Map the work before automating it
Course overview · 10 min reading + 5 min practice, estimated
See the handoffs
Map the journey: agree the brief, research the market, identify candidates, contact people, assess evidence, present the shortlist, coordinate interviews and manage the offer. For each step, record its input, owner, output and the condition that makes it ready for the next step.
Find friction with evidence
Look for repeated entry, missing information, unclear ownership and waiting time. A recruiter copying an interview note into three systems is a better starting point than a vague goal to automate recruitment. Measure a few examples before deciding which problem matters most.
Choose a small first change
Select a frequent, reversible task with clear inputs and an obvious quality check. Preparing a draft briefing summary can fit. Making an unsupported final candidate rejection does not. Keep a named person accountable for reviewing outputs and handling exceptions.
Put it into practice
Map six steps in a search. Choose one repeated task, identify its owner and describe the check required before its output is used.
Use fictional information and keep your work in your own notes.
Sources and further reading
Original Academy teaching and fictional examples. These references provide context, not endorsement. Edition 2026.09; updated 2026-09-24.
- CIPD: Recruitment
Professional context for the recruitment lifecycle.