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It's important to consider the timeframes and costs for the recruitment of a role. Think about what sort of timeframes are expected for the role and what could realistically be achieved.

Typical timeframes

This is a guide for you to consider. If you require further help with timeframe planning, please contact the recruitment team.

Example 1:

Receptionist (replacement, no changes)

Example 2:

Senior Lecturer

Example 3:

Senior Technician ( new role)

Planning & preparation 1 week 2 - 4 weeks 1 - 2 weeks
Job Evaluation n/a n/a 2 - 4 weeks
Posting the advertisement 1 week 1 - 4 weeks (specialist journals could be longer) 1 week
Advertising period (until closing date) 1 - 2 weeks 4 - 6 weeks 2 weeks
Short listing 1 week 2 - 6 weeks (incl. long listing and references) 1 week
Arranging interviews 2 days 1 - 2 weeks 2 days
Interviews & other assessments 1 week 1 week 1 week
Referencing
1 - 5 days 1 week 1 - 5 days
Communicating with preferred candidate 1 - 2 days 1 - 2 weeks 1 - 2 days
Obtaining approval to appoint 1 - 5 days 1 - 2 weeks 1 - 5 days
Preparation of letter of offer and contract of employment 5 working days 5 working days 5 working days
Notice period of appointee 1 month 3 - 6 months 1 month

Budget & costs

The below table provides information on typical costs of different media that may be considered for advertising vacancies, as well as typical total cost per vacancy. Costs are based on University of Otago advertising in 2016.

The Attracting Candidates section of this toolkit provides information to help you decide where your vacancy would be most effectively advertised. The recruitment team are available to provide advice.

Example 1:
Administrator

Example 2:
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer

Example 3:
Specialist technical position

Typical advertising cost per vacancy
$400
  • Average: $4,200
  • Median: $2,900
$1,100
University of Otago advertising Staff Bulletin and Careers website - all positions $90 Staff Bulletin and Careers website - all positions $90 Staff Bulletin and Careers website - all positions $90
Online advertising

NZ/Australia job boards (Seek, trademe etc)

  • Basic cost $133 - $164
  • Premium $334+

NZ/Australia job boards (Seek, trademe etc)

  • Basic cost $133 - $164
  • Premium $334+

International job boards

  • Prices vary considerably. Some free options.
  • May range from $300 - $1500.
  • Premium options available

Industry-specific job boards/bulletins etc

  • Often free or minimal cost
  • May range from $150 -

NZ/Australia job boards (Seek, trademe etc)

  • Basic cost $133 - $164
  • Premium $334+

NZ/AUS industry-specific job boards/bulletins etc

  • Often free or minimal cost
  • May range from $150 - $900
Print media advertising

Otago Daily Times

  • Composite: $300 - $500
  • Standalone: $400 - $800

Otago Daily Times

  • Composite: $300 - $500
  • Standalone: $400 - $800

Christchurch Press/Dominion Post

  • $500 - $800
  • NZ Herald usually $800 - $2600

Sunday Star Times

  • $600 - $1600

International newspaper

  • $3,000 - $10,000

Overseas publications

  • $3000 - $5000

Otago Daily Times

  • Composite: $300 - $500
  • Standalone: $400 - $800

Christchurch Press/Dominion Post

  • $500 - $800
  • NZ Herald usually $800 - $2600

Sunday Star Times

  • $600 - $1600

Australian newspapers

  • $3,000 - $10,000
Interview/assessment expenses (optional)

For example:

  • international travel
  • accommodation
  • taxis
  • food and beverages
  • hosting
  • panel member expenses
  • video conference
  • venue bookings

For example:

  • accommodation
  • video conference
  • consumables for skills testing
Salary As per evaluated level As per evaluated level As per evaluated level
Set up costs Training Office, specialist equipment, laboratory, support staff Training
Relocation n/a Relocation Policy Lump Sum Guidelines (may apply)

Key contacts

Recruitment Team

03 479 8275

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