Recruitment – how to get it right first time
Hiring the right person first time is going to be even more of a necessity for UK businesses navigating tighter labour markets and the potential changes with the Employment Rights Bill. With future day one rights and flexible working now part of the legal landscape, smarter recruitment decisions from the outset is more important than ever.
Why does smarter recruitment matter?
A poor hire can cost time, money, and morale. For small businesses especially, the impact is magnified. Getting it right first time means:
- Reduced turnover
- Lower training costs
- Stronger team dynamics
- Better compliance with employment law
Top Tips for Successful First-Time Hiring
- Define the Role Clearly
Go beyond job titles—outline responsibilities, expectations, and success measures. This helps attract candidates who truly fit. - Use Structured Interviews
Behavioural and competency-based questions reduce bias and improve predictive accuracy. - Add in a practical exercise
- This will allow for demonstration of essential practical skills and experience.
- Check Values Fit
Skills matter, but so does alignment with your company’s values and working style. - Don’t Skip References and other pre employment checks
Make offers subject to pre employment checks including satisfactory references. A quick call to a previous employer can reveal insights that CVs and interviews miss. - Trial Periods with Clear Objectives
Use probation periods effectively, with regular feedback and documented performance reviews.
Legal Considerations
With future day one rights from unfair dismissal and with current flexible working requests, employers must:
- Be confident in their hiring decisions.
- Ensure contracts and onboarding processes are legally sound.
- Document performance and feedback from day one.
See our earlier blog on Probation Periods https://www.cbrsolutions.org.uk/probation-periods-in-uk-employment-legal-changes-coming/
