What outcome are you looking for? (deliverables, skills, experience, knowledge, project resource, a potential recruitment pipeline?)

Is it the right time? Do you have time to prepare and recruit to a role? What are your project deadlines/milestones?

Can you describe the need clearly and concisely? (purpose of the role/project, key/illustrative duties expected outcomes and outputs, required skills, knowledge and experience)

What is the expected start date and duration? Do you need someone part-time or full-time? Can you be flexible about hours and where the student is based?

Will students be the most appropriate resource? Are they looking for this format and duration of opportunity?

Are students available at that time of year? (see our section on Warwick Students/Student Availability/)

Do you need an undergraduate (BSc, BA) or postgraduate (MSc, MA, PhD)? Is the year of study important to you, especially if you are hoping to 'try before you buy' for future recruitment?

Is subject knowledge important, or are you just looking for a specific skillset? Which skills are essential and which would be desirable, to attract the right candidates?

Do you have time to sufficiently train a new team member so that they can deliver within your timeframe?

Are you prepared to manage a team member who is balancing their focus between your present and their future?

Do you have resource? Time as well as money, physical equipment, etc – do your managers have the time and skills to support a student working with you?

Is a student a false economy in comparison to a longer term hire, once you've invested in training?

For course-based placements, are you able to support the responsibilities and expectations (undertake recruitment, host a student for the purpose and duration of their placement, work with the University to provide required information/paperwork and support processes)?