Run a coordinated hiring process
This playbook uses Northstar Works, a fictional distributed organization, to illustrate the handoffs involved in hiring. Align role expectations, coordinate interviewers, discuss relevant evidence, and hand over next actions here; keep applicant records and authoritative hiring decisions in your organization's recruiting system. This site is guidance, not a live workflow.
Go to a hiring stage
Choose the task you need to move forward.
Define the role
Agree on work outcomes and useful evidence before arranging interviews.
Prepare interviews
Coordinate the panel, sequence, and interviewer focus.
Gather evidence
Capture observations tied to role outcomes rather than broad impressions.
Make the decision
Discuss evidence against agreed outcomes and record the decision in the recruiting system.
Hand over the hire
Coordinate the transition to the receiving manager.
Common coordination moments
Start with the stage that addresses the immediate work.
- A panel spans three time zones Agree each interviewer's focus and sequence before the recruiting partner coordinates scheduling. Start with Prepare interviews.
- An interview needs to be rescheduled Route the scheduling change through the recruiting partner and keep the panel's agreed focus clear. Start with Prepare interviews.
- Panel feedback points in different directions Compare observations with agreed role outcomes, name gaps, and use the recruiting process for the decision record. Start with Make the decision.
Who coordinates what
Illustrative role boundaries for Northstar Works; follow your organization's approved process.
| Role | Coordinates | Handoff or boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring manager | Defines role outcomes, convenes the panel, and leads the evidence discussion. | Works with the recruiting partner on process questions and the decision record. |
| Interviewer | Follows the agreed interview focus and contributes specific, role-related observations. | Shares interview evidence through the organization's recruiting process. |
| Recruiting partner | Coordinates the recruiting process and advises on its steps and records. | Is the first route for process, scheduling, and recruiting-system questions. |
| Receiving manager | Takes responsibility for the new hire's next work after the hiring handoff. | Aligns next actions with the hiring manager and recruiting partner through approved channels. |