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Checklist for hiring a new employee

What a new employee hiring checklist is

A new employee hiring checklist is a detailed guide that helps managers welcome a new colleague. It makes sure the essential steps are completed so the new hire is integrated into the organisation effectively.

A robust hiring checklist improves the thoroughness and efficiency of recruitment and onboarding. It supports both the employer and the new starter to begin on the right footing.

Below is a comprehensive checklist that outlines the main stages involved when hiring a new employee.

Your checklist for hiring a new employee

Pre-hiring phase

  • Identify the need for hiringEvaluate and confirm whether the team requires an additional person.

  • Draft the job descriptionDraw up a full job description that lists duties, required qualifications, skills and relevant experience. Remote offers job description templates that you can adapt to your needs.

  • Get approval for hiringSecure the necessary sign-off from senior management or the relevant department before proceeding to hire.

  • Assemble a hiring teamBring together the people who will support the recruitment process. If there is no separate hiring team, assign roles internally such as interviewer, hiring manager and HR coordinator.

  • Select recruitment channelsChoose suitable channels to advertise the vacancy, for example online job boards, professional networks and social media. If you are recruiting for a remote role, Remote Talent helps you attract leading global candidates and stand out as a remote employer.

Recruitment phase

  • Post job advertisementsPublish the job opening on the selected platforms.

  • Collect and sort applicationsGather and organise applications received, screening them for essential qualifications. An applicant tracking system can make shortlisting easier.

  • Assessment tests

  • Conduct skills assessments or psychometric tests where appropriate.

  • Schedule interviewsArrange and conduct thorough interviews with shortlisted candidates.

  • Background and reference checksConfirm candidate information through background checks and by contacting referees where applicable.

Hiring phase

  • Select candidateChoose the candidate who best fits the role, using all collected information and input from the team.

  • Job offerMake a verbal offer and follow up with a formal written offer.

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

  • Offer acceptanceReceive written acceptance of the offer from the candidate.

  • Inform unsuccessful candidatesPolitely notify candidates who were not selected.

Onboarding phase

  • Prepare for arrivalPrepare the new starter’s workspace, equipment and access credentials. For remote hires, check they have a suitable workspace and that their software and tools are working correctly.

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

Ensure you have the new employee’s personal and employment details recorded in your system. A global HR Management system like Remote helps you collect this information from the employee on one secure platform before they join your team.

  • First day agendaPlan the first day with an orientation, introductions to colleagues and an office tour if the role is on-site.

  • Training scheduleCreate a training plan tailored to the new starter’s role.

  • Assign a mentor or buddyPair the new starter with a mentor or buddy for guidance and support.

Settling in and follow-up

  • Regular check-insArrange regular meetings with the new starter to provide feedback and answer any questions.

  • AppraisalsSchedule initial appraisal meetings to discuss expectations and performance.

  • Feedback on onboarding processAsk the new starter for feedback about their onboarding experience so you can refine the process for future hires.

Hire quickly and compliantly with Remote HR Management

A global HR Management platform such as Remote reduces the burden of managing hiring checklists. Whether you run a small team or a global enterprise, Remote HR Management centralises your employee data from hiring to offboarding.

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

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