Taking your time when hiring a new team member can save yourself a lot of trouble, says April-Lynn Levitt, a coach with the Personal Coach in Calgary.
The right person can help you to free up time to focus on what you do best, she says. But the wrong person can lead to conflicts with other team members and more work for you.
To find the best people for your business, follow these tips:
> Assess your needs
Start by analysing your business processes so you will know exactly what the ideal hire would bring to your business.
Keep a time log of what you and your assistant, if you have one, do during the course of the day, Levitt says. Think about the tasks you could delegate to free up your time to work on more profitable pursuits.
Use the time log to decide whether you need someone to work full-time or part-time.
> Define the job
Create a detailed job description to make sure you find the right person for the new role.
Think about what skills would complement what you and your existing staff already do, Levitt says. Ask yourself: what do I need a new team member to do? What are the skills and attitudes he or she will require for the job?
> Get the word out
Let everyone know that you are hiring.
Tell your clients, colleagues, wholesalers and centres of influence that you are looking to expand your team, says Levitt. Make sure you are clear about exactly who you are looking for.
> Find a match
If you already have a few people on staff, think about the kind of personality that will best fit with your current team, Levitt says, so everyone will get along. Use a personality test when screening candidates to make sure you find someone who will fit the job and the culture of the team.
> Don’t rush
Take your time when looking for a new team member Levitt says. Do not hire the first person who applies.
Check each candidate’s references, Levitt says, and do a thorough background check.
If necessary, consider hiring a temp to do simple tasks, such as answering phones and filing, until you can find the right person.
> Get help
Consider getting some outside assistance to find the right fit for your business.
Most advisors don’t have training in hiring staff members, Levitt says, so it’s often a good idea to hire a recruitment agency.
Hiring the right person will reduce staff turnover, saving you time and money.