Recruitment
Finding
someone to work in your business can be a daunting task.
All business owners know the costs of employing people –
getting it wrong can be very costly in terms of the time
involved in recruitment and training. Harmony among
staff is also important particularly in an operation where
everyone has to work together.
The
first step in the recruitment procedure is to draw up a
job description. This should be kept simple and accurate.
It is important to clearly define the qualifications, experience
and personal characteristics needed to fulfil the requirements
of the job. Advertising the job may be necessary in
order to attract enough applicants so the company can choose
the most suitable candidate in a cost effective manner.
The
interview is a crucial aspect of the selection process particularly
as it is often the only contact between the candidate and
the organisation. It is therefore most important that
it is conducted effectively. In preparing for an interview
it is advisable to draw up a list of the criteria that are
important to you. These could include:
- Physical make-up,
general appearance etc
- Attainments (experience,
educational), knowledge, skills and abilities
- General intelligence,
reasoning, analytical thinking & comprehension
- Special aptitudes
- Interests –
social, intellectual, practical
- Disposition –
outgoing, self-reliant, cautious etc.
- Circumstances –
mobility, distance from work, flexibility
Always
check references. If possible get a written and verbal
response to your enquiry. Consideration should be
given to a pre-employment medical check where appropriate.
Offer
of Employment
When
you have selected the candidate you consider as most suitable,
the offer of employment should be made, in writing, subject
to satisfactory references and a medical report where applicable.
All employees must receive a written contract of employment
within two months of starting.
Induction
Training
A new
employee is a stranger who should be introduced to his or
her new employment as quickly as possible. Each newcomer
should be told in clear terms what is and is not to be done.
This is the time to ensure that any critical health and
safety issues are covered.
Employment
legislation
It
is essential for all employers to keep up to date on all
applicable employment legislation and regulations.
An officer of the company or a competent person should be
tasked with ensuring the company is aware of, and complies
with, all relevant legislation including those on holidays,
minimum notice, maternity/adoptive leave, unfair dismissals,
working time directive, redundancy, payment of wages, contracts
of employment, equality, protection of young persons, jury
duty, health and safety at work to name but a few.
People
are a company’s most valuable asset. A new employee
is a significant investment for an employer but the laws
surrounding the employment of staff have become increasingly
onerous. Call Jordan Business Systems today and let
them guide you through this complex area.