As a small business owner, you’ve probably taken on multiple roles, juggling everything from marketing to customer service. But if you truly want to scale, you need a team that can handle some tasks better, faster, and more efficiently than you. I know that’s easier said than done!
The fact is, recruiting the right people is one of the most critical – and often riskiest – management activities you will undertake. As Jim Collins says in Good to Great, “it’s all about getting the right people on your bus.”
Here’s a simple Six-Step Process to help make it easier for you build a successful team:
Step 1: Define the Role:
Before you start hiring, clarify the job. Without a clear job profile, you risk hiring someone who fits your personality, rather than is right for the job. A well-defined job profile includes:
- Purpose: Why does this position exist?
- Specific Activities: What tasks will the person perform?
- Job Requirements: What skills, education, and experience are necessary?
- Work Context: What is the reporting structure, work environment, and technology used?
Step 2: Promote the Position:
Once you have a job profile, create a shorter more concise version to advertise and share with your personal community, business network, and online platforms.
Step 3: Shortlist Candidates:
Review resumes and conduct phone interviews to narrow your candidates. Ask essential questions to filter out those who may not fit your needs.
Remember, interviewing is a two-way street. While you assess candidates, it’s equally vital for you to showcase your business as a desirable place to work.
Step 4: Face-to-Face Interviews:
(In-person or virtual depending on the job)
Meet your top candidates – ideally no more than three. Prepare questions based on the job profile, not the resume. Take notes during the interview; this not only helps you remember details but also shows candidates you value their input. Consider a second round of interviews for your top choices.
Step 5: Check References:
Never skip reference checks. Past performance can be a strong indicator of future success. Ask references questions related to the job profile, such as:
- Was the candidate a good team member?
- How did they deal with meeting tight deadlines?
- What strengths were identified?
Step 6: Onboard Effectively:
The onboarding process is crucial. Make the new hire feel welcomed and valued from day one. Ideas for effective onboarding include:
- Introducing them to the rest of the team.
- Explaining the history and mission of the company.
- Providing the work environment that was indicated in their role.
- Reviewing the job profile together and setting clear expectations for the first few weeks.
While following this Six-Step Process doesn’t guarantee success, it will significantly reduce the risk of hiring mistakes.
Remember, building a great business is impossible without a great team.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? For more resources, including our job profile template, feel free to reach out to me.
