When starting a business, the first hire can be a crucial decision. Choosing the right person can help grow the business and set a strong foundation for the future.

However, selecting the wrong candidate can lead to issues that may haunt the business for years. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for in a first hire, and the seven “dons” listed below can help.

1. Don’t Prioritize Experience over Attitude

While experience is important in any role, attitude should be given equal weight. A candidate with a positive attitude who is willing to learn and improve can go further than someone with a lot of experience but a negative outlook.

A positive outlook can help create a positive work environment that can lead to better productivity, which in turn can help grow the business.

2. Don’t Overlook Passion

When interviewing candidates, it’s important to find someone who is passionate about the business and the role they are being hired for. Passion can help drive productivity and motivate the team.

It’s also a sign that the candidate is invested in the company and has a desire to contribute to its success.

3. Don’t Ignore Cultural Fit

Cultural fit is essential in any company, but especially in a startup where the team is small and the work environment can be intense. Look for a candidate who shares the same values, beliefs, and work style as the rest of the team.

A good cultural fit can help avoid conflicts and create a cohesive team.

4. Don’t Rely on Resumes Alone

A resume can only tell you so much about a candidate. It’s important to ask questions during the interview process to get a better sense of their personality, work style, and problem-solving abilities.

Conduct skills assessments where necessary to ensure that the candidate has the required skills for the role.

5. Don’t Forget to Check References

References may seem like a formality, but they can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s work experience and how they work with others.

Make sure to contact references and ask specific questions about the candidate’s work performance, punctuality, and relationship with others.

6. Don’t Rush the Decision

It’s natural to want to fill a position as quickly as possible, but taking the time to find the right candidate can save time and money in the long run.

Rushing the decision can lead to costly mistakes, such as hiring the wrong person or having to fill the position again soon after the hiring.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Chance

While it’s important to evaluate a candidate based on their experience, attitude, and fit with the company culture, it’s also important to take a chance on someone.

A candidate may not have a traditional background or the exact skill set needed for the role, but they may have the drive and passion to learn and succeed. Don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk and hire someone who may not be the perfect fit on paper but has potential to be a great contributor to the company.

Conclusion

Hiring the first employee can be a difficult decision for a business owner, but following these seven don’ts can help make the decision-making process easier.

In summary, don’t prioritize experience over attitude, overlook passion, ignore cultural fit, rely on resumes alone, forget to check references, rush the decision, or be afraid to take a chance. Keeping these points in mind can help ensure that the first hire is the right hire and set a strong foundation for the company’s future.