Hiring your first employee? 7 things you really need to know

So, you’re hiring your first employee? First of all – congratulations! That’s a huge step for any small business or charity and a real sign of growth. But let’s be honest – it can also feel a little overwhelming.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here’s a simple, friendly guide to help you hire with confidence and get it right from the start.

Write a job advert that doesn’t send people to sleep

Your job ad is your shop window – it’s the first impression potential candidates will get of your organisation. Make it clear, honest and a bit human:

• Share what makes your workplace special – yes, even if it’s just great biscuits!
• Outline the key responsibilities and what success looks like
• Keep it concise and engaging – no corporate waffle needed
• Always include the salary range – it saves time and builds trust
• And remember to make sure the wording’s inclusive and discrimination-free

Get your vacancy in front of the right people

You don’t need a massive budget to find great candidates – you just need to be visible in the right places:

• Use job boards, social media and your website to advertise the role
• Showcase your culture online with real photos, stories or testimonials
• Tap into your network – referrals can be gold dust
• If needed, consider a recruiter who gets small businesses and charities

Shortlist smartly (and fairly)

When the CVs start rolling in, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Having a clear shortlisting process will save your sanity:

• Use a scoring system – a simple matrix works wonders
• Focus on how well they meet your must-haves
• Look beyond job titles – some of the best people have transferable skills and a great attitude
• Watch out for unconscious bias – stick to the role criteria

Make the interview experience a good one

Interviews are nerve-wracking—for you and them. Make the process as warm and welcoming as possible:

• Be clear about the structure and format upfront
• Give candidates time to prepare by sharing any key topics or questions
• Leave space for them to ask you questions – it’s a two-way street
• And don’t forget to smile – even if you’re nervous too!

Found the right person? Don’t hang about

If you’ve met someone you’d love to work with, move fast:

• Get in touch quickly to make the offer and confirm the details
• Be enthusiastic – they’ll be just as excited… and possibly a bit nervous
• Set clear timelines for contracts, start dates and onboarding steps
• Keep communication flowing to avoid any last-minute wobbles

Sort the legal stuff

Yes, the paperwork matters – especially when it comes to staying on the right side of the law:

• Register as an employer with HMRC before their first payday, if you haven’t already
• Check their right to work in the UK
• Provide a written statement of employment on or before their first day
• Put together your essential policies – and a basic staff handbook
• Consider getting advice to make sure you’ve covered your legal obligations, such as providing a pension

Make their first days count

A warm welcome can make all the difference, especially when you’re hiring your first employee:

• Get any IT, workspace or tools sorted before they arrive
• Send a welcome email – and maybe even a small treat or card!
• Prepare an induction plan to ease them in gradually
• Introduce them to your team and make time for coffee and conversations, not just compliance

Need a hand with hiring your first employee?

Hiring your first employee doesn’t have to be stressful. At Marches HR, we support small businesses and charities to grow their teams confidently – with warmth, simplicity and a personal touch.

Get in touch for a no-pressure chat – we’re here to help. You can call or WhatsApp us on 01432 610612, or e-mail us at info@marcheshr.co.uk