Recruiting the right people is critical to business performance – but getting the process wrong can expose organisations to legal risk, bias and poor hiring decisions. This recruitment checklist is designed to help Australian employers, hiring managers and HR professionals run a structured, fair and compliant recruitment process from start to finish.
Aligned with the Fair Work Act 2009, National Employment Standards (NES), Modern Awards and anti-discrimination legislation, this practical checklist supports ethical hiring practices while improving candidate experience and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
Recruitment Planning & Approval – Assessing the need for hiring, confirming budgets and reviewing role affordability
Job Descriptions & Advertising – Creating clear, inclusive job descriptions and compliant job advertisements
Award & Pay Compliance – Reviewing applicable awards, classifications and benchmarking salaries
Candidate Screening & Shortlisting – Setting objective selection criteria, eligibility to work checks and initial screening
Interview & Selection Process – Structured interviews, unconscious bias awareness and reference checking
Compliance Checks – Mandatory licences, qualifications, background checks and right-to-work verification
Offers & Documentation – Issuing compliant employment contracts, Fair Work Information Statements and onboarding readiness
Candidate Experience & Record Keeping – Communicating with candidates, managing records and meeting privacy obligations
Technology & Process Improvement – Using ATS tools, assessments and reviewing recruitment outcomes
Australian employers and people managers
HR and talent acquisition professionals
Small and medium businesses
Organisations seeking compliant, fair and inclusive recruitment practices
Answer 9 quick questions in just 2 minutes to get an instant result and a short PDF summary highlighting key HR compliance risks.
Designed by HR experts. 100% free.