Decide on the terms of the offer. Bear in mind it is harder to change terms and conditions at a later stage, so ensure you have this right at the beginning!

We would recommend that an offer is made subject to references which are satisfactory to you, and also subject to a satisfactory medical examination if appropriate. You may also wish to consider any other essential qualifications such as academic qualifications, professional qualifications, or driving licence - the CIPD's survey on "recruitment, retention and turnover 2005" found that one in four businesses withdrew job offers in the previous year because of CV fraud, and a similar proportion dismissed for the same offence - so if any of these qualifications are essential for the particular role, make this part of the offer and ensure that your candidate provides proof of the qualification prior to starting work.

It is good practice to make the job offer verbally, before confirming it in writing. This can save you time! Then prepare an offer letter , using our template, which you can tailor and use to save you time.

Prepare the appropriate Statement of Terms and Conditions of Employment or contract of employment. These set out the details you are legally required to provide the employee within eight weeks of him/her joining you. We have a number of templates, depending on the seniority of your employee, whether the employment is ongoing, fixed-term or casual, which you can tailor and use.

Send the offer pack to your chosen candidate including:

• Offer letter
• Two copies of the Statement of Terms and Conditions or contract of employment. The employee signs and returns one copy and retains the other.
• Details relating to the pension scheme, car policy, private healthcare cover etc, if applicable.
• A copy of your Employee Handbook

Ask your employee for the contact details of two referees whom you can approach for a reference. Where possible, we would recommend that this should always include the current employer, and the second would preferably be a past employer, rather than a personal reference.

Our website offers you three different template letters and forms for references as follows:

• employers' reference
• school/college reference
• personal reference.

In addition, you may like to read our guide to taking up references .

If you made the offer subject to the candidate possessing other qualifications such as academic, professional qualifications or a valid driving licence, then also request a copy of the certification proving this.

Use our template letters to reject any candidates who did not make the short-list or who were interviewed, but were unsuccessful .

Set up a personnel file for the candidate, awaiting his/her acceptance of your offer.

Ensure that the new employee is activated as a new starter on the payroll.

Arrange an induction programme for the new employee to welcome him/her to the business, and to help him/her to settle in and to contribute to the success of your business as soon as possible. Time spent on inducting a new person to your team is time well spent! It's a unique opportunity to convey the culture and values of your business to an enthusiastic new employee.