Are you transitioning from a solopreneur to an employer?
Or perhaps your small business is growing, but you’re struggling to keep up with demand.
If so, you may need help.
But the thought of hiring employees may seem daunting because you don’t want to hire the wrong people.
You could outsource the task to an HR consultant. But it’s important for you to be involved in the hiring process. After all, it’s your business, and you’re the one who’ll have to work with your employees every day.
Avoid Hiring These Types of Employees
Let’s face it; working with people you don’t like is exhausting and costly, so avoid hiring the following types of employees.
The Debbie Downer
Have you ever worked with people who complain about the littlest things, from the driver who cut them off to their co-workers? You have compassion and show empathy, but being around Debbie Downers doesn’t feel good. In fact, their low energy could infect and affect you and others quickly.
The Non-Motivator
Some of the terms hiring managers and recruiters use to fill positions are “self-starter” and “self-motivated.” Employees who aren’t motivated to do more or think of better solutions to move your business forward may do more harm than good. After all, your goal is to grow, right? The Non-Motivator
won’t help you get to the next level.
The Unsatisfied
Nothing you do will be good enough for The Unsatisfied. The ironic thing is that instead of quitting, he’d rather grumble about his job. Why? Because he collects a paycheck – and that’s good enough. The Unsatisfied will never be satisfied.
How to Hire the Right People for Your Small Business
It may take you time to find the right employees for your small business. Not only do you want to hire high-quality people who are technically capable, but you want them to be a good fit for your organization. Here are tips to help you hire the right people for your business.
Create Better Job Descriptions.
You won’t attract the right employees with poorly written job descriptions. In fact, they may deter qualified candidates from applying. Stop writing long lists of responsibilities and requirements. Candidates want to know what your business can do for them just like you want to know what they can do for you. In your job descriptions, include statements such as “Opportunity for collaboration and growth,” and “We provide constructive feedback to advance your skills.”
Don’t Rush the Hiring Process
The Muse CEO Kathryn Minshew uses a litmus test for hiring by asking, “If I suggested going out to lunch, and everyone said no except for this person, would I be excited or bummed to go to lunch one-on-one with him or her?” If the answer is ‘meh’, we pass on the candidate,” says Minshew. Don’t settle! Hire people you want to work with every day.
Go Where Candidates Are
Find out where the best candidates for your small business hang out, physically and virtually. If you need to hire a salesperson, attend a trade show because you’ll see them in action and get a sense of how they deal with pressure and customers. Don’t forget about conferences! You can easily speak with potential employees and give them a short overview of your small business, culture, vision, etc.
Review Social Media Profiles
Discover more about the candidates you interview by reviewing their social media profiles. While you can’t base a decision solely on social media activity, you may gain a better sense of the people you’re interested in hiring. Keep in mind that candidates use social media to showcase their work, so you can review portfolios to assess their skills.
Hire and Retain the Right Employees
You want to build a team who can grow with your company, which is why finding and retaining the best employees for your small business may take some time.
Don’t be afraid to step back from resumes, cover letters (if you request them), and candidates’ interview responses. Consider people who will fit into your company’s culture, i.e., those who want to learn skills or are willing to relocate to a different city and state should you open another location or multiple locations.
The success of your small business depends on the quality of the people you hire. Understand that one bad hire can ruin productivity and morale. Choose employees wisely!
What tips do you have for hiring the right employees? Let us know in the comments.
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