How to Find the Right Employee for a Small Business

The phrase "small business" covers a lot of ground. The small business description is applicable to the neighborhood "mom and pop" or the expanding virtual store. One thing all successful small businesses have in common is a need for dependable, intelligent staff. Unlike their larger counterparts, smaller businesses do not have the budget for excessive interviewing and the luxury of a high employee turnover. These factors make finding the right employee, the first time, that much more crucial.

If you find yourself needing an extra pair of hands or want to replace a less than impressive employee, there are a few things you should know.

Offer a Bonus
As a small business owner, I have found that good candidate referrals most often come from good employees. When I need temporary or part time help, I offer my best employees a small bonus for candidate referrals. If one of their referrals pans out, I reward the employee with a little extra in the paycheck or a gift certificate, whatever we agreed upon.

Customize Your Application
The best way to get what you want is to be direct. Ask for it. Avoid using applications you find at the office supply store. Take time to create your own. By doing this you can ask specific questions. For example, in my gift basket business, my applications asked questions about shopping, filling and arranging baskets. It's nice to know a candidate's skill level before you offer an interview.

Meet and Greet
A big question I always have is whether my new employee will fit in. It does me little good to hire a new face if no one likes him or her. If an applicant makes it to the interview process, I do a walk around with the candidate. I introduce him or her to everyone who is working in the office. I have been surprised at the number of times my new potential employee knew a current staff member. You learn a lot by watching the interactions between people. Do a meet and greet and poll your people. Of course, their opinion isn't the one that counts, but it helps to know.

Take It Seriously
Being late for the interview appointment, using foul language, dressing inappropriately; these behaviors are not what you should expect. Don't tolerate them if you see behaviors and attitudes you don't like during the interview. It does not matter how qualified the person is. Employees are an extension of you and the face of your business.

Listen to Yourself
If you have doubts about hiring an employee, don't do it. Sometimes the most excellent choice is the one you should have waited for. Don't be in a hurry to move a warm body into an empty spot. Take your time and get the star employee you deserve.