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Uzone.id — For a startup, a team is everything and building the right team is like laying the foundation for a house, you cannot make mistakes. With such limited resources and big goals for the company, finding committed and passionate team members is key to growth and success.
So, here’s 5 tips for startup founders to hire the best people to build the perfect team.
Define your core value and company culture
John Turner, founder of SeedProd startup told Inc, “The first thing you need to do is determine your core values. Your values are driving factors and goals that impact everything you do, including who you hire.”
Before founders even start hiring, they need to figure out their own core values. These values are the guiding principles for your business and will affect every decision you make, including who you bring on board.
John advised, aim for three to six values that are memorable, inspiring and resonate not only with you but also with your team and customers.
But remember, these values aren’t just for show. Live them, act on them, and make sure your potential hires know you’re serious.
Another important thing to do is to define your company culture. A study from Glassdoor reported that 77 percent of jobseekers consider a company’s culture before applying, so your company cultures really do matter.
Start by identifying your company’s values, mission, and goals. Then, communicate these to potential employees through your job descriptions, company website, and social media.
And candidates who share the same values and beliefs as your startup, they’re more likely to be committed to your business goals. That’s the first step to build your perfect and dedicated team.
Look beyond resumes
It’s time for leaders to do more than hiring people based on their resumes. Yes, experience based on paper matters, but your ideal candidate is more than that.
According to LinkedIn, 92 percent of talent professionals say soft skills are as important—or more important—than hard skills when hiring.
Don’t be afraid to hire someone with less experience if they’re eager to learn and flexible. Conduct interviews in person or through video calls so you can get a sense of their personality, soft skills, and communication style.
“This strategy will help you and your potential hire get comfortable with each other, which will help you make a fair assessment of them outside of their on-paper experience,” said John.
Tap Into Your Network
Your existing network is an often overlooked resource when it comes to hiring. People you already know and trust can help you find quality candidates. Reach out to your friends, family, and business associates and let them know you’re hiring. You can ask them to refer candidates who might be a good fit for the role.
Based on Jobvite sites, employee referrals can reduce hire times by 40 percent. Many companies prefer employee referrals over posting ads on job boards.
A recent study showed employee referrals usually staying longer at their positions than other hires. Employee referrals are also budget-friendly with about 51 percent of employers seeing less recruiting costs with employee referrals.
Plus, it cuts down on lengthy interview processes because referred candidates typically align more with your startup’s vision from the start.
You can also leverage your network by posting job openings on your social media, LinkedIn, Twitter, and others to reach a wider pool of candidates and ask your followers to share it with their network.
Find Candidates Who Complement Your Weaknesses
As a startup founder, you probably have strengths that got your business off the ground. But to take it to the next level, you need a team that complements your weaknesses.
You may be great at developing products, but maybe public speaking isn’t your thing. Bring someone on board who thrives in areas where you struggle. This approach helps you balance out your leadership team and fills gaps in your business.
“The point is that if you surround yourself with people whose strengths balance your weaknesses, you will be positioned to overcome any challenges that come your way,” said John Turner.
Invest in People Who Want to Grow
Startups are a wild ride, it requires dedication and work, that’s why you need people who are willing to grow and learn with you. Your team has to be passionate about the industry and your brand’s success.
At the same time, consider providing benefits such as opportunities for growth, like training and development courses for your future employee. This will show candidates that there’s room for growth and advancement within your company.
If you invest in people who are passionate and committed, they will grow with your company. In many cases, they’ll even end up becoming leaders in your company as it scales.
Hiring the right people for your startup is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. Don’t rush it. Take the time to find individuals who align with your values, complement your weaknesses, and are ready to grow with you. The right team will make all the difference in whether your startup succeeds or struggles.
