Click each step for an overview, or scroll down for more information.
The need for a new employee
is identified
Job description and person specification created
The vacancy is advertised
Candidates apply for
the job
Candidates are interviewed
The successful candidate is offered the job
A business will need a new member of staff for one or more of the following reasons:
Staff who move to other jobs, retire, or who are sacked will need to be replaced.
The business is expanding, or needs to produce more goods, and needs more staff to do this.
A business lacks knowledge in certain areas, so they hire someone with those skills.
New staff can create different products or move into an additional market.
What the job requirements are, including:
The attributes of the employee:
When deciding upon the job description, the business will need to determine how many hours they want their new employees to work. The different types of contract are: full time, part time, and zero hours.
The business needs to let potential candidates know that a vacancy has become available. They should target their advert where they have a good chance of reaching the best candidates. Candidates will be recruited internally or externally.
Advertised within the company to existing staff.
Staff will already know about the company; there are no advertising costs; and the post can be filled quickly.
But it will leave a vacancy elsewhere in the business and the person may not bring new ideas.
External adverts are advertised outside the company to attract new employees (newspapers, online, Job Centres).
Advertising can be expensive, but can reach a wide audience to attract someone really suited to the job
A candidate applies using a CV (curriculum vitae). A CV is a summary of a person’s qualifications, skills, and experience for the role.
Many businesses also ask applicants to fill-in an application form. This allows the business to ask questions which specifically relate to their job description.
A CV will contain:
Personal details
Such as your name, address, and phone number so the recruiter knows who you are and how to contact you
Personal Statement
A short statement about the applicant, what they hope to achieve, and their suitability for the job
Education and Qualifications
Where the applicant studied, exam results, and any professional qualifications.
Employment history
Where the applicant has previously worked, their job title, main achievements, and an overview of duties.
References
The names and contact details of people who know the applicant well and can confirm the details in the CV. Typically a previous employer or teacher.
The company will create a shortlist of applicants to invite for an interview.
Most interviews are in-person, but some may be remote via video conferencing.
The interviewer will ask questions which are appropriate to the role. All candidates will be asked the same questions so that a comparison of responses can be made.
There may also be:
The business will choose a candidate to offer the job to. If the candidate accepts the offer, they will be given a written contract of employment. It confirms the role given in the job description, including hours and wages
Questions must be fair and relevant to the job.
It is illegal to discriminate on age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.