Small Business Hiring Tips
As a business owner, you are well aware that as you grow, you will need to hire employees. You also know how much value employees can bring to your business, sparking new life and creative thought. Some business owners are hesitant to hire their first employees, fearing that a new individual will not be able to deliver the same quality of work that you can. However, if you do it right, hiring employees can open up a range of possibilities for your business. Here are a few do’s and don’ts on how you can find employees that suit your business.
Do:
- Think hard about your needs. A job description needs to be an accurate reflection on what your business needs and what you expect out of an employee. Include a clear job description, a day-to-day list of responsibilities, how the job fits into the overall company, and any specific skills that are needed. That way, you limit applicants to people who will be suitable.
- Be clear about your company values. You need to be attractive to employees in order to get people to work for you. However, you want to attract the right people that suit your company’s culture and values. Highlighting these benefits is a great way to lure the right candidates in.
- Wait for the right person to come along. Although you may need someone on your team now, it is better to wait for the right person than settle for a candidate just because they applied for the job. Make sure that your new hire offers what you’re looking for.
- Ask specific questions. Go beyond the classic “tell me about yourself” interview questions. Instead, ask people about projects that they have worked on in the past or former work environments. Have them tell you their likes and dislikes about previous establishments. This will help you get a better idea of what they’re looking for and the environment in which they can thrive.
Don’t:
- Take their word for it. Call references, run a background check, and conduct a simple Google search to help you get a better understanding of the candidate.
- Count on candidates accepting your job offer. Remember that candidates always have the option to turn you down. You need to impress your candidates just as much as they need to impress you.
- Hire more often than you need to. Make a solid effort to retain your best employees by making sure they feel appreciated, and give them room to grow in their new positions. Employee loyalty is a priceless commodity that you won’t be able to find on a resume.
For more information on hiring employees, contact the Economic Development Collaborative. Conveniently located in Camarillo, California, we’re here to help.