Among the first employees you should hire is someone with more experience than you do. For example, if you’re the only person handling customer service, hiring someone with experience in that area can help you retain more customers, grow faster, and set up more efficient systems. However, not all first hires need to be specialists.
Tip For Hiring First Employee
Hiring your first employee is a big step for any business, and it’s important to do it right. After all, this person will be with you for the long haul. And your first employee is likely your greatest asset, so make sure you hire the right person. The following are some tips to help you find the right person.
Hire someone with experience. Although hiring a specialist might seem like overkill at first, a specialist’s expertise can be invaluable. For example, if you’re the founder of a startup and you’re not familiar with customer support, it would be beneficial to hire someone who has a background in that area. This employee will make it easier for you to grow and retain customers, and they’ll also help you set up more efficient systems.
Look for someone who is passionate about your product. It’s important to have a good fit between the two of you, as this employee will be working with you every day. Make sure the person you hire has a great personality and won’t get on your nerves. They should be enthusiastic about working for you, and they should be open to learning.
Be prepared to spend time interviewing the first candidate. The process may take longer than the standard interview. If your startup is venture-funded, you may even offer equity to your first employee. Oftentimes, candidates value extra responsibilities and professional growth in small businesses. This is particularly true if you’re hiring a candidate to fill a temporary or contract position.