Recruitment and Interviewing

2. Finding Employees

2.1 Advertising can attract a wide range of applicants (see 3).

• Opportunities are opening up with the development of large and sophisticated job sites online.

2.2 The right people for a start-up business are often found via recommendations and unsolicited applications (eg people sending a speculative enquiry).

• Keep a file of potential candidates and a record of the date each applied, so you can call them when you need someone.
• A quick interview - even when there is no job available - will tell you whether someone might be suitable in the future.

2.3 Foster links with local schools and colleges.

Get to know them, so they send you their promising candidates.

• Many companies hire bright, enthusiastic trainees to fill junior positions, with the intention of promoting them later.

2.4 Jobcentre Plus is most often used for the recruitment of temporary and permanent staff earning up to £20,000 a year.

• Jobcentre Plus can screen applicants for you, and select the best for you to interview. They can also provide interviewing facilities.
• The service is free to employers.

2.5 You may need to use employment agencies and consultants.

Agencies may specialise in anything from van drivers to research scientists.

Good agencies will have a wide range of suitable candidates registered with them and provide a fast and effective service.

• Specify clearly what you are looking for.
• Most agencies offer temporary and permanent staff.
• Many will test for personality and skills (eg use of particular software packages) and carry out interviews to select a short list or a suitable person.
• Recruitment agency costs can be high - sometimes up to 25 per cent of the employee's first year's salary.
• Check any agreement you sign.
• If an employee is unsatisfactory, the agency should find you a replacement, free of charge.
• Most agencies will give a refund if the employee leaves within 12 weeks.