Small Business: Hiring Employees

Business is good and now you need to employ some help to keep the business operating efficiently. This can be an exciting time for a small business owner as it signals success and the opportunity to further increase business. So what do you need to know about hiring someone to help? 

• Application for employment - You can find several templates online that you can customize for your specific needs. The application is important, not only to make an initial review of potential applicants, it is also the first step in verifying your employees experience, education, and skills. 
• References - Checking references is a must. You want to get 3 or more references to get a little more information about the applicant. Checking references is important for protecting your business as well. Ask all references the same questions such as; "Has the applicant ever been disciplined or terminated from a position that you are aware of?"; "Is the candidate skilled at {insert the name of the skill}?"; and, "Is the applicant dependable, routinely on-time for work, completing assignments?". Consider other questions that are important to the position you are hiring for, but always keep the questions about their work. 
• Education verification - If you require a specific training program or education completion requirement, make sure that you verify any education they identify on their application. Ask for copies of diplomas, if the training is a specific requirement for the job, such as welding, or hair dresser, ask the applicant to have a certified copy of their transcript sent to your work address. 
• Interview - Conduct an interview of the top applicants. The goal is to learn more about their knowledge, skills and abilities for the job. Create a list of questions that you will ask all candidates. This allows you to compare their strengths and weaknesses equally. Again, questions should be job related only. For example; don't ask if they have children if you are concerned they will not be able to meet the scheduling requirements, rather ask, "Work hours vary from week to week, will you be able to work an adjustable, changing schedule?" 
• Focus on FIT - Through the reference checks, application information, and interviewing the candidates you want to find the person that is a great fit for your business. The person with the most training and skills may not have a personality that fits a customer service role for example. Finding the person that you feel is a good fit is the most critical element for selecting an employee. If you are not sure after the interview, interview them a second time asking open-ended questions that allows the candidate to share more information. 

As a small business owner you need to find the right people that can help you move your business forward. Spending time developing an application, checking references, verifying education where required, and conduct interviews will help you identify the employee that is a great fit for your business.