Planning and advertising

Within your organisation divide up responsibilities at the start, so that everyone knows what their role will be. If you are a sole trader, consider asking a friend or contact to support you with the shortlisting or interview stages. Throughout the recruitment process, you have the opportunity to influence how your organisation is perceived. Dedicate time to making sure that you communicate well with candidates at each stage of the recruitment as unsuccessful candidates could be future employees, business collaborators or customers. The more questions you address at the start, the smoother your recruitment will be. Recruiting people takes time.  

Allocate time in advance to:  

• Read through applications 
• Reply to unsuccessful applicants  
• Schedule interviews 
• Host interviews 
• Check references 
• Give feedback  
• Write a contract  
• Give a staff induction 

Some questions to think about at the planning stage: 

•  What is the purpose of the job you want to advertise?  
• Do you have the space and resources for a new member of staff?  
• Who will be their line manager?  
• What level of skill is required for the post?  
• Do you need someone on a short-term or permanent basis?  
• Do you have a payroll process in place?  
• Does your work require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check? 

Getting your job advert right is the foundation for a successful recruitment process.  Having a clear job description before you start advertising will help you attract the best candidates and will save you time when shortlisting. Use your advert to show off your organisation - this could be the first time a candidate has heard of you! The level of detail you include in your job advert will depend which advertising channel you use. 

For more guidance on writing a job advert see our detailed guide: 

How to write a great job advert 

Advertising externally to your organisation allows you to extend your reach and attract fresh talent from a diverse range of candidates. The type of applicants you are looking to recruit will normally determine where you advertise.

Hiring a student or a recent graduate can be an excellent way to bring new skills and innovation to your organisation and we can help you recruit them. The University of Edinburgh and all other Scottish universities offer a free advertising service. To advertise to University of Edinburgh students and graduates register on our jobs board, MyCareerHub. We can also help you target specific groups of students through emails, social media and/or events. 

Advertise your job 

Remember to make the most of your social media channels as well to promote your position to a wide audience. 

We can help you build your profile with students and graduates:

Build your profile

For broader talent pools, including school leavers or experienced hires, there are also a number of general recruitment websites you could use such as S1 Jobs, Find A Job – Gov.UK and LinkedIn. However, you might want to consider posting your advert on specific job boards relevant to your sector or the kind of role you are advertising for. For hiring school leavers or apprentices, you may want to look at Skills Development Scotland for advice and support.

For local to Edinburgh, you may want to look at the Edinburgh Guarantee.

Workers must receive at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The rate depends on their age and if they are an apprentice. The Government’s National Living Wage (NLW) applies to workers over the age of 25. NMW and NLW rates are reviewed annually. Current rates:

Current rates - National minimum wage   

The Living Wage Foundation annually calculate the Living Wage based on the amount employees and their families need to live in the UK. This optional, slightly higher, rate of pay has been adopted by many businesses as their minimum pay rate. Current Living Wage rates:

Current living wage rates - Living Wage Foundation

Research similar positons in your area before advertising to find out what rate of pay is offered by similar organisations. Speak to the Careers Service for advice.  

Calculate paid holiday entitlement

Voluntary workers are those who carry out unpaid work for a charity, voluntary organisation or fundraising body. They do not have a contract of employment but instead might have a volunteer agreement.  

Interns who undertake regular paid work for an employer and have a contract of employment should receive at least the National Minimum Wage. An exception to this are students required to do a placement, for less than one year, as part of a further or higher education course.  

Work shadowing  

If work experience involves only work shadowing (i.e. the intern carries out no work) then you are not required to pay the National Minimum Wage.  

Read more about volunteers, work experience and internships (ACAS)

Employment rights for interns

Managing and retaining volunteers 

Find out what you need to do before becoming an employer: 

Employing staff for the first time - UK Government website