Running a small business can be one of the best opportunities in life. There’s dealing, networking, traveling and developing new products or services to grow the business. Starting with a simple idea and nurturing it from implementation to a thriving enterprise provides a sense of purpose or fulfillment that very few other things can. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, drive and are willing to take risks, running your own business is the only way to go.
Still, it’s not all fun. The days can be long and vacations or time off can be rare, especially when you are first starting out. There are important meetings with accountants, vendors and your attorney. These people can help keep your business on solid legal and financial ground, so don’t ignore them. There are also plenty of decisions to make, such as hiring employees. Bringing the right person on board and into the right job is among the most important decisions you’ll make. Here are some things to consider when interviewing job candidates:
- Develop a strong job description. Job vacancies are a good time to review the operation and how the job responsibilities might be restructured for a better fit.
- Go beyond the resume. Ask the person about their perspective on your company and what they will bring to the table. Listen carefully to their response. It will give you a good indication of how much preparation they put in before the interview and how interested they are working for you.
- Discuss career goals. Talk about their ambition and where they see themselves in 5-10 years.
- Ask about expectations beyond salary. Many workers today value such perks as flextime, remote working, a wellness program and work-life balance over salary.
- Study their demeanor and personality. Make sure they would be a good fit with your existing staff. The wrong personality or work ethic could lead to serious issues with other personnel. Even if the candidate brings a sterling track record of achievement, the trade-off may not be worth it.
- Vet the candidate carefully. Check their references and review social media channels. Past inappropriate behavior or social media posts should be discussed with the candidate. If the candidate will be dealing with sensitive or confidential information, check them for a criminal record.
Hiring new personnel is an exciting time for many business owners. When it’s time to draft a solid employment agreement that works for you and the new employee, give us a call at (615) 476-1151.