When it comes to really growing a small business and taking it from a cottage industry to something far more profitable, there’s one thing that most experts agree that you should do as soon as possible, and that’s hiring staff. Many small businesses start out as one-man (or woman) shows, with the owner trying to do everything. While this has the advantages of saving you money and helping you to learn more about each element of your business, at some point if you want to take the next step, you’ll need help.
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When hiring staff for your small business, there are several things you should consider, here’s a look at some of the things that you should keep in mind before hiring anyone.
Determine Your Business Needs
Before you start hiring, identify the roles you need to fill, and the qualifications required for each position. This will help you target the right candidates and avoid wasting time and resources on unsuitable applicants.
Some business owners like to hire experts in areas that they aren’t as good at, or don’t enjoy, to free up their time to focus on the parts of the business that they love. Others, just need more hands on deck. Be honest about what you need help with, and which roles would benefit your business the most, especially if you are on a tight budget.
Create Detailed Job Descriptions
Each job description should outline the responsibilities and expectations for the position, as well as the necessary qualifications and experience required. This will help you attract the right candidates and ensure that everyone is clear on their job duties.
Develop a Hiring Process
Establish a process for evaluating resumes, conducting interviews, and selecting candidates. This can include phone screenings, in-person interviews, reference checks, and background checks, and it’s okay to experiment with different approaches until you find a process that works well for your business.
Consider Scheduling Needs
Determine the hours of operation for your business and establish scheduling policies that are fair and consistent. Be clear about the expectations for shift availability and flexibility, as well as the consequences for tardiness, absenteeism, and scheduling conflicts.
Many businesses find that as they grow, scheduling becomes more complicated. Using employee scheduling software from the start can help to simplify the process and eliminate mistakes.
Implement Time Sheets
Have a system in place for tracking employee hours, whether it’s through paper timesheets, an online time tracking system, or a time clock. Make sure all employees are trained on how to use the system and that they understand the importance of accurate timekeeping.
Communicate Expectations
Provide clear guidance to new hires about your expectations for their job performance, attendance, and behavior. Regularly communicate with your staff about any changes in policies or procedures and get into good habits when it comes to feedback and regular staff reviews.
By considering these factors before hiring staff for your small business, you can ensure that you are attracting the right candidates, setting clear expectations, and establishing systems to manage scheduling and time sheets effectively, giving you the best chance to grow your business efficiently and profitably.
