Q&A: Hiring My First Employee

Help! I’m about to hire my very first employee. What can I do to attract the right applicant?

Congratulations! With the decision to hire your first employee, you’ve reached a milestone in your business. First things first, to attract the “right” applicant you need to be clear about what you’re looking for.

Oftentimes, new hires don’t work out because responsibilities aren’t well thought out or clearly communicated before hiring. To maximize your chances of hiring the “right” applicant, make three lists. The first should include all of the responsibilities and expectations for your new employee; the job specifications.

The second should spell out the experience you want your candidate to possess. This is sort of a wish list, but it narrows down the number of applicants if you make specific requirements. Finally, make a list of the personality traits you’d most like to see in your first employee. This is where “fit” comes in.

Do you want a take-charge, self-starter, jack-of-all-trades type of employee or someone who acts a bit more subservient to you?

The answers to these questions and others like it will help ensure that you attract and hire the “right” employee.