Hiring a key person in 21 days: a plan that actually works

Good candidates are usually talking to more than one company. The one that decides first, with a clear and fair process, wins more often than the one that pays most.

Days 1 to 3: agree what you need

Write down the three things this person must do well in their first six months. Agree the salary range before the advert goes out, not after the final interview.

Days 4 to 10: find and screen

Advertise where your people actually look, ask your team for referrals, and screen every CV against the three things you wrote down. A short phone call removes half the shortlist politely and quickly.

Days 11 to 16: test and meet

Give a small, paid-time-respecting task that looks like the real job. Then one interview with the manager and one with a future colleague. Score both against the same list.

Days 17 to 21: check and offer

Check references and verify education and past employment before the offer, not after joining. Then make the offer in writing, with the start date and notice period agreed.

The rule that matters most

Every candidate hears from you within two working days at every step, even when the answer is no. It costs nothing and it is the difference people remember.