When launching a startup, the first eight employees you hire play a crucial role in shaping the success and culture of your company. While you may be eager to expand your team quickly, it is essential to take your time in selecting the right candidates. The positions you need to fill will depend on the specific needs and goals of your business, but it is important to prioritize key roles that contribute to the core functions of your company.
Employee hiring is a time-consuming and costly process, with the average cost of recruiting a new employee estimated to be around $4,700 by the Society for Human Resource Management. The process also takes an average of 47.5 days to fill a job, as reported in the Employ Recruiter Nation Report. Therefore, it is crucial to select the right people for these critical roles in your startup.
Here are the top eight positions that you should focus on hiring for when launching your company:
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operations Officer (COO):
The CEO is responsible for setting the overall direction, vision, and culture of the business, while the COO oversees the day-to-day operations. While you may choose to recruit externally for these roles, founders typically occupy these C-suite executive positions in the early stages of a startup.
2. Product Manager:
The product manager is responsible for overseeing the vision, development, and strategy of your products. This role is crucial for collaborating with engineering and marketing teams to bring your products to market successfully.
3. Vice President of Engineering/Chief Technology Officer (CTO):
For tech startups, having someone focused on technology and development is essential. This role involves choosing and integrating technology systems, overseeing hardware and software, and managing online presence for the company.
4. Head of Community Management/Chief Marketing Officer (CMO):
This role focuses on engaging with customers, identifying marketing demographics, and promoting the company’s products or services. A marketing manager with diverse skills in copywriting, design, and digital marketing can help drive consumer engagement and product development.
5. Sales Manager:
A skilled sales manager is essential for generating leads and driving sales for the company. Hiring an experienced sales professional can help bring in revenue and grow the business effectively.
6. Chief Financial Officer (CFO):
While startups often outsource accounting and financial responsibilities, having a CFO on board can provide valuable guidance in managing finances, securing funding, and handling financial aspects of the business.
7. Manager of Business Development:
This role focuses on identifying new business opportunities, building partnerships, and driving growth for the company. A business development manager can help expand the company’s reach and revenue potential.
8. Customer Service Representative:
Good customer service is essential for building trust and rapport with customers. Hiring a customer service representative to handle customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints can ensure positive interactions and customer satisfaction.
When assembling your startup team, it is important to focus on building a cohesive and skilled group of individuals who align with the company’s values and vision. Networking and referrals can be effective ways to identify potential candidates, and working with a reputable recruitment agency can help find qualified and experienced staff.
It is also important to prioritize cultural fit when hiring new employees, as the right team members can positively impact the company’s culture, relationships, and overall success. By carefully selecting and investing in key startup positions, founders can set their company up for long-term growth and success.
In conclusion, hiring the first eight employees for your startup is a critical step in establishing a strong foundation for your business. By focusing on key roles that contribute to the core functions of the company, founders can build a skilled and cohesive team that drives growth, innovation, and success. Hiring the right people for these vital startup positions is essential for shaping the culture, leadership, and direction of the company, setting the stage for long-term success and growth.