Small businesses account for 1.8 million net new jobs annually, making them the biggest contributors to job creation in the private sector, according to the Small Business Administration. Every small business owner gets to a point where they must hire someone to take the business to the next level. However, it doesn’t always end well: a hiring mismatch may result in inefficiency at the workplace, absenteeism and high employee turnover, all of which can slow down your growth. As you look for your first employee, you should ensure that you conduct a smooth and thorough hiring process geared towards finding a perfect match that will improve your business.
1. Do some due diligence
Before hiring anyone, you need to find out everything you can about them based on facts; not what they choose to include in their resume. Start by doing background checks for their criminal or incarceration records, credit history, driving records, confirmation of prior employment claims, and any other important details you can get legally. Keep in mind that it’s illegal to ask questions about a potential employee’s age, race, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation. You may also have to ask for the applicant’s consent when digging up personal records such as medical or education records.
2. Get the necessary insurance coverage
After hiring your first employee, there are some types of insurance coverage that you’ll need to protect both them and your business. Some types of coverage are optional, while others are mandated by law. For example, one type of insurance coverage that you are required to provide for employees under most states’ laws is workers’ compensation insurance. If an employee gets a job-related illness or injury, Cerity states that workers’ compensation insurance covers the cost of treatment and any lost wages during that period. Other types of insurance that you can buy for your new employee include health insurance, disability insurance, and life insurance.
3. Train your new employee
A lot of employers expect their new employees to know what’s required of them at work from the get-go, which is usually not the case. Even if the new employee has the required technical expertise to do the job properly, they will still need some level of training to learn the important company values and policies. This ensures that there will be no misunderstandings or frustrations as you start working together.
Hiring your first employee is a huge step for your business, and an important one if you want to grow to new heights. While the hiring process can be long and complicated, the reward is increased productivity and profit if you get it right, which makes it worth the trouble.
For more great business tips, check out the other blogs on Career Geek.
