Whether you just opened a new business or are simply thinking about it, the employees you choose to hire can make or break a business. They interact with customers, are responsible for money and private information, and choose how productive they want to be. Follow these tips for hiring your first employee to set your business up for success.
Set Expectations
Before you start a job posting, think about everything you will need an employee to do. This will enable you to create accurate job descriptions for each specific position to attract the right applicants to each job.
For example, a dishwasher position shouldn’t be looked at with face value, but instead look more like below. By doing so, you only attract people who are willing to do the full job mentioned. Otherwise, you are likely to experience more employee turnover.
Dish Washer
- Maintains cleanliness in cleaning space (sweeping, mopping, wiping down counters)
- Washes pots and pans by hand in a timely manner
- Loads and unloads dishwasher as needed
- Sorts and categorizes dishes, silverware, cooking tools for chef’s use
- Bus tables when diners are finished
- Taking out trash
Solidify Employee Perks
Having PTO days and employee benefits nailed down before even posting a job ad is important. By having all of the legal documents and handbook information in place, you will be prepared to make a formal offer when you come across a great candidate.
Create Employee Standards
When you’re hiring your first employees, you may not know someone is a bad employee until it’s too late (check out how this Applicant Matching System can help). Creating cut off standards for instances of giving warnings or firing someone is important to have in place.
For example, ask yourself these questions:
- How many absences are acceptable in a three-month span?
- What will you do if someone doesn’t show up for a shift?
- How will you handle customer complaints about an employee?
Create a Pipeline
One challenge that all business owners face is finding good, qualified applicants. By creating a strong pipeline from the beginning, you will set yourself up for future success. For example, if you are hiring for an array of positions, you may need to set up job postings on different types of job boards and websites. If you hire high school students, consider reaching out to the local high schools to post about jobs.
If you are a brand new business, or new to your area, you may need to create extra awareness to fill your applicant pipeline. Going to community job fairs and sponsoring job postings can be an effective way to create awareness.
Develop a Training Program
Developing a training program for new employees is so important. From how to greet customers to reflect your business to the ingredients to go on a burger, every detail is important. By planning out a training program for each position before hiring them, you will be prepared to train them, and have them train others.
Did you know?
Only 14% of employees think their company does a great job with onboarding? Yet, the majority of people know whether they will stick with a company within a week of being there. Taking the time to onboard, train, and truly welcome your new employees is so important! The effects on employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and employee retention make creating a plan well worth the time.
Plus, learn how Sprockets’ Applicant Matching System helps streamline the hiring process by matching applicants against your current best employees — giving you better hiring and reduced employee turnover costs. And, get tips on quick ways to increase employee engagement once you have your franchise up and running!