Hiring the right employees for your small business can be challenging, especially for first-time business owners. Your staff is integral to your company’s success, so finding the best team should be a priority. Here are six tips to help ensure that the people you select are skilled, engaged, and a good fit for your small company.
Set proper expectations
Before starting the hiring process, you must first know what you’re looking for from the candidate. Set clear expectations of the job role and the values your future employees should embody. Define your team’s purpose and the areas they need to focus on. Setting clear employee expectations allows you to efficiently filter your candidate list, saving you precious time and resources.
Create a detailed job description
After establishing the expected outcome of your future employees, the next step is to craft an effective job description. A compelling job description can help your job opening attract attention from the right talents, motivating them to apply for the role.
Educate yourself on the employment laws, and check the latest employment trends. Most job hunters focus on what a company can offer them, so ensure your job description highlights the salary range, benefits, and growth opportunities.
Ask for referrals
If you already have existing employees, ask them for referrals, as they likely know someone ideal for the job. Since your employees understand what your company needs, they can direct you to the right talents, making the hiring process more organized and efficient. Create an incentivized employee referral program to encourage your current staff to do the legwork.
Interview the candidates thoroughly
Once you have a candidate list, exert effort in the interview process. Remember that the results of the interview will impact your hiring decision, so it is essential that you execute it properly. Avoid standard questions and make them more personal. Ask questions that demonstrate if the candidate invested time learning more about your company pre-interview. Have them share their previous work experiences, how they overcome work obstacles, and what they expect from you and your company.
Conduct a simple online search
An online search can help you get more information about your future team members. You can search for them on social media or use a reputable site such as https://www.publicrecords.com/. While an online search can provide essential details on your candidate, it should not be used as an employment screening tool.
Do a test drive
Compared to big companies that have the luxury to replace employees at any point, a bad hire is a costly mistake that can affect your small business in the long run. A test drive or a probationary period can help ensure the new employee is a good fit for your company. You can assess their abilities, competency, work ethics, and moral values and see if their performance is as good as their interview. A trial can also help potential employees decide whether they want to be part of your team, minimizing the chances of employee turnover.
Featured image by Unsplash
