4 Things To Consider When Recruiting Employees

If you’re a successful entrepreneur, you’ll soon find yourself wanting to scale your business. Increased time and energy requirements of doing essential income-generating work are good indications that you need extra help. Hiring a new employee is a potentially wise strategic move, but it’s a good idea to proceed with caution. Here are several crucial factors to keep in mind to make sure that you’re making the right hiring decision and investing your funds wisely.

1. Your Requirements

First of all, do you really need to bring on board a full-time employee with a full benefits package? Most full-timers work at capacity, but it’s not always possible to screen for those who don’t. Consider also the implications of layoffs and/or resignations, severance, and the slim chance of litigation. Independent contractors, part-time job candidates, consultants, and agency workers might be a cost-effective, less labor-intensive alternative. While making your employee recruitment plan, look at the skills and strengths you bring, and come up with specific descriptions of the skills and strengths you need. This process will help guide your decision making about how to recruit and hire.

2. Referrals

Word of mouth is by far the best way to discover and vet possible candidates for employment. Good referrals are powerful. Whoever’s making a positive recommendation to you is putting their reputation on the line. Trusted advisors, industry colleagues, friends, and family can give you valuable insider information as well. Once you’ve established a good relationship with your employee or contractor, you’ll likely receive quality recommendations for other people to work with in the future.

3. Skill Sets

It’s essential during employee recruitment that you determine whether your candidate knows and values the characteristics that set your business apart. Once that’s established, find out candidates’ specific skill sets and see if they’re complementary to yours. Another important factor is teachability. A strong candidate with good “soft skills” (related to emotional and relational intelligence and the ability to self regulate) might be more willing to pick up new skills and tasks than a more rigid applicant — particularly important if you’re running a startup.

4. Online Boards

Once you’ve consulted your personal and professional network, consider online job search boards. It’s best to look at niche boards first to avoid a deluge of resumes; your search is narrowed down ahead of time.

Employee recruitment is a multifaceted process. Keep these considerations in mind for a positive experience.

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