Getting started

To help you decide whether it’s the right time to hire your first employee, start to define a potential role by keeping a list of routine tasks that need to be completed daily and weekly, special upcoming projects that require a specific skill set and work a potential employee can do throughout the week when everything else is finished. When you have a list of at least 20 hours per week of ongoing tasks and several planned projects, it may be time to consider bringing on your first employee.

Prepare for the recruitment process

Decide what you can afford

Hiring your first employee will cost more than just their salary. As an employer, you will likely be required to enrol in the PAYE system and pay for other expenses, such as equipment, workspace and benefits. Consider whether it makes more sense to hire a full-time, part-time or contract employee. An independent contractor can help with specific projects on a temporary basis with little overhead costs. However, a permanent employee will have a stronger sense of company loyalty and long-term commitment to your vision.

Take care of your legal obligations

Hiring a new team member often involves several administrative steps. The specific actions required can vary depending on factors such as your location, business structure and the type of role you intend to fill. Instead of following a fixed checklist, it may be best to check official government websites for the most up-to-date information.

Attract the right applicants

Imagine your ideal candidate

Before posting your job, write down the characteristics, skills and qualifications you’re looking for in your ideal candidate. These attributes will help you craft a job description that attracts the most suitable applicants for your role. For example, you might imagine your first employee as being a self-starter with a growth mindset. Identifying these qualities early on will help you spot the candidate you need when they’re sitting in front of you.

Create a compelling job description

For small businesses, getting the job posting right is critical for standing out in a crowd of big competitors. Start with an engaging summary of the role and clearly describe what the job entails. To attract candidates who enjoy working at small companies, explain that you’re hiring your first employee and are excited to be expanding your business.

Find talent for your open position by including the following elements in your job description:

• Accurate job title
• Overview of your company
• Key job duties and responsibilities
• Required and preferred skills
• Employee benefits or perks

Identify your top candidates

Conduct pre-employment screening

Once you’ve attracted several applicants to your job posting, it’s time to screen your candidates to determine who should move forward in the recruitment process.

Find out which applicants meet your basic requirements and desired skill level by:

• Reviewing CVs and cover letters
• Conducting 15-30 minute phone screens
• Communicating with candidates through email

Interview promising applicants

During the interview process, ask questions that will reveal whether your candidate’s vision aligns with yours, as well as broader questions to learn how they respond in difficult situations, what motivates them and if they have the ability to drive business value. Look for the following qualities and attitudes in your candidate’s answers:

• Flexibility
• Grit and resilience
• Passion
• Culture fit
• Versatility
• Sense of accountability
• Competitive drive

Check your candidate’s references

Calling your top candidates’ references will give you an opportunity to assess their honesty, collaboration skills and ability to do the job. Beyond CVs and interviews, speaking with someone who has worked directly with your candidates will provide you with insights into whether they are the right fit for your company.

Bring your ideal candidate onboard

Send an offer letter

After making a verbal offer to your top candidate, send an official offer letter. Your offer letter should explain the terms and conditions of employment and include details, such as:

• Job title
• Start date
• Salary
• Benefits

Welcome your new employee to the team

An exceptional onboarding experience sets your new employee up for success in their first days, weeks, months and beyond, and gives them the tools they need to start making an immediate impact. To help your first employee feel empowered in their role, create an employee handbook to convey important company information, and consider planning out their first month in detail, offering specific goals and clear expectations that will help you measure their success.