Trying a job board for free
Hiring someone often starts with a job advert. A free trial on a job board lets an employer see who applies before any money is spent. This guide is independent, and no job board runs it.
Before you start a trial
Read the trial's terms before you post anything. These are the questions to have answered.
- How long does the trial last, and how many adverts does it cover?
- Does it move onto a paid plan by itself when it ends?
- How do you cancel, and by when?
- Can you search CVs during the trial, or only receive applications?
- What happens to the applicants' details when the trial ends?
Keep a copy of the terms as they stood on the day you signed up.
Writing the advert
Acas says an employer does not have to advertise a job by law. It still recommends doing so. An advert makes it less likely that you discriminate without meaning to, and it brings in a wider range of suitable applicants.
An advert must not ask for, or shut out, people with a protected characteristic. Acas gives examples of wording that could be discriminatory.
- "Recent graduate" or "highly experienced" can discriminate by age. You must be able to show a good reason for any requirement like this.
- "Barmaid" or "handyman" suggest you want a woman or a man. Acas suggests words that describe the job itself.
- A nationality in place of a language can discriminate by race. Acas prefers "German-speaking sales rep" to "German sales rep".
Where the advert goes
Acas suggests advertising in at least two different ways or places, such as a newspaper and a jobs website. It reaches more people and lowers the risk of discrimination.
Acas also points out that an online advert might only be seen by certain groups. An advert placed only on social media could miss people who do not use it.
Employers in England, Scotland and Wales can also post vacancies on Find a job, the Department for Work and Pensions service on GOV.UK. Northern Ireland has a separate service.
What to give applicants
Acas suggests giving each applicant the job description, an application form, the person specification, some information about your organisation and an equality and diversity monitoring form.
Tell applicants early about anything else you will need from them. That includes proof of their right to work in the UK, references, and any health check before they start.
The right to work check is a duty. Acas warns that an employer could be fined for not checking that the person they hire is allowed to work in the UK.
Useful links
- How to advertise a job (Acas)
- Recruitment (Acas)
- Job description templates (Acas)
- Advertise a job on Find a job (GOV.UK)