New employee hiring checklist

What is a new employee hiring checklist

A new employee hiring checklist is a comprehensive list that helps managers welcome a new team member. The checklist helps you make sure that all necessary steps are completed to effectively integrate a new hire into the company. 

A strong new employee hiring checklist ensures that the recruitment and onboarding process is thorough and efficient. It helps both the employer and the new hire to start off on the right foot. 

Here’s a detailed checklist that covers the key stages of hiring a new employee.

Your checklist for hiring a new employee 

Pre-hiring phase

• Identify hiring needs
  Assess and confirm the need for a new person within the team.

• Develop job description
  Craft a detailed job description that includes job duties, necessary qualifications, skills, and experience. Remote offers job description templates that you can tailor according to your needs.

• Get approval for hiring
  Obtain necessary approvals from upper management or the relevant department to hire a new employee.

• Set up a hiring team
  Get the support from your hiring team to find your next team member. If your company does not have a separate hiring team, designate roles like interviewer, hiring manager, and HR coordinator internally.

• Choose recruitment channels
  Select appropriate channels for advertising the job, such as online job boards, professional networks, and social media. If you are hiring for a remote role, Remote Talent helps you attract top global talent and stand out as a remote employer.  
  

Recruitment Phase

• Post job advertisements
  Publish the job opening on chosen platforms.

• Collect and sort applications
  Organize applications received and screen for minimum qualifications. An applicant tracking system can make it easier for you to shortlist candidates.

• Assessment tests 

• Conduct skill-based tests or psychological assessments if applicable.

• Schedule interviews
  Schedule and conduct in-depth interviews with shortlisted candidates

• Background and reference checks
  Verify candidate information through background checks and contacting references in applicable regions. 

Hiring Phase

• Select candidate
  Choose the most suitable candidate based on all gathered information and team input.

• Job offer
  Extend a verbal job offer followed by a formal written offer.

• Negotiate terms
  Discuss and finalize employment terms such as salary, benefits, and start date.

• Offer acceptance
  Receive a written acceptance of the job offer from the candidate.

• Inform unsuccessful candidates
  Politely notify candidates who were not selected.

Onboarding Phase

• Prepare for arrival
  Organize the new hire’s workspace, equipment, and access credentials. If you’re hiring a new remote employee, make sure they have a proper workspace and that their software is working properly.

• Onboarding documentation
  Prepare and receive employment forms including tax forms, contracts, and benefit enrollment forms. 

Make sure you have your new employee’s personal and employment information in your system. A global HR Management system like Remote helps you gather this information from the employee in one secure platform before the new employee joins your team.

• First day agenda
  Plan the first day with an orientation session, introductions to other team members, and an office tour if your role is on-site.

• Training schedule
  Develop a training plan tailored to the new hire’s role. 

• Assign a mentor or buddy
  Connect the new hire with a mentor for guidance and support.

Settling in and follow-up

• Regular check-ins
  Schedule regular meetings with the new hire to offer feedback and address questions.

• Performance reviews
  Set dates for initial performance reviews to discuss expectations and performance.

• Feedback on onboarding process 
  Ask for feedback from the new employee on their onboarding experience to refine the process for future hires.