How Best to Hire My First Employee

Hiring an employee for the first time is a delicate process, but it’s also hassle free as long as the right factors are taken into consideration.

Acquiring employee identification numbers, arranging tax documents, and the overall personality and skills of the candidate at hand are important considerations, but knowing when to actually start the hiring process is crucial.

With a growing business in mind, what should go into the decision making process when hiring the first employee for your small business?

Job Details

Especially for small businesses with non-traditional work titles, it’s important to figure out exactly what the new position entails. This involves not only realizing the fact that others can help in certain departments, but also tailoring a job specific to that work.

For example, if you’re constantly telling yourself that someone else could track and stock inventory or manage the afternoon and evening shift, then that’s a good place to start forming a new job opening.

Likewise, if you don’t think you can describe the position easily or you’re ensure if it’s enough work to actually hire on extra help, try working the proposed job for a day. It’ll help you formulate the job description as well as experience the work involved.

Associated Costs

Running the numbers to see how much a new employee will cost your business is a crucial step. Whether it’s your first or fifth employee, you must decide on a wage that’s appropriate for the job at hand and make sure you can cover that cost.

In addition, the costs associated with taxes, social security, and insurance could end up costing your business more than the employee’s wages. So, take every potential cost into consideration, including the additional income you’ll likely make from hiring on more help.

The Short-term Approach

When hiring a new employee for a first-time position, it’s a wise not to make any promises of long-term work. In other words, during the advertising and interviewing process, allude to the fact that the position is temporary.

This is for two reasons: you’re probably unclear of exactly what the new position holds and therefore, you’re probably not sure if your initial employee choice is the right one. If the position is temporary, you can make adjustments where needed until you fully realize the job and its long-term potential.

Decide the Ultimate Goal

With a small business, everything is on your shoulders for at least the first few years. But, the ultimate goal of most small business owners is to put the initial work in upfront and then let the small business grow from there.

So, whether you want to be involved daily with every aspect of your small business or manage it from afar, you need to hire accordingly. With trusted, hardworking employees at your side, you can have a successful small business without sacrificing your personal life.

By taking the above factors into consideration, you’ll be more confident in your hiring decision and choose the right fit the first time around.