The Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring Your First Employee

The Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring Your First Employee

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring Your First Employee

Hiring your first employee can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking the time to understand the do’s and don’ts of hiring your first employee will make the process much smoother and help ensure you make the best decision for your business.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps to take when hiring your first employee, from recruiting to onboarding and beyond. Read on to learn how to navigate the process and make your first hire a success.

DO have a plan

Hiring your first employee is an important step for any business and requires careful planning. Before you start looking for the right person, you should have a plan in place. 

This plan should include:

  • the purpose of the role,
  • the position you’re hiring for, 
  • what responsibilities they’ll be given, 
  • the budget you have for salary, 
  • and any other associated costs. 

Once you’ve determined these details, you can begin the process of actually finding someone to fill the role. Make sure to think through your decision carefully and create a plan that fits within your budget and meets your needs.

DON’T put off hiring your first employee

When you’re ready to hire your first employee, it’s tempting to put off the process in hopes that the work can be done without help. This isn’t always possible, however. Hiring an employee allows you to scale your business and take on larger projects that you wouldn’t be able to do alone.

That said, don’t wait too long before hiring your first employee. If you have the resources and can afford it, get the process started as soon as possible. Take some time to think about the type of person you need, the skills they need to have, and the hours you’re willing to pay for. Once you have those details sorted out, start the search right away.

It can also be helpful to set a timeline for when you want the position filled. You don’t want to rush into anything, but having a timeline will help you stay focused and ensure that you don’t drag out the process too long. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task, break it down into smaller tasks and tackle each one at a time.

Hiring an employee can initially seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You can find the right fit for your team with proper planning and preparation. 

I appreciate fear of the unknown or being worried about what happens if it goes wrong can stop you hiring. Find people who can support and guide you in this hire and you’ll be able to minimise the risk. 

Don’t put it off — start your search today!

DO consider your budget

Hiring your first employee is an exciting milestone for any business. It is also a serious financial commitment, and it is important to take the time to consider your budget before taking this step. 

Creating a budget for your new employee should involve more than just their salary. You will need to factor in things such as PAYE, national insurance, benefits and other administrative costs associated with hiring a new employee. It is also a good idea to consider how much you can realistically afford to pay your new employee on an ongoing basis. 

Research the industry standard salary for the position you are filling, and ensure that you can meet that standard without putting undue strain on your budget. Remember, you don’t want to over-extend your resources in the long run. 

Finally, make sure you have an accurate picture of the cost of hiring and retaining your new employee before making a decision. This will help ensure that your new hire is the best fit for both your company and your budget.

DON’T forget about employee benefits

When you’re hiring your first employee, it’s important to consider the benefits you’ll offer them. Benefits such as health insurance, holiday allowance, and other perks should be considered before you start the hiring process.

Consider what type of benefits package will best suit your company’s needs while keeping your budget in mind. 

Be sure to also register for a pension scheme. You must, as an employer, auto-enrol your new employee into a pension scheme. They have the right to opt-out. Research different options to see which plan fits within your budget and provides the best retirement savings for your employee. 

It’s also important to understand the laws around offering benefits such as paid time off, family leave, and overtime pay. In the UK, we have laws that require employers to offer these benefits.

Benefits are an essential part of any employment agreement, and it’s important not to overlook them when you’re hiring your first employee. It’s not only important for maintaining morale, but it can also help attract the best candidates for your position.

DO think long term

When hiring your first employee, it’s important to consider the long-term impact of that hire. 

Ask yourself, “Will this person help me to grow my business for years to come?” 

While you might need someone to fill a specific role now, it’s important to think about the future and what kind of contribution the new hire could make over time. Consider the qualities of the ideal employee in the future and try to find someone who has those qualities now. 

A good long-term hire will not only be able to meet current needs, but will also be able to help you grow as your business evolves.

DON’T hire someone just like you

It can be tempting to hire someone who is similar to you—after all, it may make for an easier transition in the workplace and someone who shares your vision. But it’s important to remember that your employees should bring something new to the table. 

By hiring someone similar to you, you could miss out on opportunities to grow and learn from diverse perspectives. Make sure to look beyond a job candidate’s skillset and consider their other qualities, such as creativity, communication, leadership, and problem-solving. Diversifying your team with people who think differently than you will help your business grow and thrive.

DO take your time

Hiring a new employee is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s essential to take your time and make sure you make the right choice. Don’t rush the process. Instead, allow enough time to assess candidates thoroughly, talk to references, review resumes, and really get to know who you’re hiring.

Taking your time also means ensuring that all of your legal bases are covered. Before offering anyone a job, make sure you comply with all applicable employment laws and regulations in your country. Ensure that you have the proper paperwork in place and verify any licensing or qualifications that may be necessary for the job. If you need HR help with employment contracts, reach out to Colmers HR. They’re our trusted partners for al things HR.

Overall, don’t rush into hiring someone just to fill a role quickly. 

Try not to do what I call ‘panic buying’. Taking your time during the hiring process will give you the best chance of finding the right person for the job.

DON’T make a snap decision

When hiring your first employee, it is important not to make a snap decision. This could lead to costly mistakes in the long run. You want to make sure that you take the time to vet any potential hires properly. Interview multiple candidates where possible, read through references and background checks thoroughly, and consider any past experiences they may have had. 

If you have a business coach, ask them to have a coffee with one or two of the candidates. Their experience and knowledge of you, your mission and your vision could add significant value to your hiring process.

Doing these things can help you identify any red flags that could potentially arise and save you a lot of time and money in the future. You should also consider the type of culture you are trying to cultivate within your business and how the new hire would fit into that. Taking the time to find the right person for the job will be worth it in the end!

DO get references

When hiring your first employee, it is essential to get references. This will help you understand the candidate better and confirm any qualifications they may have stated. A good reference should be able to provide you with insight into their past job performance and how they interacted with colleagues.

However, if the person has worked for a corporate previously, do not be surprised if the reference only confirms the dates they were employed and their job title. 

Before making a final decision, speak with at least two references from the candidate’s most recent role. Ask detailed questions such as: what kind of tasks were they responsible for, how did they handle stressful situations, and did they meet deadlines? 

Again, do not be put off or read into a situation where they cannot give you the direct phone numbers of their references.

The key to references in the hiring process is remembering they won’t give you the referee details for someone who won’t give a favourable reference.

DON’T forget the little things

When it comes to hiring your first employee, it’s important not to forget the small details that can make a huge difference. For example, be sure to think about setting up processes for onboarding, training, managing the probationary period and feedback. 

You could also consider creating an employee handbook or policy guide that outlines expectations, rules, and other important information. Alternatively, as you’re hirng your first employee, creating SOPs can handbook contributions can be part of their remit. 

Finally, don’t forget to set up payroll systems and tax obligations for your employee. By thinking through these small details, you can ensure a smooth transition for you and your new hire.

So, are you ready to start your hiring process with a difference?

If you still need a hand or two, why not have a chat with the team here at Your People Partners? We love helping your business thrive.

Further reading

author avatar
Helen Sanders Managing Director and Chief People Partner
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