Job posting distribution checklist template
Where to post, what each posting must include, and a log to track it. Free for Canadian employers. Fill in the [HIGHLIGHTED] blanks and remove anything that doesn't apply.
Checklist Identification and Administration
| Checklist title | Applies to | Completed by (name/title) | Date | Location/department | Reviewed by | Review date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Posting Distribution Checklist | All external and internal job postings for [ORGANIZATION_NAME] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | [EFFECTIVE_DATE] | [WORK_LOCATION] / Operations | [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] | [EFFECTIVE_DATE] |
1. Scope & Owner
This checklist governs the review, authorization, publishing, and retirement of job vacancy notices across all internal and external recruitment channels for [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. The operational owner is [OWNER_OR_MANAGER].
1.1 How to Use This Checklist
- Execute every verification step in sequential order prior to, during, and immediately following the distribution of a job posting.
- Mark each item as "Complete", "Not complete", or "N/A".
- Any item marked "N/A" requires a written business justification in the Notes column.
- If any item fails verification ("Not complete"), pause the distribution process immediately and log the issue in Section 4 (Exceptions & Corrective Actions). Do not publish the posting until the corrective action is signed off by [OWNER_OR_MANAGER].
2. Required Checks
2.1 Phase 1: Pre-Distribution & Compliance Review
Pre-Distribution Verification Controls
| # | Verification item | Required evidence | Responsible | Status (Complete / Not complete / N/A) | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Verify job vacancy authorization against approved operational headcount and budget. | Signed hiring requisition in [FILE_LOCATION] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Mandatory before drafting begins. | ||
| 1.2 | Confirm the job title and essential duties match the established occupational profile and national taxonomy. | Documented [NOC_CODE] and job specification | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Standardises role leveling across postings. | ||
| 1.3 | Confirm all stated qualifications represent genuine bona fide occupational requirements rather than preferences. | Position analysis notes in [FILE_LOCATION] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Protects against human rights selection challenges. | ||
| 1.4 | Screen posting text to ensure removal of prohibited grounds, discriminatory criteria, and non-inclusive language. | Bias-screened job text draft | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Exclude age, family status, or gendered phrasing. | ||
| 1.5 | Verify mandatory compensation disclosures align with jurisdictional wage transparency rules in [PROVINCE]. | Published [SALARY_RANGE_MIN] to [SALARY_RANGE_MAX] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Include [PAY_FREQUENCY] and basic benefits. | ||
| 1.6 | Confirm inclusion of the standard accommodation statement for applicants with disabilities. | Standard accommodation clause in job draft | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Provide direct contact method for requests. | ||
| 1.7 | Confirm employment type and work arrangement details are accurately specified. | Stated [EMPLOYMENT_TYPE] and [WORK_SCHEDULE] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Clarify remote, hybrid, or on-site status. |
2.2 Phase 2: Channel Selection & Privacy Safeguards
Channel Selection and Candidate Privacy Verification
| # | Verification item | Required evidence | Responsible | Status (Complete / Not complete / N/A) | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Confirm internal posting notice is issued to existing staff concurrently with or prior to external release. | Internal memo or notice saved in [FILE_LOCATION] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Adhere to internal promotion commitments. | ||
| 2.2 | Identify approved external distribution channels and job boards suitable for the target talent pool. | Media schedule and approved channel list | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Avoid unapproved fee-based aggregators. | ||
| 2.3 | Confirm the job advertisement includes a formal candidate privacy and consent notice. | Privacy collection statement in posting | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | State personal data use and storage limits. | ||
| 2.4 | Designate a single, secure application intake channel to prevent fragmented candidate data. | Direct intake email address or [HRIS_NAME] URL | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Prohibit submissions via personal messaging. | ||
| 2.5 | Confirm posting distribution deadlines and the official application closing date. | Defined closing date in posting text | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Minimum duration: [N_BUSINESS_DAYS]. | ||
| 2.6 | Obtain final distribution sign-off from designated operational leadership prior to publishing. | Approved sign-off record on [FORM_ID] | [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] | Mandatory stage-gate control. |
2.3 Phase 3: Publication & Active Monitoring
Live Publication and Intake Monitoring Verification
| # | Verification item | Required evidence | Responsible | Status (Complete / Not complete / N/A) | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Publish approved posting across selected primary job boards and company channels simultaneously. | Live URL links and board confirmation receipts | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Execute simultaneously across platforms. | ||
| 3.2 | Audit all live postings within [N_BUSINESS_DAYS] to verify accurate text rendering and salary ranges. | Screenshot archive in [FILE_LOCATION] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Ensure third-party scrapers did not alter text. | ||
| 3.3 | Verify functional operation of all submission links, application forms, and intake routing. | Test application receipt confirmation | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Run test profile through intake form. | ||
| 3.4 | Confirm incoming candidate inquiries and accommodation requests are monitored via the dedicated channel. | Monitored communications log in [FILE_LOCATION] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Check daily during open window. | ||
| 3.5 | Track distribution expenditures against the approved recruitment budget. | Invoice or vendor receipt in [FILE_LOCATION] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Reconcile posting fees immediately. | ||
| 3.6 | Maintain centralized application log to track candidate submission volumes and timestamps. | Candidate tracking log in [HRIS_NAME] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Ensures structured evaluation order. |
2.4 Phase 4: Closing, Takedown & Records Retention
Post-Closing and Audit Trail Controls
| # | Verification item | Required evidence | Responsible | Status (Complete / Not complete / N/A) | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Deactivate and remove the job posting across all public boards on the designated closing date. | Takedown confirmation notifications | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Prevent receipt of out-of-window applications. | ||
| 4.2 | Issue standard acknowledgement notices to all applicants received prior to closing. | Automated or batch email delivery logs | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Confirms receipt and next steps timeline. | ||
| 4.3 | Compile complete posting audit package including original draft, approvals, and board invoices. | Compiled audit file in [FILE_LOCATION] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Essential for defensible recruitment audit. | ||
| 4.4 | Verify candidate personal information is secured with restricted role-based access controls. | Permission validation log in [HRIS_NAME] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Restrict resume access to hiring evaluators. | ||
| 4.5 | Archive all recruitment records, postings, and applicant tracking files for [RETENTION_PERIOD]. | Archived folder confirmation in [FILE_LOCATION] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Supports provincial compliance standards. | ||
| 4.6 | Finalize candidate intake disposition and transition hiring file to the candidate screening phase. | Screening transition sign-off on [FORM_ID] | [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] | Closes distribution phase officially. |
3. Evidence & Records
All records generated during the job posting and distribution workflow must be retained in [FILE_LOCATION] or [HRIS_NAME].
Recruitment Record Management Table
| Record Type | Description | Designated Storage Location | Access Level | Mandatory Retention Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Posting Package | Final approved text, requisitions, and sign-offs | [FILE_LOCATION] | Hiring Evaluators | [RETENTION_PERIOD] |
| Distribution Proofs | Live links, screenshots, and board invoices | [FILE_LOCATION] | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | [RETENTION_PERIOD] |
| Candidate Application Files | Resumes, cover letters, and intake logs | [HRIS_NAME] | Restricted (Hiring Team) | [CANDIDATE_DATA_RETENTION_LIMIT] |
| Accommodation Logs | Inquiries and adjustments provided | Secure HR Folder | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | [RETENTION_PERIOD] |
4. Exceptions & Corrective Actions
Any non-compliance, unauthorized alteration of posting details, missing salary disclosures, or failed distribution links must be documented below.
Corrective Action and Issue Resolution Log
| Item # | Exception/finding | Root cause | Corrective action | Owner | Target date | Closed date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | EXAMPLE — Third-party aggregator omitted mandatory salary range. | Incompatible RSS feed parsing script. | Manually re-entered [SALARY_RANGE_MIN] to [SALARY_RANGE_MAX] on board portal. | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | [EFFECTIVE_DATE] | [EFFECTIVE_DATE] |
| 2.4 | Candidate resume received at personal operational inbox. | Obsolete intake link listed on external forum. | Forwarded file to [FILE_LOCATION], purged from inbox, and updated link. | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | [EFFECTIVE_DATE] | [EFFECTIVE_DATE] |
| 4.1 | External job board remained active 48 hours post-closing. | Automated expiration setting defaulted to 30 days. | Submitted manual takedown request; confirmed board removal confirmation receipt. | [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | [EFFECTIVE_DATE] | [EFFECTIVE_DATE] |
5. Final Sign-off
5.1 Attestation Statement
By signing below, the Preparer, Reviewer, and Approver certify that all verification items above have been executed, all exceptions have been corrected, candidate personal data safeguards have been applied, and the job posting was distributed in accordance with established employment standards and human rights principles.
5.2 Sign-off Block
Preparer (Recruiter / Hiring Lead)
Printed Name: [EMPLOYEE_NAME]
Title: [OWNER_OR_MANAGER]
Signature: ____
Date: [EFFECTIVEDATE]
Reviewer (Operational Supervisor)
Printed Name: [MANAGER_NAME]
Title: [SUPERVISOR_TITLE]
Signature: ____
Date: [EFFECTIVEDATE]
Approver (Executive / Business Owner)
Printed Name: [OWNER_OR_MANAGER]
Title: [POLICY_OWNER_TITLE]
Signature: ____
Date: [EFFECTIVEDATE]
5.3 Retention Note
This completed checklist, along with associated distribution screenshots, approvals, and applicant intake logs, must be filed in [FILE_LOCATION] under recruitment folder reference [FORM_ID]-[JOB_TITLE] and retained for a minimum duration of [RETENTION_PERIOD].
What to fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Who provides it | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| [CANDIDATE_DATA_RETENTION_LIMIT] | Maximum retention period for unsuccessful candidate files | Owner / Management | Yes |
| [EFFECTIVE_DATE] | Date checklist is completed or executed (DD-MMM-YYYY) | Document Preparer | Yes |
| [EMPLOYEE_NAME] | Full name of the person preparing the checklist | Document Preparer | Yes |
| [EMPLOYMENT_TYPE] | Type of employment (e.g., Full-time, Part-time, Casual) | Hiring Manager | Yes |
| [FILE_LOCATION] | Folder path or cloud storage directory for recruitment records | System Administrator | Yes |
| [FORM_ID] | Unique identifier or reference code for the recruitment form | Operations / Admin | Yes |
| [HRIS_NAME] | Name of recruitment or human resources software system | Operations / Admin | Yes |
| [JOB_TITLE] | Approved title of the vacant position | Hiring Manager | Yes |
| [MANAGER_NAME] | Full name of the reviewing manager | Reviewing Manager | Yes |
| [NOC_CODE] | National Occupational Classification 5-digit code | Hiring Lead | Yes |
| [N_BUSINESS_DAYS] | Minimum number of business days posting remains active | Owner / Management | Yes |
| [ORGANIZATION_NAME] | Legal or operating name of the employer | Owner / Management | Yes |
| [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] | Job title of the primary operational owner or business lead | Owner / Management | Yes |
| [PAY_FREQUENCY] | Frequency of wage payment (e.g., Hourly, Bi-weekly, Annual) | Payroll / Owner | Yes |
| [POLICY_OWNER_TITLE] | Title of executive or business owner approving the hire | Executive / Owner | Yes |
| [PROVINCE] | Canadian province or territory where the job is based | Hiring Manager | Yes |
| [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] | Title of the position overseeing this hiring process | Hiring Manager | Yes |
| [RETENTION_PERIOD] | Statutory or operational retention timeframe for recruitment files | Owner / Management | Yes |
| [SALARY_RANGE_MAX] | Maximum base pay or wage rate for the position | Owner / Management | Yes |
| [SALARY_RANGE_MIN] | Minimum base pay or wage rate for the position | Owner / Management | Yes |
| [SUPERVISOR_TITLE] | Title of the reviewing operational supervisor | Operations Lead | Yes |
| [WORK_LOCATION] | Physical work location, facility, or remote status | Hiring Manager | Yes |
| [WORK_SCHEDULE] | Standard hours of work and operational schedule | Hiring Manager | Yes |
Official sources
Government and professional sources this template was checked against.
- Government of Canada — Federal Labour Standards
- National Occupational Classification
- Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada — Security Self-Assessment
- ISO — Diversity and Inclusion
- CIPD — Recruitment Resources
This template is general information for Canadian employers, not legal advice. Employment standards, human rights and privacy rules differ by province. Check them before you use it.
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