• Newspapers and magazines reach specific audiences within a sector or locality.
• Internet sites reach a wide audience quickly, and some have a database of candidates that you can search.

Check the costs - Internet sites can be cheaper than advertising in a newspaper - and time the advertisement carefully, eg avoid holiday periods. Remember to plan how you will deal with responses.

A good job advertisement should:

• be concise but give enough information so candidates can decide whether to apply, eg gives the location and pay range
• clearly state the skills and experience needed based on your person specification and job description
• be attractively designed
• be non-discriminatory
• explain how the applicants should respond to the advertisement, eg by sending a CV, completing an application form, telephoning, using email or in writing

Employment agencies
Employment agencies have databases of potential candidates and can advertise on your behalf. See our page in this guide on where and how to find staff - employment agencies.

Jobcentre Plus and government schemes
Jobcentre Plus operates in the same way as employment agencies but its services are provided at no direct cost to employers. Jobcentre Plus also manages government schemes, offers advice and may be able to provide financial support for employers taking on staff. See our page in this guide on where and how to find staff - Jobcentre Plus and government schemes.

Other sources
These include:

• colleges and schools
• internal noticeboards
• word of mouth
• headhunters and recruitment consultants
• local advertising, eg newsagents or outside your own premises
• local radio

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Writing a person specification and job description
• Where and how to find staff - advertising
• Where and how to find staff - employment agencies
• Where and how to find staff - Jobcentre Plus and government schemes
• The application process
• Drawing up a shortlist and inviting candidates to interview
• Preparing for the interview
• Carrying out the interview
• Using other selection methods

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