Read the following passage carefully and answer the given questions.

Apex Solutions, a mid-sized technology firm, recently embarked on a mission to expand its workforce due to increased demand for its services. The company's staffing process began with workforce planning, identifying the need to hire 30 new employees across various departments, including software development, sales, and customer support. The HR team outlined the required qualifications, experience levels, and skill sets for each role.

The recruitment phase involved a mix of strategies. Apex Solutions posted job advertisements on popular job boards and their company website. They also leveraged employee referrals and collaborated with a recruitment agency to attract a diverse pool of candidates. Within two weeks, they received over 500 applications.

The selection process was meticulously designed to ensure the best fit. Initial screening eliminated candidates who didn't meet the basic criteria. Shortlisted candidates underwent online aptitude tests and technical assessments. The top performers were invited for panel interviews, where their problem-solving abilities, technical expertise, and cultural fit were evaluated. Finally, background checks and reference verification were conducted for the selected candidates.

By following a structured staffing process, Apex Solutions successfully hired 30 new employees who aligned with the company's strategic goals. This approach minimized hiring errors and enhanced team productivity.

What was the first step in Apex Solutions' staffing process?

Workforce planning

The correct answer is Option (2) → Workforce planning

• The passage clearly states that Apex Solutions’ staffing process began with workforce planning, where the company identified the need to hire 30 new employees and outlined required qualifications, experience, and skill sets.

• Recruitment came afterward, to generate a pool of candidates.

• Selection followed recruitment, to choose the best candidates.

• Onboarding happens after hiring, to integrate employees into the organization.