TLDR: Want to know how to recruit for your business? You’re in the right place. In this guide I will show you what to look for when it comes to hiring the right staff for your business, with a focus on startups brands and online businesses.
If you’re a startup, sell the company vision to a good candidate, just as you would to an investor. These applicants are investing their working years in you. The good ones won’t wish to waste that time on doomed ventures – it will set back their own growth.
Highlighted Points
- Giving people a way to visualise their own accelerated growth can win otherwise out of salary range talent
- Set submission requirements in job listings. If they are ignored, delete the candidate. Don't waste their time or yours.
- This article was written by an experienced founder and recruiter of hundreds of team members
Table of Contents
How to Hire the Right Staff for Your Online Business
So you have an online business and you need the right people on board to help you keep it running smoothly. Hiring the right staff for your online business is not an easy task and can be a daunting process. There are many challenges to consider and a lot of factors to take into account, from creating a job description to finding the right people for the job. In this small business guide we tackle the topic of how to recruit for your business. We’ll discuss all the necessary steps you need to take to ensure you hire the right staff for your online business.
Challenges of hiring the right staff for an online business
Hiring the right staff for your online business can be a difficult process. There are a number of challenges you need to consider when hiring, such as ensuring that the right candidate has the right skills and qualifications, as well as the right attitude and work ethic. This can be difficult to assess in the traditional job interview, as it is hard to get a full understanding of a person’s qualities and personal attributes.
Additionally, the process of finding suitable candidates can be difficult, especially if your online business is operating remotely. It can be hard to find candidates who are willing to work remotely and are comfortable with the technology needed to do so.
Another challenge is making sure that the salary you are offering is competitive. You need to make sure that you are offering a salary that is attractive to potential candidates, while also taking into account the financial constraints of running an online business.
Finally, you need to make sure that the recruitment process is efficient and effective. You want to make sure that you are making the right decisions quickly and efficiently, without compromising on quality.
Benefits of Hiring the Right Staff
Hiring the right staff for your online business can bring many benefits. Firstly, it can help to increase the efficiency and productivity of your business as the employees you hire have the right skills and qualifications for the job. Additionally, having the right staff on board can help to create a positive working environment, which can lead to increased morale and job satisfaction.
Furthermore, having the right staff on board can help to increase customer satisfaction, as they will have the knowledge and experience to help customers with any queries or issues they may have. This can help to build trust and loyalty with your customers, which is essential for the success of any online business.
Finally, the right staff can help to drive the growth and success of your business, as they will be able to identify opportunities and develop innovative solutions. This can help to ensure that your business is competitive and successful in the long term.
7 Quick Tips: How to Recruit for Your Business
When recruiting for your online business, there are a number of tips you should keep in mind.
Don’t waste time on candidates who didn’t read your job description and failed to apply in the requested way. I used to ask a silly question, or demand a cover letter as I wouldn’t read the CVs until after the pitch letter. If the applicant failed to send the cover letter, then they have shown a poor attention to detail. I’m sure they are great at what they do, but they can do that for someone else. I wanted details focused people.
Remember you are selling your business to the candidate too. Do they trust you will be able to pay their wages? Do they think the culture will match theirs? If you want the BEST talent, treat their ambitions with the respect it deserves.
Firstly, make sure to create a job description that is detailed and accurate. This will make it easier for potential candidates to assess if they are suitable for the role.
Don’t rely on free job listings. The best candidates sometimes use slightly more professional platforms, LinkedIn et al.
If you can’t match the market rate – make sure you are prepared to offer them something potentially more rewarding than just fixed pay, eg: share options or good (and REALISTIC) commissions. Don’t think they aren’t judging you if you fail to tackle this. You can even turn your weakness into a strength as the opportunity to hold a stake in a fast growing business is massive for many,
Learn about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Understanding human drivers of and needs, will make you a smarter recruiter. What can you offer this candidate, bigger companies can’t?
Source: https://canadacollege.edu/dreamers/docs/Maslows-Hierarchy-of-Needs.pdfFinal sneaky tip, your best staff may work for your competitor. Can you offer a better package? Network and befriend your marketplace. This way you’ll find experienced candidates without paying for recruitment fees, knowing they will fit in pretty easily.
How to Create a Job Description for Your Online Business
The first step to hiring the right staff for your online business is creating a job description. This is an essential part of the recruitment process, as it outlines the role and responsibilities of the position and helps to attract potential candidates.
When creating the job description, you should be as detailed as possible. It is important to include information about the position, such as the skills and qualifications required, experience, and any other information that is relevant to the job. Additionally, you should include information about the company, such as the company mission and values.
You should also include information about the salary and any benefits that come with the job. This will help to attract potential candidates who are interested in the position. Furthermore, you should make sure to include any information about the working hours, location, and any other important information that may be relevant to the job.
How To Attract The Right People For Your Online Business
Once you have created a job description for your online business, it is time to start the recruitment process. There are a number of ways to attract potential candidates, such as using job boards, social media, and online advertising.
Job boards are a great way to reach a wide range of potential candidates, as they are specifically designed to connect employers with jobseekers. Additionally, they are a great way to target potential candidates with specific skills and qualifications.
Social media is another great tool to use when recruiting for an online business. It is a great way to reach a wide range of potential candidates and allows you to advertise your job vacancy to a large number of people. Additionally, it is a great way to get the word out about your business and build brand awareness.
Finally, online advertising can be a great way to reach potential candidates. You can use online platforms such as Google Ads to target potential candidates with specific skills and qualifications.
How to set your pay scales to attract talent
Once you have attracted the right candidates for your online business, it is time to set your pay scales. You need to make sure that your pay scales are competitive and attractive to potential candidates. This can be difficult, as you need to take into account the financial constraints of running an online business.
The best way to set your pay scales is to research what other businesses in your industry are offering. This will give you an indication of what is a reasonable salary to offer and help you to set your pay scales accordingly. Additionally, you should make sure to offer other benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation days, as this can help to attract candidates.
Furthermore, you should consider offering incentives such as bonuses or commission, as this can be a great way to motivate your staff and encourage them to perform better. Finally, you should make sure to review your pay scales regularly to ensure that they remain competitive.
How to shortlist candidates quickly
Once you have received a number of applications for your online business, it is time to start shortlisting candidates. This process can be time-consuming, as there are a number of factors to consider when making your decision. The best way to shortlist candidates quickly is to use a scoring system.
This system allows you to compare candidates on a range of criteria, such as skills, qualifications, experience, and attitude. You can assign points to each criterion and then tally up the total points for each candidate. This is a great way to quickly and objectively assess candidates and make sure that you are making the right decisions.
Different Methods of Recruiting for an Online Business
Once you have shortlisted the candidates for your online business, it is time to start the recruitment process. There are a number of methods you can use to recruit for an online business, such as phone interviews, video interviews, and online tests.
Phone interviews are a great way to get a better understanding of the candidate, as you can ask more detailed questions and get a better sense of their personality. Additionally, it can be a great way to save time, as you can interview a large number of candidates in a short amount of time.
Video interviews are another great option, as they allow you to assess the candidate’s non-verbal communication and body language. Additionally, they are a great option for remote businesses, as they allow you to interview candidates without them needing to travel.
Finally, online tests can be a great way to assess a candidate’s skills and qualifications. You can use online tests to quickly assess a candidate’s knowledge and abilities, and make sure that they are suitable for the job.
How to Hire Someone on Fiver/Freelancer Network
Fiver is a great platform for finding freelancers for your online business. It is a great way to quickly find people with the right skills and qualifications for the job. Additionally, it is a great way to save money, as you can find freelancers who are willing to work for a lower rate than traditional employees.
When hiring someone on Fiver, you should make sure to read the reviews and feedback from past customers. This will give you an indication of the quality of work they have done in the past and help you to decide if they are suitable for the job. Additionally, you should make sure to read the terms and conditions of the freelancer and make sure that they are in line with your business’s policies.
How to Hire Someone to Work Remotely
Hiring someone to work remotely can be a great way to find the right person for the job. There are a number of advantages to hiring someone to work remotely, such as cost savings and the ability to access a global talent pool.
When hiring someone to work remotely, it is important to make sure that the candidate has the necessary skills and qualifications for the job. Additionally, you should make sure that they are comfortable with the technology needed to do the job, such as video conferencing, file sharing, and collaboration tools.
Furthermore, it is important to make sure that the candidate is comfortable with working remotely and is able to manage their own time and workload. Finally, you should make sure to set clear expectations and objectives for the role, as this will help to ensure that the candidate is successful in their role.
How to Conduct a Successful Interview
Once you have found the right candidate for the job, it is time to start the interview process. This is an important part of the recruitment process, as it allows you to get a better understanding of the candidate and make sure that they are the right fit for your business.
When conducting the interview, it is important to make sure that you are asking the right questions. You should focus on asking questions that will allow you to assess the candidate’s skills and qualifications, as well as their attitude and work ethic. Additionally, you should make sure to ask questions that will allow you to get a better understanding of the candidate and their motivations.
Finally, it is important to make sure that the interview is conducted in a professional manner. You should make sure to be respectful and courteous, as this will help to create a positive impression of your business.
Tips for Onboarding New Staff
Once you have found the right candidate for the job, it is time to start the onboarding process. This is an essential part of the recruitment process, as it allows you to set up the new employee for success.
The best way to onboard new staff is to make sure that they receive the necessary training and support. This includes providing them with the necessary information and resources to do their job and ensuring that they understand the company policies and procedures. Additionally, you should make sure to provide them with any necessary equipment, such as a laptop or any other tools they may need.
Furthermore, you should make sure to provide them with a clear path for professional development. This can include providing them with the opportunity to attend training courses or providing them with a mentor who can help to guide them. Finally, it is important to make sure that the new employee feels welcome and part of the team. This can include introducing them to their colleagues and providing them with any other support they may need.
That’s It – The Outro
Hiring the right staff for your online business is not an easy task. There are a number of challenges you need to consider, such as creating a job description, setting competitive pay scales, and finding the right people for the job. In this blog, we discussed all the necessary steps you need to take to ensure that you hire the right staff for your online business. We discussed how to create a job description, how to attract the right people for your online business, how to set your pay scales, and how to shortlist candidates quickly. We also discussed different methods of recruiting for an online business, such as how to hire someone on Fiver and how to hire someone to work remotely. Finally, we discussed tips on how to recruit for your business and how to conduct a successful interview.
We hope this blog has been helpful in providing you with the necessary information to help you hire the right staff for your online business. Good luck!


When I'm not distracting cats away from keyboards, I write on business topics I enjoy. I've founded enough businesses to know more than enough ways to fail. If you want to pick my brains view my Startup Consultancy Page