The requisition number is an internal tracking mechanism used by organizations to manage the process of hiring new employees. This unique code serves as the official identifier for a job opening throughout the recruitment and financial lifecycle. Understanding this number provides insight into how a company authorizes spending and resource allocation for personnel.
What Exactly is a Requisition Number?
A requisition number, often called a “Req ID” or “Job ID,” is a unique code assigned to a specific job opening within an organization’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) or Human Resources Information System (HRIS). This identifier is created internally before the position is advertised to the public, confirming the role has been formally requested, approved, and budgeted by management. The code links the job opening to a specific budget line item and department for internal reference.
The requisition number may be purely numerical or an alphanumeric sequence that contains coded information about the position. For instance, the code might include letters that denote the department, the year the requisition was created, or the geographic location of the role. This internal coding allows HR and finance teams to efficiently categorize and analyze recruitment data.
Why Companies Use Requisition Numbers
Companies use requisition numbers primarily for internal control and measurement across the entire hiring workflow. The number ensures that every request for personnel is documented and tracked, which is important for monitoring expenditures related to recruitment and ensuring hiring volume aligns with budgetary constraints.
The number also acts as a common language among various internal stakeholders, including HR, hiring managers, and the finance department. Using a unique identifier helps maintain compliance with internal and external hiring regulations, such as Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) reporting. Tracking all recruitment activities under a single code allows for accurate measurement of metrics like cost-per-hire and time-to-hire.
Finding the Requisition Number
For job applicants, the requisition number is an actionable reference point that simplifies communication with recruiters and HR staff. The most common location to find this number is prominently displayed on the official job posting, often labeled as “Job ID,” “Req ID,” or “Requisition Number.” It is typically located near the job title, department, and location details.
Some companies also embed the unique code within the URL of the job posting page on their career site. The number may also appear in the automated confirmation email an applicant receives after submitting their application. Noting this number before applying provides an immediate reference should the company need to discuss the specific opening.
Requisition Number vs. Other Application Identifiers
Applicants often encounter various codes during the hiring process, so it is helpful to distinguish the requisition number from other identifiers. The requisition number identifies the position itself; it is static and remains the same for every applicant who applies to that specific job opening. It serves as the internal authorization for the role.
In contrast, the Application Tracking System (ATS) ID or Confirmation Number identifies the applicant’s submission. This number is unique to the individual and their application, confirming their materials have been successfully logged into the system. While the Job ID used in an external posting may sometimes match the internal requisition number, the Req number contains complex internal coding data.
What If You Cannot Find the Number?
If an application form requires a requisition number but the code is not visible on the job posting, applicants should take specific troubleshooting steps.
Searching for the Code
First, re-check the original source of the posting, such as the company’s official career page, as third-party job boards sometimes omit this detail. A simple keyword search on the company’s website using the exact job title might also reveal a more detailed posting that includes the number.
Handling Mandatory Fields
If the field on the application is mandatory and no number can be found, applicants should avoid leaving it blank. Instead, they can attempt to enter a non-numerical placeholder like “N/A” or “Not Found” if the system allows text input.
Providing Alternative Information
In the event of a follow-up, referencing the exact job title, the date the job was posted, and the location is usually sufficient for an HR representative to locate the corresponding internal requisition.