Introduction

When you take on new staff, identifying your requirements and planning how to fill your vacancy are important for ensuring you get the best person for the job.

This guide takes you through what you have to think about before and during the recruitment process, starting from deciding what you need and where you are going to recruit through to the interview and the offer letter. It will also remind you that you need to be sure that you treat all candidates fairly and avoid discrimination - for example on grounds of their sex or race, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or because they have a disability.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Writing a person specification and job description
• Where and how to find staff - advertising
• Where and how to find staff - employment agencies
• Where and how to find staff - Jobcentre Plus and government schemes
• The application process
• Drawing up a shortlist and inviting candidates to interview
• Preparing for the interview
• Carrying out the interview
• Using other selection methods