Guide to Hiring and Managing Your First Employees

Write a job description

To write the best possible job description, include as much detail as possible. Resist the urge to say things like "miscellaneous duties as required." Conversely, don't make the job description too limiting in case you need to expand the duties involved in the position.

I recommend: Find out how to write a great job description at SBA.gov. Get an idea of what to include in your job description by checking out Monster.com's job profiles, which include common duties involved along with skills and education required for dozens of types of jobs.

Write a help wanted ad

Attract the best applicants with a help-wanted ad that explains what makes your company special and why they would want to work for you. Review other help wanted ads to see how they've been written and take particular note of the ones that attract your attention.

I recommend: Check out the key elements of a good help-wanted ad, plus some creative ways to approach your ad at RecruitersNetwork.com. Discover how to make your ad more appealing to prospects at Bankrate.com.

Place your ad

Placing employment ads can be expensive, so choose your media wisely. The classified section of the newspaper is no longer the only place for help-wanted ads. In addition, you may want to consider local radio or online job sites.

I recommend: For low-cost Internet ad placement, try Craigslist.com or Yahoo! HotJobs.

Set up interviews

Schedule interviews with candidates who seem to have the best qualifications. Make sure you allow sufficient time for each interview and prepare your questions in advance. Screening applicants first by phone can save time.

I recommend: Find a list of common job interview questions at Quintessential Careers and check out "Interviewing for Employers" for tips on how to conduct interviews.

Check references

According to recent surveys, nearly 75% of all employers fail to check references before hiring. This is not a good business practice. Check references and backgrounds as part of your hiring process.

I recommend: Learn the best ways to check references and what questions to ask at TheJobStores.com.