Hiring the right employees at the right time is crucial to the success and growth of your company. As a small business owner in our industry, the hiring process can be challenging, especially when you’re competing with larger corporations for highly specialized, in-demand people and (usually) working with limited resources. Being aware of common pitfalls can help set you up for success! 

1. Looking for Perfection

One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is looking for perfection in a candidate. Unicorns may exist, but we’ve never seen one. Find the person that can do the job, that fills in some of the skills gaps, that has the right attitude and passion. Then, train them to make a huge impact. The ROI for your investment is often loyalty and commitment.

2. Neglecting Cultural Fit

Skills and qualifications are important, but a cultural fit is equally vital for the long-term success of your small business. Neglecting to assess a candidate’s compatibility with your company culture risks a misalignment of values, communication issues, and overall dissatisfaction for your whole team. Consider involving your existing team in the hiring process. They can give input on the candidate’s potential cultural fit, perhaps seeing things you would miss. Pay close attention to how well a candidate’s values, work ethic, and interpersonal skills align with your company’s vision and mission. 

3. Failing to Define Job Roles and Expectations 

Unclear job roles and expectations can create confusion and dissatisfaction for both the new employee and your existing team. We know you need people who can wear a lot of hats, but it’s important to know the core role you need filled. Before hiring, make sure you’ve clearly defined the responsibilities, goals, and expectations of the position. Take the time to craft a detailed job description and discuss expectations openly during the interview process, allowing the candidate to assess if they can meet the requirements of the role. Clarity will set the foundation for success from the beginning.

4. Overlooking Soft Skills

Technical skills and qualifications are important, but overlooking soft skills can be a costly mistake. For a small business environment where employees work closely together on high-speed and quickly changing priorities, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial. Evaluating soft skills is another reason to involve your existing team in the interview process. Ask behavioral questions and conduct role plays. A well-rounded employee with strong soft skills can contribute significantly to your business’s growth and success.

5. Taking Too Long in the Hiring Process

Simply put, it’s a candidate driven market. And the people you want and need likely have a job offer (or three) already in the works. If you let the hiring process drag on, you’ll miss out on the people you want. Do your due diligence, but streamline the process, so you can hire quickly.

We’ll add one more common hiring mistake for small business owners: trying to go it alone. Why not take all of these pitfalls out of play? Why not give your company the best hiring advantage, saving your small business time, money, and potential headaches in the long run?

We can help you define, build, and manage every step of the hiring process and help you find the right employees who will contribute to the growth and success of your company.

You know business. We know hiring. Let’s have a conversation!