So, you have decided to open your own business! Welcome to a world of economic, social and travel opportunities. Whether this be for an office, in a restaurant or a construction site, it is important to hire your staff on their skills and overall benefit to the company. For your first employee, you want them to suit their environment and feel as if they are going to be part of a growing community within your business. If you want your company to be the best, you can only truly hire the best employees.

1. Do they suit the position?

In 2016, it was estimated that over 621,000 workers were injured in an accident at work. Around 20% were injured carrying a heavy object, while others were injured just from a simple slip or fall at work (around 19%). To avoid any heavy repercussions from injury or work-related incidents, it is not only best to have purchased Employer Liability Insurance but to also judge your employee’s strengths and weaknesses before you hire them. If you are working in an office, it is best to hire someone who has certain qualifications and social skills to fit the demands of a fast-paced environment, however, if your first member of staff is a builder, it is best to consider their physicality as well as their qualifications. Can they lift a heavy object? Are they strong teambuilders? Be sure to pick the perfect teammate by considering their skills and experience. This will help your business run smoothly as they will quickly get used to their role. Be sure that there is a proper induction before their first day as well! This will help them learn how to be safe in their working environment, as well as get used to the nooks and crannies of their building and schedule.

2. Are they safe to employ?

Every person who will enter your interview room will be a stranger to you and your company’s policies. As the owner or manager of a company, it is your duty to ensure that the person picked (for the job) is level headed and stable enough to take on the job’s role. Be sure to analyse your interviewee’s body language and speech, as well as make sure that they are not packing any harmful weapons or items that can be a danger to you and your staff. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, over 4,507 fatal injuries were caused in the workplace due to firearms and sharp weapons. It is up to you to ensure the safety of your staff, clients and business’ reputation.

3. Consider their Schedule

Remember that your prospective employee has a life outside of your work! They may have family, schooling or difficult personal matters. If the perfect candidate does have a rigid schedule outside the desired working hours, do not immediately turn them away.  It is best to keep an open mind and try to make their work schedule flexible enough to fit their lives around. You do not want to lose the perfect candidate over a few working hours.

4. Entitlements and Motivation

After explaining to your future employee your safety and work measures, it is in your best interest to grab their attention by mentioning their holidays and pay. You have explained the serious points of your business, enquired into their backgrounds, qualifications, and experience. Now it is time to win the deal by showing them what benefits they will get by being a part of your company. It is guaranteed to get their full enthusiasm and interest. They will agree to a contract in no time!