What does recruitment mean?
Recruitment is the organized process of finding and bringing in people to fill jobs, join an organization, or support an activity. It commonly refers to the hiring of employees, including the advertising of vacancies, selecting candidates, and encouraging suitable applicants to accept positions. The word can also describe military enlistment or the broader effort to attract members to a cause, club, or institution. Recruitment often carries a practical and organizational meaning, but it may also imply active persuasion: organizations speak of recruitment campaigns, drives, and strategies when they are trying to overcome shortages or expand their workforce. The related verb is “recruit,” meaning to enlist or attract someone for a role, while “recruiter” denotes a person or organization involved in finding candidates.
nounThe process of finding, hiring, or attracting people for a job, organization, or other role. In a military context, it refers to the process of enlisting people into the armed forces.
- The process of finding and hiring people for jobs or other positions.
- The process of enlisting people into an organization, especially the armed forces.
- The act of attracting members or participants to a group, activity, or cause.
"The company increased its recruitment after launching several new projects."
"The hospital has introduced a new recruitment program to address its staffing shortages."
"Military recruitment increased after the government announced plans for expansion."
Usually countable when referring to separate hiring campaigns or organized processes.
"The company conducted several recruitments for its expanding operations."
From the military sense of raising an army, “recruitment” grew into a word for how organizations find the people they need.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recruitment come from?
“Recruitment” entered English in the 16th century from French “recrutement,” a word derived from “recruter.” The French verb came from a military context and ultimately relates to Latin “recruta,” referring to newly raised troops or a levy. English “recruit” and “recruiter” developed through the same French and military tradition, with “recruter” surviving as an archaic spelling or form.
Related word forms
How recruitment is actually used
In modern general use, “recruitment” usually describes hiring or attracting employees, applicants, members, or participants. Its military sense remains common, while “conscription” is more specifically used for compulsory military service.
Easily confused with recruitment
Recruitment generally means attracting and selecting people for a role or organization, while conscription specifically means compelling people to serve in the armed forces.