Recruitment: your step-by-step guide

Get to grips with every stage of recruitment: from finding applicants and shortlisting candidates, to pre-employment checks and staff induction. Plus, see our tips for safer recruitment every step of the way.

Last reviewed on 28 January 2025See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 12705
Contents
  1. 1. Be clear on the rules
  2. 2. Decide who will be involved
  3. 3. Create your application package
  4. 4. Shortlist candidates
  5. 5. Carry out pre-interview checks
  6. 6. Hold interviews
  7. 7. Make your decisions
  8. 8. Carry out pre-employment checks
  9. 9. Provide a written statement by the first day of employment
  10. 10. Induct new staff

If you're looking for candidates within your own school, read our guide on how to do internal recruitment.

If you're recruiting overseas candidates, make sure you understand visa rules with our guide to employing overseas staff.

Remember that safer recruitment is a key part of the whole recruitment process, rather than an add-on. See our tips throughout the article for how you can embed safer recruitment practices into your recruitment process.

1. Be clear on the rules

When recruiting for a role, make sure you're following all the relevant guidance and procedures from start to finish. This includes:

2. Decide who