One dozen tips for employers

Here are a few tips for employers, especially for small companies and bootstrapped start-ups:

  • Hire the right people for the right job – based on the job requirement, qualification, experience, aptitude and attitude.
  • Have a proper interview procedure and do not rush into appointing a candidate just because he/she claims to know something. Remember, they are there for a job and will say anything to get it. Also, do not go by appearances. Looks can be misleading.
  • If you do not know anything about the position you are hiring for, get somebody who knows, to conduct the interview. It does not take more than a few seconds for the candidate to gauge the knowledge levels of the interviewer.
  • Make sure that you have a proper understanding of the position  you are hiring for. Also make sure that the candidate also understands the job profile properly.
  • Once selected, make sure you hand over a proper “Letter of Offer” or “Letter of Intent” or “Appointment Letter” to the candidate which indicates the designation, salary, date of joining and contact person on the first day etc.
  • Remember, if you skip the fundamentals, you cannot expect anything better from the candidates as well.
  • On the day of the joining, make sure that the candidates are properly looked after. Organize a proper induction program and make sure that the candidates (now your employees) are properly updated about the policies and procedures of your company.
  • Introduce the key stake-holders to the new joiners.
  • For start-ups and small companies – it is a good idea to get to know the employees well but you need to draw a line somewhere. Do not get too “familiar” – instead maintain a professional working distance.
  • Do not introduce rules which you do not plan to enforce or implement. Nothing can be more damaging to your company than this.
  • Make sure you establish a proper heirarchy and stick to it. If you skip levels – you are only setting the stage for confusion and chaos.
  • Maintain professional behavior in front of your employees. Do not display your personal friendships or relationships in front of them – especially with your colleagues of the opposite gender.