Hiring Your First Employee? Here’s What You Need to Know…

So, you’re taking the leap and hiring your first employee? First things first—congratulations! 🎉

This is a huge milestone in your business journey, and we’re here to help make sure you get off to the best possible start. Hiring can feel like a minefield, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with this easy-to-follow guide.

1. Nail the Job Advert

Your job advert is the first glimpse candidates will get of your business—so make it count! 💡

✅ Show off your personality and workplace culture (you want the right fit, not just any fit!)
✅ Be clear about responsibilities and what success in the role looks like
✅ Keep it concise—no one wants to read an essay before they even apply!
✅ Be upfront about salary—don’t waste time on mismatched expectations
✅ Make sure your advert is inclusive and avoids discriminatory language

💡 Top Tip: Write a job ad that you would want to apply for!

2. Get Your Job in Front of the Right People

The best job in the world won’t attract the right candidates if no one sees it. Time to spread the word! 📢

🔹 Use social media, job boards, and your website
🔹 Showcase your workplace culture through behind-the-scenes content
🔹 Tap into your network—referrals can be a goldmine!
🔹 If you’re struggling, consider working with a recruiter

💡 Top Tip: Employees are your best ambassadors. If you already have a team, encourage them to share the vacancy!

3. Shortlist Candidates Like a Pro

You’ve got applications flying in—now what? Time to sort the gems from the… not-so-gems. 💎

🔹 Use a competency matrix to compare candidates fairly
🔹 Be aware of unconscious bias—stick to key requirements
🔹 Look beyond traditional experience—transferrable skills can be game-changers!

💡 Top Tip: If someone’s CV sparks your interest but they don’t tick every box, have a chat! A short call can tell you a lot more than a piece of paper ever could.

4. Plan a Candidate-Friendly Interview

Interviews aren’t just about you assessing candidates—they’re also about them assessing you! 👀

✅ Be welcoming and set the tone for your workplace culture
✅ Give candidates clear details about the interview process in advance
✅ Don’t treat it like an interrogation—make it conversational

💡 Top Tip: Think about the kind of business you’d want to join. The interview experience should reflect that!

5. Make an Offer (Before Someone Else Does!)

Found “the one”? Don’t hang about! ⏳

✔️ Let them know you’re excited to have them on board
✔️ Get contracts and paperwork sorted quickly (no one likes admin limbo)
✔️ Set a clear start date and outline the next steps

💡 Top Tip: A slow hiring process can lose you top talent. If you like them—make the move!

6. Get the Legal Stuff Sorted (Yep, This Bit’s Important!)

It’s not the most exciting part of hiring, but it’s essential to get the legal side right. 📑

🔹 Register with HMRC before their first payday
🔹 Check they have the legal right to work in the UK
🔹 Give them a written statement of employment before their first day
🔹 Set up policies, contracts, and an employee handbook

💡 Top Tip: Doing this properly now saves BIG headaches later!

7. Create an Onboarding Experience They Won’t Forget

A warm welcome makes all the difference. Make their first days amazing! 🎉

✅ Send them a welcome email before their first day
✅ Have a structured induction plan so they don’t feel lost
✅ Make sure their workspace, laptop, and logins are ready to go

💡 Top Tip: A simple “We’re so happy you’re here!” can do wonders for a new employee’s confidence!