To have a successful company, you need a successful team by your side. So how do you create a team that’s hardworking, passionate, and forward-thinking? It all starts with who you hire. You build a great staff by hiring those who can get the job done and work well with others.

Every company may approach its hiring process a little differently. But in general, it’s a good idea to cast a wide net to find the best candidates, especially if you’re a recent start-up. As you work your way through the hiring process, here are a few things that you need to know.

A Candidate’s Background is Important

When hiring a new employee, you may want to conduct a background check. How people present themselves on paper and conduct themselves in person says a lot about their potential as employees. But don’t forget to dig deeper. A person’s past shouldn’t define them, but if a check reveals red flags about a person’s legal or financial status, it’s worth discussing it with the candidate.

Here are a few types of tests that you may want to use:

• Criminal Background Check. This type of test searches for things like arrests and convictions, but may also include things like a candidate’s driving record.
• Credit Check. This isn’t always relevant, but it may allow you to see a candidate's debts or payment history.
• Reference Check. If you want to verify certain skills and qualifications that a candidate lists, or what they’re like to work with, contact their references.Where You Post a Job Matters

In addition to posting an open position on your company website, consider posting on several different career sites and job boards. This will ensure that your job is reaching as many people as possible. Consider Indeed, Linkedln, or CareerBuilder. These have all proven great in reaching out to vast audiences.

Experience Isn’t Everything

Experience is important, yes. But just remember it isn’t everything. Let’s say you have two candidates competing for the same job. One has three years of experience in the field, but a terrible work ethic. The other is a recent college graduate, but is extremely qualified in other ways and driven. Which one might you be willing to invest in more? As these Primerica reviews show, sometimes the best workers are the ones that are simply eager to succeed. Always look beyond the candidate’s background!

Your Current Employees May Have a Connection

As you start your search for new talent, don’t forget to utilize the people you already have around. Maybe someone around you is due for a promotion. Or they might know the perfect person to fill the open position. That established connection may be your key to find the right candidate.

You Have to Stay Organized

During the hiring process, it’s important to stay focused on the task at hand. You must also stay organized. If you’re using a variety of channels to attract applicants, group those applications in one location. Use a computer system to track and sort them to your preference. The last thing you want is for the perfect candidate to fall through the cracks.

A Positive Culture Attracts Quality Candidates

If you create a positive and inviting workplace, you will attract the right applicants. A good workplace produces good workers. Creating a positive work culture means creating a safe, inclusive environment that cares about employees and wants to see them thrive.

Final Thoughts 

If you keep these truths in mind, your next talent search is sure to be a success. The right candidate will make themselves known to you if you just learn how to look.