How does your selection process shape up?

In the current employment market, when recruiting new staff you could find yourself with a large number of applicants.  So how do you ensure your selection process is fair and effective?

Before advertising the job, consider the key skills required from any applicant and prepare a job specification.  This will enable you to identify applicants that fit with the job advertised as part of your selection process.

How are you going to let potential applicants know about the job on offer?

• If advertising your job, ensure your advert provides clear information about the role and skills required, complies with employment legislation and provides a closing date for applications.  Remember that this should also apply if you are using social media to post the job.
• Recruitment agencies will need a clear outline of the role to match potential applicants.  Some agencies will carry out initial shortlisting of the applicants but you should check exactly what their service covers.
• Don’t forget you should still follow the same selection procedures for any applicants who hear of your vacancy by “word of mouth”

When you have your shortlist, prepare a list of relevant questions that you want to ask at interview.  These should be consistent for all applicants and focus on demonstrating the key skills identified, duties of the role and relevant experience. 

At interview you should avoid asking health related questions unless they relate to an intrinsic part of carrying out the role.  You may also want to query any employment gaps on CVs and ask for copies of qualification certificates.

Offer letters should contain a statement of terms of employment and advise the offer is subject to satisfactory references and confirmation the applicant is eligible to work in the UK.  It is also good practice to include a copy of your equal opportunity and disciplinary and grievance policies with an offer letter and ask the applicant to sign them when returning their signed offer letter.

Remember to make your new member of staff feel welcome and keep in touch with them during any notice period they may serve, as well as informed of any developments within your business than may affect them before they join you.

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