Recruitment and Interviewing

4. Drawing Up a Shortlist

4.1 Tell applicants to apply in a way that will give you the information you need.

• Letter plus CV is usually the best format.
• You can design your own application form to ensure you get the right information.
• Avoid applications by telephone, if these will interrupt your work.
• Consider taking applications via email.

4.2 Select the most promising applicants.

• Rank them in order, starting with the best.
• Decide how many are worth interviewing and send polite rejection letters to the rest.

4.3 Arrange a time and place to interview the selected applicants.

• Interview as soon as possible, in batches. This makes it easier to compare everyone.
• Consider offering some evening interviews.