How to Hire Right Every Time in Your Service Business
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Hiring your first employee is a major milestone for your business. It can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. I know for sure when I hired my first contractor, I was full of uncertainty and questions.
In the latest episode of The Master Your Business Podcast, I sat down with the remarkable Louisa Meehan to discuss the process of hiring the right person every time. Louisa is the owner of Woodview HRM, which specialises in providing expert Human Resource and Workplace Mediation Solutions to organisations through consultancy and Leadership skills training.
A seasoned expert in the realm of recruitment and management, Louisa shares invaluable insights on hiring strategies, onboarding practices, and setting the foundations for a successful employer-employee relationship in episode #70 of The Master Your Business Podcast.
“Hire for the role, not just the person.”
It's all about finding individuals whose skills, values, and behaviours, align with you and your business's cultures. But before you even think about hiring, first set out what your T’s & C’s will be.
Decide if you’ll hire a contractor or employee. If you go with an employee, start with basic statutory minimums for pay and benefits to ensure compliance, with room for changes as your business grows.
Preparing for Success:
Before hiring a full-time employee, consider delegating tasks to contractors to see how you manage others. Deciding between hiring an employee or engaging a contractor hinges on the level of control and integration you want the individual to have within your business.
Having employment contracts and job descriptions ready streamlines the hiring process and allows you to set clear expectations from the start.
Navigating the Hiring Process:
Interviews aren't just about assessing skills; they're an opportunity to gauge mutual fit and alignment with your values and culture. Basically, it’s an opportunity to see if you like the person and if they like you! Louisa stressed the importance of transparency, especially if this is your first hire, and being upfront about co-creating the role together. Whether remote, on-site, or hybrid, consider work arrangements that best suit your business's needs.
Onboarding with Excellence:
Setting clear goals, expectations, and providing the necessary tools and equipment are essential components of a seamless onboarding process. Establishing an induction and probation period with regular check-ins ensures early issues are addressed promptly, setting the stage for long-term success.
Your Next Steps:
Armed with these insights, if you’re ready to start hiring - it's time to take action!
- Review your current contractor arrangements
- Draft employment contracts and job descriptions
- Research average salaries for potential roles
- Set up your accounting processes to allocate funds for future termination buffers, ensuring you're prepared for any eventuality.
So there you have it. Hiring your first employee may seem daunting, but with these invaluable tips at your disposal, you're well-equipped to navigate this exciting milestone confidently.
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