Avoid the Pitfalls of Hiring Staff: What Every Small Business Owner Should Know
So, you’re thinking about hiring? That’s fantastic! Hiring your first employee shows how much your small business has grown. You might feel excited — and a little anxious. After all, your business is your baby, and you want to make sure it’s in safe hands. While no one will care as much about your business as you do, you can hire great, hard-working staff who are the right fit.
To help you avoid the pitfalls of hiring staff, consider these crucial steps to get the right person on board from the start.
Have a Clear Idea About the Position to Be Filled
Many new employers feel the urge to fill multiple roles at once, but clarity is key. First, define the specific duties and skills needed for the role. Then, when reviewing CVs, focus on the candidate’s competencies rather than just their years of experience. Ten years doing a job doesn’t always mean the candidate will fit well with your company culture or expectations.
Master the Interview Stage
Once you know what you want, prepare targeted interview questions for every candidate. Ask the same questions to make fair comparisons easier, and consider scoring their answers. Avoid random or off-topic questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “What would you take to a desert island?” These don’t provide useful insight and can confuse candidates.
Instead, focus on specifics that reveal their skills and work style. Also, remember that an interview is a two-way street — good candidates will ask thoughtful questions too. Their engagement shows they’re serious and prepared.
Vet the Candidate Thoroughly
Unfortunately, CVs can contain exaggerations or inaccuracies. To avoid costly mistakes, insist on a probation or trial period so you can observe if the new hire truly matches their claims.
Don’t skip reference checks, even if they feel tedious. These provide valuable third-party insight that can confirm your hiring decision or raise red flags early.
Be Realistic About Expectations
It’s tempting to want a perfect employee immediately — highly skilled and affordable. However, this is rarely realistic. The job market is competitive, especially with low unemployment rates, so you need to adjust expectations around skills and salary accordingly. The interview stage often reveals what you can reasonably expect from candidates.
Consider the Culture You Want to Build
In small businesses, each team member plays a crucial role in shaping the work environment. One person with a negative attitude can disrupt the entire team’s morale. Before hiring, think carefully about the values and culture you want to foster.
During interviews, trust your gut: can you see yourself working well with this person? You might also consider using personality tests to gain deeper insight into how candidates might fit within your company’s culture.
Ready to Hire? Let Us Help with the Payroll
Hiring new staff is an exciting step, but managing payroll can quickly become complex and time-consuming. To avoid costly mistakes and ensure compliance, let our experts take care of your payroll needs — so you can focus on growing your business.
👉 Contact us today to learn how our payroll services can support your hiring journey.