-industry rise in cyberattacks in 2019 – approximately R2.2 billion annually is lost to cyberattacks. The country is placed as that with the third-highest number of cybercrime victims globally.
Every use of personal data, including when your organisation’s Human Resources (HR) department and recruitment managers hire people for customers or employees, is subject to data protection laws. It requires urgent and necessary actions to ensure that this data is protected, and to comply with such obligations, awareness and education are your best start.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was implemented in 2016 and came into effect in 2018, changing how recruitment companies in Europe managed their personal data. In the South African context of employment, POPIA follows the example of this legislation and licenses the right to privacy. It covers all personal and special personal information that employers may have regarding job applicants, employees and former employees and limits the extent to which others may process this information. A 2020 report by Africa Tech notes that the organisations that can invest in cybersecurity face shortages in trained practitioners, which has hindered South Africa’s ability to implement measures that prevent and mitigate current threats. Now more than ever, legislation that tackles cybercrime is vital.
Personal information – the information of a natural or juristic person such as a physical address, Identification (ID) number and employment history
Processing – the handling of personal information such as collection, recording and distributing
The primary purpose of data law protection is to empower and protect people. When you find employment for job candidates, you empower them. Here are some instances that you may not have considered where you or your organisation process personal data:
- The collection of Curriculum Vitae (CVs) and information in supporting documents
- Background checks, including credit and criminal checks
- Database creation of candidates for customers requiring resources in the future
- Monitoring and storage of CCTV footage for your organisation’s security purposes
- Controlling physical access to your office through access cards and biometric information
Furthermore, you can ensure that your recruitment process is efficient and POPIA compliant with five steps:
- Asking for and documenting candidate consent
- Transparent recruitment process
- Updating or implementing your recruitment privacy policy
- Using a POPIA compliant candidate tracking system
- Performing a data audit
Your role and responsibility should be to act legitimately and lawfully with personal information within the recruitment industry. This begins the moment you receive any form of information from candidates. Where you use or reject, information is vital that a candidate is included and updated in this process.
Professional Sourcing specialises in executive placements within the African continent. Get in touch to find out more about current C-suite vacancies.
Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. Visit prosourcing.co.za for more info.
Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas.
Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. Visit prosourcing.co.za for more info.
Professional Sourcing has a strong reputation for highly developed recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. We develop strong long-term relationships with our loyal clients. Allow us to help you deal with your frustrations of a lengthy hiring process.
Professional Sourcing is a top-tier South African-based recruitment agency operating internationally, IPM accredited, LEVEL 2 BEE RATED and 51% Black Owned.