The College Startup Guide to Hiring
I’ve been a web content provider since 2004, but I used to fulfill all customer orders myself. Sometimes, I’d pass on the work to others, but this was rare and I didn’t have a proper system set up. They were just friends who would be glad to write for me. For the first time in years, I just took a step from being a freelancer to being an entrepreneur, at least for my web content services. I just hired some writers to work for me.
Most college entrepreneurs that I’ve seen or heard about usually do everything themselves. Or, if you’re starting a college business with some friends, you usually don’t look for outside help. In case you’re thinking of hiring, here are some important tips:
1. Include all pertinent information on your “Looking to hire” posters. This means all your contact information, the deadline for applications, the list of requirements, and what skills the applicants must have. In my case, I requested for a resume and 2 writing samples. Also, applicants were required to be net savvy with good English writing skills.
2. If someone applies and didn’t follow instructions, don’t entertain them. If you’ve included the application process and requirements in your posters, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be followed. I actually received an email from applicant with just the line “I’m interested! Send more info pls.” If this person can’t follow simple directions, he or she isn’t worth your time.
3. Have interview questions ready. If you’re going to interview your applicants, it’s best to have some standard questions ready and to jot down their replies. This lets you compare their answers easily. However, don’t shy away from a bit of spontaneity during the interview. You might find out some useful skills or talents that your applicant has that weren’t listed on the resume. If you’ve got friends or a partner working with you, it’s also important for them to be present during the interview. Getting their perspective on applicants is important.
4. Create an “audition” stage. Even if you’ve seen samples of someone’s work, it’s not enough to judge if they’ll work well with you. Create a “test” process by giving your applicants a simple project, and pay them for it if they get the job right. Make it as close to the actual job as possible. Pay attention to how they communicate with you, their comprehension of the project, and their ability to meet deadlines. This process lets you know what it’s going to be like if they work for you. Don’t forget to give your applicant a proper evaluation, so that he or she can learn from any mistakes and do the job better next time.
5. Hire workers contractually, not as employees. If you’re a college student like me, odds are you don’t have funds to spare for social security and other benefits when you’re taking on extra help. Make the position a part-time independent contractor position. This allows you to hire someone’s services without all the technicalities required for companies hiring employees. Also, prepare a thorough independent contractor agreement for you and your new contractor to sign. There are many templates for these online and in school libraries.
6. Make sure your contractors understand the written agreement. Let’s face it – legalese is a completely alien language to most of us. Odds are, your new contractors night not understand the contract – especially if they’re inexperienced in that sort of thing. Provide a “translation” in layman’s terms. Just make sure that YOU fully understand the contract and that your contractor knows that your “translation” may not be accurate. Recommend that they have a lawyer or law student they know to look over it.
7. Keep the lines of communication open. This is especially important in the first few months when contractors are still adjusting to the job. Let them know that you’re available whenever they have any questions, praise them when they do something right, and tactfully notify them when they’ve done something wrong. If you’ve got an internet business and they’re not used to working online, they may want some extra guidance and reassurance.
8. Always conduct yourself professionally. If you’re a college student hiring other college students, respect is much harder to earn. Act like a professional business person and don’t talk to your contractors as if they were your friends. Keep communication open, but make sure it’s always businesslike. That way, you avoid hearing statements like “Dude, I can’t finish it right now, sorry.”
Hopefully these tips will help you go through the hiring process more smoothly. For any suggestions or questions, please feel free to place them in the comments section.
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