Recruitment Plan
How to Create a Successful Recruitment Plan for Your Business
Hiring the right people is one of the most important things you can do to grow your business. But good recruitment doesn’t just happen by chance—it requires a plan. A recruitment plan is your roadmap for finding, attracting, and hiring the best talent for your team. Without it, you risk wasting time, money, and effort, and you might end up with the wrong person in the role.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What a recruitment plan is
- Why your business needs one
- The structure of a good recruitment plan
- Step-by-step guide: how to create and run a recruitment plan project from start to finish
- What is a Recruitment Plan?
A recruitment plan is a detailed strategy that outlines how your business will identify, attract, interview, and hire the right candidates for specific roles. It includes:
- The role you’re hiring for
- Skills and experience needed
- Where you will advertise
- How you will screen and interview candidates
- The timeline for each step
- Who is responsible for what in the process
Think of it as a recipe—you follow the steps, and you’re much more likely to get a good result.
- Why Do You Need a Recruitment Plan?
A recruitment plan is not just for big companies. Even small businesses can benefit hugely from having one. Here’s why:
- Saves time and money – Clear planning means less time spent on unsuitable candidates and reduced hiring costs.
- Attracts the right people – You know exactly what skills you’re looking for, so you can target your ads and messages.
- Ensures fairness and consistency – All candidates are evaluated against the same criteria.
- Improves team fit – Careful planning helps you hire people who match your business culture.
- Avoids rushed decisions – A structured process reduces the risk of “panic hiring” when you’re short-staffed.
In short: a plan keeps the process efficient, fair, and aligned with your business goals.
- Structure of a Recruitment Plan
A well-structured recruitment plan usually contains the following sections:
- Role Details
- Job title
- Department or team
- Reporting manager
- Employment type (full-time, part-time, casual, contractor)
- Job Description
- Duties and responsibilities
- Required qualifications and skills
- Desired experience
- Personal attributes (e.g., communication skills, problem-solving ability)
- Candidate Profile
- The “ideal candidate” outline
- Must-have skills vs. nice-to-have skills
- Cultural fit considerations
- Recruitment Channels
- Job boards (e.g., Seek, Indeed)
- Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Recruitment agencies
- Employee referrals
- Industry events or networks
- Selection Process
- Screening method (resume review, phone interview)
- Interview format (panel, one-on-one, virtual)
- Skills testing or assessments
- Reference checks
- Timeline
- Advertising start and end dates
- Application review period
- Interview dates
- Offer and start date target
- Budget
- Advertising costs
- Recruitment agency fees
- Testing or assessment costs
- Responsibilities
- Who is in charge of each step (e.g., HR, team leader, business owner)
- How to Run a Recruitment Plan Project – Step by Step
Recruitment is a project in itself. Treat it like one and you’ll have a smoother experience. Here’s a full guide from start to finish:
Step 1: Identify the Hiring Need
- Review your current team and workload.
- Decide if you need to fill a vacancy or create a new role.
- Consider if tasks could be reassigned or outsourced before hiring.
Step 2: Define the Role Clearly
- Write or update the job description.
- Be specific about skills, experience, and personal qualities.
- Identify must-have skills vs. nice-to-have skills.
Step 3: Set the Budget
- Work out how much you can spend on advertising, testing, and possible agency fees.
- Factor in salary range, superannuation, and any benefits.
Step 4: Choose Your Recruitment Channels
- Select platforms that your ideal candidates use.
- For specialised roles, consider industry-specific boards.
- Use social media and your business website to reach a wider audience.
Step 5: Create and Post the Job Ad
- Make the ad clear, engaging, and accurate.
- Highlight why your business is a great place to work.
- Include application instructions and closing date.
Step 6: Screen Applications
- Review resumes against your selection criteria.
- Shortlist candidates who best match the role.
- Consider phone screening for a quick first impression.
Step 7: Interview Candidates
- Prepare your interview questions in advance.
- Use behavioural questions (e.g., “Tell me about a time when…”) to see how candidates have handled situations in the past.
- Take notes to compare candidates fairly.
Step 8: Test Skills (If Needed)
- For technical roles, use skills assessments.
- For customer-facing roles, consider role-play scenarios.
Step 9: Check References
- Contact at least two referees.
- Ask about reliability, skills, and work style.
Step 10: Make the Offer
- Call the chosen candidate and offer the role verbally.
- Follow up with a written offer and employment contract.
Step 11: Onboard the New Employee
- Prepare their workspace, tools, and logins.
- Give them a clear induction to your business.
- Introduce them to the team and set expectations.
- Tips for a Successful Recruitment Plan
- Plan ahead – Start recruiting before you’re desperate to fill a position.
- Be realistic – Don’t expect one person to do the work of three.
- Communicate – Keep candidates informed during the process.
- Stay consistent – Use the same questions and criteria for all candidates.
- Review the process – After hiring, look at what worked and what could be improved.
- Summary
Recruitment can be one of the biggest challenges for a business owner—but with a solid recruitment plan, it becomes much more manageable. By defining your needs, setting clear steps, and following a structured process, you’ll not only save time and money but also build a stronger, more capable team.
The goal is simple: hire the right person, in the right role, at the right time. With a plan in place, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that every time.
