Starting out as a self-employed business owner can be exciting. When you’re finally on the path to being in control of your own income and paving a path for the future, there’s no other kind of motivation like it. But, as time goes by, you may find that you’re starting to grow.
Although you may have began by running the business alone, you could find that you’re ready to take on your first member of staff, and it can be scary. Not only is it a big step, but you may also find that the process of doing this is confusing too. So, to help you out, here’s how you can make these first vital steps.
Outline Your Requirements
The first thing that you need to do is figure out what your requirements are. When you first consider hiring someone, all you know is that you need help. But when it comes to finding someone to fulfill that, you have to be sure on what you really need. So, write down the tasks that you need help with. By doing this, you can make sure that you can warrant hiring your first member of staff, and ensure that you have the budget to pay them too.
Compile A Job Description
When you’re sure that you are able to take someone on, you then have to work on compiling a job description. However, as you have already sat down and written out some notes, you’ve got a great starting point to work with. You need to come up with a job title for the person that you need and list the responsibilities they will have, as well as the experience and skills you’d expect from someone applying. Then, you can put up an advertisement.
Check For Compliance
At this point, you may also want to make sure that you’re doing everything above board, and that you’re going to be by the book going forwards. Employment law can be tricky, so you want to ensure that you get everything right. You could do your own research or work with an employment law consultancy firm to do this. Either way, you need to make sure that you are going to be compliant before you take on your first employee.
Start Interviewing
When you’re sure that you know the rules, you’re then going to want to start the interview process. This can often involve a lot of work – especially if you’re struggling to find the right candidates. However, the most important thing to remember is not to rush. Even if you want to be able to get someone in right away, it’s better off to find the perfect person to help you, rather than a subpar person that will hinder you.
Hire Away!
Then, when you think you’ve found ‘the one’, you’re going to need to hire them. Here is where a lot of the compliance will come in. You’re going to want to get an employment contract that you can use, and ensure that you’re clear on any employment terms and probationary periods too. Then, with a well thought out induction program to commence, you’ll be ready to welcome your first employee to your business.
