New Employee Hiring Checklist

Position Planning & Approval

□ Identify hiring need and business case
□ Get budget approval for position
□ Create or update job description
□ Determine salary range and benefits
□ Define required qualifications
□ Identify preferred qualifications
□ Set target start date
□ Get hiring manager approval
□ Obtain HR approval
□ Determine interview panel
□ Set hiring timeline
□ Create evaluation criteria

Job Posting & Recruitment

□ Write compelling job advertisement
□ Post on company website
□ Post on job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.)
□ Share with recruitment agencies
□ Post on social media channels
□ Send to employee referral network
□ Contact universities/colleges
□ Reach out to professional associations
□ Use diversity recruitment channels
□ Set application deadline
□ Create applicant tracking process
□ Monitor application submissions

Application Review Process

□ Screen resumes for minimum qualifications
□ Create shortlist of candidates
□ Conduct phone/video screenings
□ Check for red flags or gaps
□ Verify basic qualifications
□ Score candidates against criteria
□ Select interview candidates
□ Send regret letters to non-selected
□ Schedule first-round interviews
□ Prepare interview materials
□ Brief interview panel
□ Create interview schedule

Interview Process

□ Prepare structured interview questions
□ Schedule interview rooms/video calls
□ Send calendar invites to panel
□ Welcome and brief candidates
□ Conduct behavioral interviews
□ Assess technical skills
□ Evaluate cultural fit
□ Allow candidate questions
□ Give facility tour (if in-person)
□ Explain next steps
□ Collect interview feedback
□ Complete evaluation forms

Selection & Decision

□ Review all candidate evaluations
□ Conduct second interviews if needed
□ Check references thoroughly
□ Verify employment history
□ Confirm education credentials
□ Assess final candidates
□ Make selection decision
□ Get approval from stakeholders
□ Determine offer details
□ Prepare for negotiation
□ Document selection rationale
□ Notify unsuccessful candidates

Offer Process

□ Prepare offer letter
□ Include salary and benefits
□ Set start date
□ Add contingencies (background check)
□ Get offer approval
□ Make verbal offer
□ Send written offer
□ Set response deadline
□ Answer candidate questions
□ Negotiate if necessary
□ Receive signed acceptance
□ Send confirmation email

Pre-Employment Requirements

□ Initiate background check
□ Conduct drug screening (if required)
□ Verify professional licenses
□ Check driving record (if applicable)
□ Request transcripts
□ Confirm right to work
□ Medical examination (if required)
□ Check social media (if policy allows)
□ Verify security clearance
□ Complete reference checks
□ Address any concerns
□ Make final hiring decision

Onboarding Preparation

□ Notify IT of new hire
□ Order equipment and supplies
□ Prepare workspace
□ Create system accounts
□ Order business cards
□ Schedule orientation
□ Assign mentor/buddy
□ Prepare welcome materials
□ Plan first-week schedule
□ Notify team of new hire
□ Update org chart
□ Begin onboarding checklist