How To Fix PA138 - Applicant already assigned to &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PA - Recruitment Messages

• Message number: 138

• Message text: Applicant already assigned to &

What causes this issue?

You can create vacancy assignments, qualifications, training and
other/former employers in the fast entry screen for the action
<LS>Enter additional data</> only if there is currently no record for
the infotype. The fast entry screen is not intended for view
maintenance but rather for convenient first entry of the above
infotypes in the second level of first entry.

How to fix this error?

In order to change existing records in an infotype or create new ones,
please proceed as follows:
Choose <LS>Applicant master data</> -> <LS>Maintain</>. You have now
accessed the <LS>Maintain applicant master data</> screen.
Enter the desired applicant number in the <LS>Applicant number</>
field.
Select the desired infotype and choose <LS>Create</> or <LS>Change</>.
You have now accessed the <LS>Create <infotype> (infotype <number>)</>
or <LS>Change <infotype> (infotype <number>)</> screen.
Fill or overwrite the fields and save your entries.
<DS>Result</>: You have created or changed an infotype record.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PA138 - Applicant already assigned to & ?

  The SAP error message PA138 ("Applicant already assigned to &") typically occurs in the context of personnel administration when you attempt to assign an applicant to a position or job that they are already associated with in the system. This can happen during recruitment processes or when managing applicant data.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Assignment: The applicant is already assigned to the specified position or job.
  Data Entry Error: There may have been an error in data entry, leading to an attempt to reassign the same applicant.
  System Configuration: The system may be configured to prevent duplicate assignments for certain positions or roles.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Existing Assignments: Verify if the applicant is already assigned to the position. You can do this by checking the applicant's records in the system.
  Remove Duplicate Assignment: If the applicant is indeed assigned and you need to make changes, you may need to remove the existing assignment before reassigning them.
  Review Configuration: If this error is unexpected, review the configuration settings in the SAP system to ensure that they align with your business processes.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on handling applicant assignments.
  Contact Support: If the issue persists and you cannot resolve it, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as PA30 (Maintain HR Master Data) or PA40 (Personnel Actions) to manage applicant data.
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to make changes to applicant assignments.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for potential patches or updates that may address the issue.
  Training: Consider training sessions for users involved in the recruitment process to minimize data entry errors and improve understanding of the system.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the PA138 error effectively.