How to Hire an Assistant

As businesses grow, professionals often find themselves in an overwhelming position. An overworked person can feel unable to catch up and almost powerless to try. A capable assistant or secretary can turn the situation around. Finding the right associate enables a person to be in two places at one time. Frustration ebbs, all the work is accomplished and the business runs smoothly again. The trick is to hire the right person for the job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Hire before it is too late. The quality of training you are able to provide declines when you react to stress and overwork inappropriately. The time to find and train your perfect counterpart is before you reach a crisis point.
2. Use the grapevine. Tell colleagues you know and trust that you are looking for a competent assistant (or secretary). Ask if they have any recommendations. They may know someone who is right for the job or have inside information that may assist you. Input from business associates can be a valuable tool in your search for the right assistant.
3. Define the position. You cannot effectively hire someone if you do not have a clear job description. A worthy applicant will request an in-depth job description. Be prepared to provide one.
4. Interview, interview, interview and interview some more! In the beginning, an assistant spends a tremendous amount of time working with a superior. You must be certain the person you hire is someone you can tolerate for long periods. This person also represents you and your business to the world. Choose wisely.
5. Pay for quality. Cheap labor may not produce good labor, and a disgruntled assistant may spell trouble for a small business. Realize that this person is an important asset to you and your business, and pay them accordingly.
6. Hire your mirror image, not your clone. Professionals often try to hire someone who reminds them of themselves. This is a mistake. An assistant should stand out in areas where you have shortcomings. If both of you excel in public relations and neither of you can balance an office budget, you're still in trouble. Working together, the two of you should cover all the bases.