I’m often approached by business owners who are thinking about taking on their first employee. This can be a major commitment for a growing business and needs careful consideration.
There are many reasons why you might consider becoming an employer. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed with your current workload, or struggling with a lack of expertise in a particular area.
Before you embark on employing your first staff member remember that there are a number of ways that you can access extra help. I recommend seeking professional advice before deciding so that you clearly understand the implications of each. I’m always happy to have an initial chat. Do you need
A permanent employee – someone full or part time?
Fixed term employees to help with a particular project or busy period
One or more subcontractors/associates who will join your team as and when you require
An apprentice who can gain a qualification as they work for you
In my own business, I have outsourced finance, web development and VA services. I also work with a number of HR consultants on an as and when associate basis.
Where to start
In this article I am going to focus on employment. If you do decide that this is the right avenue for you there are a number of points to be considered. Here are my three top tips to help you get started.
Play to your strengths
As business owners we often think we need to employ someone just like us. Depending on your needs that might be the right fit. However, it is useful to give some thought to the skills, knowledge and experience that you’re seeking in an employee.
It’s helpful to draft a basic job description, so that both you and the potential candidates are clear on what the job entails and what they will need to bring to the role. Consider the following –
How are you looking to grow your business?
What are your own strengths and weaknesses?
What do you most enjoy about your work?
What skills and knowledge would complement your own?
Where do you feel you need some help?
Consider your workload and time management
Employing, supporting and training a new member of staff is time consuming if you already have a busy workload. Are there times in your business calendar when the work all but disappears? Look at the following points carefully:
Are you currently at full capacity or is the workload still up and down?
How much time do you have for support and supervision of new team members?
Are you looking for someone experienced or do you want to develop them?
How you will you attract and choose the right person?
If you decide to go ahead and employ someone, consider the various ways that you can let them know that you are looking to hire. Think about where your potential employee might see your business, and how they can interact with you both on and offline. You could consider advertising through:
Social media platforms
Recruitment agencies
Your local job centre
Your company website
Finally think about your selection process. This could be an interview, practical or technical knowledge tests and/or a presentation depending on the skills and experience you are looking for.
How can HR Solutions Yorkshire help?
We can help you at every stage of the recruitment process. This includes drafting the initial job description, helping to interview potential candidates, making a job offer and helping the new starter to settle in.
We can also provide you with a recruitment pack. This includes:
A job description template and sample interview questions
A template job offer and contract of employment
An outline of basic HR policies – disciplinary, grievance and absence
To find out more please call 07495 857525 or 01937 591577. You can also email sarah@hrsolutionsyorkshire.co.uk, or visit our website at www.hrsolutionsyorkshire.co.uk.