FREE Job Posting Checklist for HR

This Job Posting Checklist helps HR teams and hiring managers create, review, and publish clear, compliant job advertisements. Use it to define job requirements, confirm salary and benefits, check inclusive and legally appropriate wording, complete approvals, publish the vacancy, and maintain accurate posting records.

The checklist includes:

What This Job Posting Checklist Covers

• Define the role, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications
• Confirm salary, benefits, location, and employment terms
• Review job ads for compliance and inclusive language
• Prepare and approve the final job advertisement
• Publish the job posting across appropriate channels
• Maintain job posting records and applicant data requirements

Planning and Preparation

• Define the role purpose and key objectives
• Confirm hiring manager and stakeholder responsibilities
• Agree salary range, benefits and contract type
• Identify essential and desirable criteria
• Determine work location, hours and eligibility requirements

Compliance and Policy

• Review equal opportunity and non-discriminatory wording
• Verify regulatory, licensing and qualification statements
• Ensure salary and benefits comply with legal requirements
• Include a clear data protection notice for applicants
• Remove biased or exclusionary language

Execution and Posting

• Write a clear, searchable job title and concise job summary
• Write key responsibilities and performance expectations
• List essential skills, qualifications and experience
• Specify application method, deadline and contact details
• Obtain hiring manager and HR sign off before publishing

Documentation and Records

• Save the final job description and advert copy
• Record approval, version and publication details
• Log posting date, channels used and reference numbers
• Store applicant data handling information and consent used
• Archive previous versions and change history

Review and Follow Up

• Monitor applicant volume and quality and adjust if needed
• Confirm auto replies and candidate communications are active
• Review applications for compliance with selection criteria
• Close the advert promptly when role is filled
• Debrief with hiring manager and record lessons learned