Hiring a First Employee

Hiring A First Employee

Before hiring employees for your business, open a Payroll Account with the Canada Revenue Agency and be sure to refer to the Human Resource Regulations listed on the Canada Business website. 

Tips to Hiring:

Step 1:  Prepare the necessary Job Descriptions:

• Analyze the activities or work to be performed and determine how many jobs need to be filled. 
• Identify the Job Requirements to allow for a more intelligent selection of the candidate.  For help with job descriptions click here.

Step 2:  Use application forms for all applicants

• Application forms (in addition to collecting resumes and cover letters) ensure necessary employee data has been collected ie. education, work history, rate of pay, benefits, employee/employer remittances, skills, job classifications, etc.
• Questions regarding an applicant’s colour, race, religion, age, marital status, disabilities or criminal history are either not allowed or not suggested

Step 3:  Interview Applicants

• Prepare job-related questions ahead of time and conduct the interview in a quiet, private space
• Keep the conversation comfortable for the applicant and don’t engage in heated discussions or arguments
• Listen closely and observe their mannerisms, attire, speech, etc.
• Prepare to answer questions asked by the applicant and present the opportunity for him or her to do so

Step 4:  Check references and other background information

• Check all references listed and have detailed questions prepared for each of them
• Also conduct reference checks on prior employment records

Step 5:  Test the applicant if testing applies

• Use valid and reliable tests to ensure that those who score well are in fact the best candidates for the position
• Psychometric tests are a good measure of knowledge, abilities, attitudes and personality traits

Step 6:  Prepare an offer of employment letter for selected candidate

• Not required by government but useful for administration reasons
• Include job salary, job duties, terms of relocation, benefits, work hours, probation period and commencement date

Once you’re finished your business planning stage, it’s time to think about training. Do you really know how to run a successful small business?  That’s why we offer Canada’s leading online small business training. Make the investment in your future today – get started now. 

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