Checklist for hiring new employees

What a new employee hiring checklist covers

A new employee hiring checklist is a thorough list that supports managers in welcoming a new team member. It ensures every essential step is completed so the new hire is smoothly integrated into the organisation.

A well-constructed checklist makes recruitment and onboarding more methodical and effective, helping both employer and new hire start on the right foot.

Below is a detailed checklist that outlines the key stages of hiring a new employee.

Your hiring checklist for a new employee

Pre-hiring phase

• Identify hiring needsEvaluate and confirm whether the team requires an additional member.

• Develop the job descriptionCreate a clear job description listing responsibilities, required qualifications, skills and experience. Remote provides job description templates that you can adapt to suit your needs.

• Obtain approval to hireSecure the required sign-offs from senior management or the relevant department to proceed with hiring.

• Set up a hiring teamEnlist support from a hiring team to source the next team member. If you don't have a dedicated hiring team, assign responsibilities such as interviewer, hiring manager, and HR coordinator within the business.

• Choose recruitment channelsPick the most suitable channels to advertise the role, such as online job sites, professional networks and social media. If recruiting for a remote position, Remote Talent helps you connect with top global talent and distinguish your company as a remote employer.

Recruitment phase

• Post job advertisementsPublish the vacancy on the selected platforms.

• Collect and sort applicationsOrganise the applications you receive and screen them for minimum qualifications. An applicant tracking system can simplify shortlisting candidates.

• Assessment tests

• Use skill tests or psychometric assessments where appropriate.

• Schedule interviewsArrange and carry out thorough interviews with shortlisted candidates

• Background and reference checksVerify candidates' details via background checks and by contacting referees where relevant.

Hiring phase

• Select candidateSelect the candidate who best fits, based on collected data and team feedback.

• Job offerMake a verbal offer first, then follow up with a formal written offer.

• Negotiate termsDiscuss and finalise terms of employment, including salary, benefits and start date.

• Offer acceptanceObtain the candidate's written acceptance of the offer.

• Inform unsuccessful candidatesNotify unsuccessful applicants courteously.

Onboarding phase

• Prepare for arrivalArrange the new hire's workspace, equipment and access credentials. For remote hires, ensure they have a suitable workspace and functioning software.

• Onboarding documentationPrepare and collect employment paperwork such as tax forms, contracts and benefit enrolment documents.

Make sure you have your new employee’s personal and employment information in your system. A global HR Management system such as Remote helps collect this information from the employee in one secure platform before they start.

• First day agendaPlan the first day to include an orientation, introductions to colleagues and an office tour for on-site roles.

• Training scheduleCreate a training schedule customised to the new hire's role.

• Assign a mentor or buddyPair the new employee with a mentor or buddy to provide guidance and support.

Settling in and follow-up

• Regular check-insHold regular check-ins with the new hire to give feedback and answer questions.

• AppraisalsSchedule initial appraisal dates to review expectations and performance.

• Feedback on onboarding process Request feedback from the new employee about their onboarding experience to improve the process for future hires.

Fast and compliant hiring with Remote HR Management

A global HR Management platform like Remote reduces the hassle of managing hiring checklists. Whether you're a small team or a global enterprise, Remote HR Management centralises employee data from recruitment through to offboarding.

Hire top global talent with Remote Talent and manage your international team from a single platform the team will appreciate. Remote HR Management empowers employees to self-serve and upload their details before onboarding, giving you confidence that the hiring checklist is covered.

To get the power to scale globally at your own pace, create a free account with Remote HR Management today.