As a business owner, one of your top priorities (along with proper insurance) should be hiring competent and gifted team members. Hiring new staff or replacing someone is also one of the top "pain points." The entire process is draining, time consuming, and can be expensive if you don't hire carefully.

1. Know exactly what you expect from a new hire. Before taking the plunge and placing an ad in the paper or calling a hiring service, write a job description that completely and clearly states what the position will entail. Spend some time with this process so you can clearly explain the position to applicants. Keep your ideas and goals specific and job related.
2. Ready to interview? Be prepared. Develop a list of interview questions from your job description which are specific to the skills required by the position. Have a copy of the candidate's resume on hand during the interview and a cover sheet or notebook to jot down notes.
3. Hire today with an eye on tomorrow. Don't hire to fill a position NOW. The best hires become long-term employees who can grow with your company. New people should fit with the job of tomorrow, not just the job needed today. Be very clear during the interview about your company's direction and hire a gifted individual that can help you along the way.
4. Follow the law. If you are unsure about an interview question or hiring procedure, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This federal agency is responsible for enforcing Title VII (Civil Rights Act), Title I, Title V (Americans with Disabilities), Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Stay out of hot water by getting the facts.

Use prudence and take your time. Few things in business are as expensive as hiring in haste. Finding the right fit for your company is more important than filling a position quickly.