Dianne Pajo
Every startup founder knows what it’s like to wear multiple hats and complete whatever jobs need to be done to keep the business moving. However, a successful business will grow to a point where its number of employees must also grow. If you’re ready to expand your workforce, keep reading to learn how to hire your first employee in four simple steps.
Do Your Paperwork
Hiring your first employee isn’t as simple as finding the right person for the job. Before you get started, you must ensure you’ve completed the necessary steps to hire someone legally. These steps include obtaining your employer identification number (EIN), getting your taxes in order for employment tax records, and ensuring your business insurance includes workers’ compensation. Once you complete these steps, you can hire someone new to your team.
Post a Job Listing
Without a job listing, potential new hires won’t know you’re looking to add someone to the team. Sharing your new opening on job search sites like LinkedIn or even in local forums will increase the number of people who see and apply for the job, improving your chances of finding the right fit. When writing your job posting, be clear about the role and responsibilities. Including salary and compensation information will improve the number and quality of applicants who apply, and you may have to add it by law.
Select a Candidate
After receiving applications, it’s time to decide on your first hire. This is a good time to interview your top candidates and narrow down the list of potential new hires. While there are many ways to pare down a job candidate list, you need to take time to intentionally narrow down your candidate list. Your first new hire is the first person contributing to the culture of your company and the growth of your business, so choose wisely!
Send a Job Offer
Once you’ve decided, it’s time to send a job offer. Before you do so, look up a list of what paperwork your new employee will have to sign to legally work for your business in your state. Take some during your employee’s first few days to onboard them.
Now that you know how to hire your first employee in four simple steps, you can take the next step in growing your business. Once you’ve hired the right candidate, remember to celebrate this milestone. Someday, you’ll be looking back on the early days of your startup as a distant memory!
