Hiring your first handful of team members is exciting… and let’s be honest, a little nerve-wracking.
If you’re a small business owner trying to figure out how to hire without a formal recruitment background – welcome!
You’re not alone.
Many founders and solo operators hit this point.
You’ve outgrown doing everything yourself…but the idea of payroll, employment contracts, and onboarding is overwhelming.
Good news: you don’t need a full HR department to hire well.
You just need a simple plan, and a few smart tips.
1. Get Clear on What You Actually Need
Before you post a job ad, pause and ask:
- What tasks are slowing you down?
- What skills would help you grow?
- Do you need part-time, full-time, or freelance help?
Clarity here saves you time (and costly hiring mistakes) later.
2. Write a Job Ad That Stands Out
Most small businesses try to copy corporate job ads. Don’t.
You’re not Google – and that’s a good thing.
In your job ad:
- Show the benefits of working in a small team (flexibility, variety, growth)
- Be clear about expectations
- Use friendly, plain language
Example opening:
“We’re a growing Melbourne design studio looking for someone who’s excited to help us grow and doesn’t mind getting stuck in with everything from social media to spreadsheets.”
3. Post Where the Right Candidates Are
You don’t need to spend thousands on job boards.
Instead:
- Use Seek and Indeed for wide visibility
- Post on LinkedIn (your network might surprise you)
- Let your partners and networks know you’re hiring, don’t underestimate the power of networks
- Tap into local Facebook groups or business networks
- Consider using TalentVine to connect with vetted recruiters who specialise in small business hiring, and the industry in which you’re hiring for
4. Keep the Hiring Process Simple and Personable
You don’t need HR tools or formal panels to run a good hiring process.
Do this:
- Shortlist based on your job must-haves
- Ask consistent, structured interview questions
- Focus on culture fit just as much as skills
- Always check references and do them yourself
5. Understand the Basics of Small Business Hiring
Yes, you need to know the rules – even if you’re “just” hiring one person.
A few basics:
✔ You’ll need a compliant employment contract
✔ Know your obligations around award rates, superannuation, and leave entitlements
✔ Check you have workers’ compensation insurance
✔ Set up a basic payroll system
Not sure where to start?
See how to hire as a small business
Fair Work Australia has useful free resources, or consider using a service like Employment Hero or MyHR to stay compliant.
Tip: Getting small business hiring right from the start builds trust with your new hire – and protects your business.
6. Nail Your Onboarding
The hiring doesn’t end when they sign the contract.
A simple onboarding plan helps your new hire start strong:
- Share login info, key contacts, and their first-week goals
- Book a welcome meeting and intro to your systems
- Set up weekly check-ins in the first month
- Be available – but support them to take ownership
Set up internal policies and procedures as you develop them with new hires, this will just make it more fluid next time around!
Remember: your new hire is stepping into a business you built. Show them the ropes and set the tone.
Final Thoughts:
Learning how to hire employees for small business doesn’t require an MBA in HR.
It just takes:
✅ Clarity on your needs
✅ A bit of prep
✅ A willingness to lead
Many small business owners do this every day – and so can you.
And if you’re looking to grow with some help…TalentVine can connect you with trusted recruiters who understand small business hiring.
More insights: Check out our thoughts on what the future of recruitment might look like.
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Do you have a recruitment question?
Call or email our friendly customer service team to get an answer to your recruitment questions.
Do you have a recruitment question?
Call or email our friendly customer service team to get an answer to your recruitment questions.
