A requisition number is a fundamental internal tracking mechanism used by organizations to manage the process of hiring new employees. This unique alphanumeric code serves as the official identifier for a job opening throughout the entire recruitment and financial lifecycle. Understanding the function of this number provides insight into a company’s operational structure and how it authorizes spending and resource allocation for personnel.
What Exactly Is a Requisition Number?
A requisition number is a unique code generated by a company’s internal system, such as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform, to identify a formal request for a new hire. This identifier is created before the position is advertised or filled, confirming the need has been acknowledged and authorized. The number may be purely numerical or include letters that denote the department, year, or location associated with the role.
Its primary function is to act as a required reference point for all subsequent activity related to that specific job opening. The number ensures that every request for personnel is documented and tracked through the organization’s administrative and financial layers. By requiring this unique code, the company maintains control over its hiring volume and ensures resources are allocated according to predefined budgetary constraints.
The Internal Lifecycle of a Job Requisition
The process begins when a hiring manager identifies a business need for an additional or replacement role. The manager submits a formal job requisition form, detailing the job title, responsibilities, desired salary range, and justification for the new hire. This initial document starts the internal workflow that eventually generates the unique requisition number.
The requisition then enters a defined approval chain to ensure the proposed position aligns with the company’s budget and strategy. Financial stakeholders review the submission to confirm that funds for the salary and overhead have been allocated and approved. Following budget sign-off, the Human Resources department reviews the details to ensure the role description is compliant with labor laws and placed within the correct internal salary band structure.
Only after receiving all necessary departmental and executive approvals is the job requisition officially activated and the unique requisition number generated. This number signifies that the position is officially funded, authorized, and ready to be posted externally. Throughout the entire recruitment process, from application to final offer, this number is used for all internal tracking and reporting, providing a clear audit trail.
How Job Seekers Use the Requisition Number
For the external job seeker, the requisition number acts as a streamlined reference point when engaging with a potential employer. Applicants typically find this number listed prominently on the job advertisement, whether on a company’s career page or an external job board. Candidates should save the requisition number immediately upon applying, as it connects their application to the exact role and helps ensure accuracy.
The number is particularly useful during follow-up communication with the recruitment or human resources team. Citing the specific requisition number ensures the recruiter can instantly pull up the correct file, preventing confusion when an organization is managing hundreds of applications across various open roles. This makes the applicant’s inquiry more efficient and accurate.
Requisition Numbers Versus Other Tracking IDs
It is easy to confuse the requisition number with other identifiers used in business, but they serve distinct purposes in the overall operational flow. The Job ID or Posting Number is often a public-facing numerical code used solely for the specific advertisement of the role. While the Job ID may sometimes match the internal requisition number, it is frequently a separate, simpler code designed for external clarity, whereas the requisition number contains more complex internal coding data.
Another distinct identifier is the Purchase Order (PO) Number, which is used in procurement rather than personnel management. The requisition number authorizes the need for a resource, such as a new employee, effectively greenlighting the budget for a salary. In contrast, the PO number authorizes a specific transaction, such as the payment for a vendor service or a supply order, which is a legally binding external document sent to a supplier. The requisition number is an internal pre-authorization for a need, while the PO number is the external document for an actual purchase.