Mistakes Employers Make When Hiring and How to Avoid Them | #hrmanagement #hrexecutive

When it comes to hiring employees, many business owners make the same mistakes. These mistakes can be costly, and in some cases, can even lead to lawsuits. In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 most common mistakes employers make when hiring, and how to avoid them.

Always have a clear job description

The first mistake employers make is not having a clear job description. When you are hiring someone, you need to be very clear about what the job entails. The job description should include a list of duties and responsibilities, as well as the qualifications and skills required for the position. If there are any issues down the road, having a clear job description will help to protect you and clarify things.

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Conduct background checks

Another common mistake is not conducting a background check. Before you hire someone, you should always run a background check. This will help you to weed out any candidates who may have a criminal history or who may not be truthful about their qualifications.

In the United States, there are a number of jobs that mandate background checks. These jobs include positions in the healthcare industry, childcare industry, and any job that involves handling money. 

According to a recent study, only 57% of companies conduct background checks on all of their employees. However, the percentage of companies that conduct background checks on their employees varies depending on the industry. For example, the percentage of companies that conduct background checks in the healthcare industry is 91%, while the percentage of companies that conduct background checks in the retail industry is only 38%.

Always ask for references

Another mistake employers make is not asking for references. When you are hiring someone, you should always ask for references. These can be from previous employers, colleagues, or even personal references. Checking references is a great way to get an idea of a person’s work ethic and character.

Make sure that your employment contracts are airtight

Another common mistake is not having a properly drafted employment contract. An employment contract is a legally binding document that outlines the terms of your employment. This contract should include things like salary, benefits, vacation time, and job duties. Having an employment contract can protect both you and your employee in the event that there are any disagreements down the road.

A business lawyer can advise you on drafting an employment contract that is right for your business. They can help to make sure that the contract protects your company and your intellectual property. 

Follow-up after hiring

Another mistake we will discuss is not following up with your employees. After you hire someone, you should always follow up with them to see how they are doing. This shows that you care about your employees and want to make sure they are happy in their new position.

Making a new hire feel welcome in the company is important for their performance. When new employees feel welcomed and supported, they are more likely to excel in their roles. 

According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, when employees feel welcomed and supported, they are more likely to have a positive attitude towards the company and are more likely to stay with the company longer.

Don’t discriminate

When hiring, you should never discriminate against someone. This includes things like race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Doing so can get you into legal trouble. 

There is no doubt that race, religion, and gender can have an impact on work performance. However, this is not always the case. There are a number of qualified candidates who come from all different backgrounds. The key is to find the right candidate for the job, regardless of their background.

Discrimination can also lead to a hostile work environment. This can make it difficult for employees to do their jobs and can lead to high turnover rates. If you want to create a positive and productive work environment, you need to make sure that everyone feels welcome and respected.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep

The last mistake we will discuss is making promises that you can’t keep. When you are hiring someone, it is important to be honest about what the job entails. If you make promises that you can’t keep, it will only lead to frustration and resentment down the road.

If you have any questions about the hiring process, or if you need help drafting an employment contract, contact a business lawyer today. They can help you to navigate the hiring process and ensure that everything is done legally and correctly.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you to create a strong and successful business. Hiring the right employees is one of the most important things you can do for your company. By taking the time to do it right, you will set yourself up for success.