Following this week’s TableCrowd dinner with Mark Hardy, CMO of Viber, and Jules McKeen of The Talent Business, this post explains how to hire the right people for your start-up to make your business become a ‘talent magnet’.
Here are Mark and Jules’ top tips:
- Make sure the person fits. Don’t compromise just because they fit the culture; they must fit both the culture, and the job spec.
- Get people excited about your vision. Get them involved in filling the gaps.
- Hire ‘T’ shaped people. These people have a deep specialism but also have broad experience elsewhere. If you are not experienced in this area, make sure they give you an example plan or presentations.
- Do they have to be from your sector? Or would it worthwhile looking further afield? Think transferable skills.
- Adaptable to the start-up scene. If they’re from a corporate background, ensure they are able to make the step to a start-up.
- Build a flexi-culture. Take the time to understand what their personal circumstances are and how it accommodate them.
- Full-Time v Part-Time. Decide on whether you need a full-time or part-time employee. You may find you can get better talent but for a shorter period of time.
- Be friendly. Make people feel welcome at the interview!
- Do your research. Follow up any niggling doubts you have about someone before you hire them. Check their references and always do a trial, or temporary to permanent contract if you are not 100% sure.
- Don’t over-title new jobs. Make sure there is enough room to grow in a role.
Check out the full #AfterDinnerRoundup here.
See you at another TableCrowd dinner soon!
