Starting your own business? Congrats. You’ve officially joined the caffeine-fueled, sleep-deprived, what-day-is-it-again club. And while you might’ve had grand visions of doing everything solo (because who doesn’t love a good control freak moment), you’re now realizing that you’ll need some help.
Whether it’s packing orders, answering emails, or convincing Karen that the return policy does apply to her, you need a team. But how do you recruit staff without ending up with a bunch of walking red flags in matching polo shirts? Read on.
Start With the Job, Not the Person
It’s easy to think you just need “someone chill” or “a people person,” but vague ideas don’t get you reliable employees. Sit down and figure out what the actual job is. What tasks need doing? What hours need covering? Can it be done remotely, or does someone need to physically wrestle with your ancient receipt printer every morning?
Getting this clear not only saves time, it helps you avoid hiring your cousin’s friend’s girlfriend just because “she’s between things right now.” Be specific. Otherwise, you’ll be answering “what am I supposed to do again?” on an hourly basis.
Write a Job Ad That Doesn’t Sound Like a Robot Wrote It
If your job post reads like a corporate buzzword salad, good luck standing out. Don’t say you’re looking for a “dynamic, synergistic rockstar.” No one knows what that means, and the people who think they are one are probably unbearable to work with.
Instead, write like a human. Say what the job involves, what kind of person you’re after, and toss in a bit of your personality. You’re building a team, not drafting terms and conditions.
The Interview Process: Less CIA, More Coffee Chat
You’re not hiring a secret agent. No one needs to be grilled about where they see themselves in five years or how many tennis balls fit in a school bus. Keep it real. Ask about their experience, sure, but also find out if they can handle a weird Tuesday rush or if they’re likely to ghost you after a week.
Bonus tip: always throw in a curveball question. “What’s your favorite potato-based dish?” is more revealing than you think.
Don’t Forget to Look in Odd Places
Not all great hires come from LinkedIn. Ask around. Post on social media. Look at niche job boards or even local Facebook groups. Some of the best employees are hiding in plain sight, usually just waiting for a job that doesn’t make them wear a headset and fake-laugh at strangers.
Know What You’re Offering (and It Better Be More Than Vibes)
Look, you’re a brand new business, not Google. You’re probably not offering catered lunches and nap pods. But what can you offer? Flexibility? Growth potential? A drama-free workplace that doesn’t involve passive-aggressive post-its on the breakroom fridge?
If you’re learning how to start an online business, you might even offer remote roles or freelance options. Whatever the setup, be clear about it. You can’t expect loyalty from someone who thinks they’re signing up for a career and ends up folding T-shirts in your living room.
Conclusion? Be picky, but not paranoid!
