Hire your first employee

Decide whether you need an employee at all, then find, hire, pay and cover them properly.

Series 9 steps 1 hr 20 min of reading 2 templates

Start with step 1: Employee or contractor?

The 9 steps, in order

  1. Step 1 Employee or contractor? 1099 vs W-2 Workers: 5 Key Areas of Difference Large and small businesses alike often find it most efficient to hire employees (W-2 workers) for some roles and tasks and independent contractors (1099 workers) for others. Understanding the differences between 1099 vs W-2 workers is important, as misclassifying employees as contractors can lead to thousands in fees and penalties. *All states recognize at-will employment… 8 min read
  2. Step 2 Write the job description How to Write a Job Description: Tips, Examples & Free Template A job description explains the work duties and requirements of a particular job role within your company. It should also include details about your company culture, as well as the compensation and benefits offered for the position. Once created, it can be published on a job board to attract top talent or used as an… 6 min read
  3. Step 3 Plan your interview questions 26+ Best Interview Questions to Ask Candidates (+ Templates) The best interview questions to ask candidates are direct and job-specific, allowing you to learn more about the candidate’s skills and education. These also help show what the candidates can bring to the position and your company. We’ve provided a downloadable template of our interview questions to ask candidates when interviewing for your open positions…. 16 min read
  4. Step 4 Score candidates the same way 8 Free Interview Evaluation Forms & 3 Scorecard Templates Interview evaluation forms help hiring teams assess candidates consistently, compare applicants fairly, and document hiring decisions. To simplify the process, I’ve created eight free interview evaluation forms and three interview scorecard templates that you can edit in Google Sheets or download as PDFs for in-person, virtual, or panel interviews. Want to streamline your hiring processes?… 6 min read Template included
  5. Step 5 Make the offer Employment Offer Letter: Templates, What to Include & FAQs An employment offer letter is a formal document from an employer outlining the terms and conditions of the proposed employment. It typically includes key details, like the job title, start date, salary, benefits, work location, employment status, and any special conditions or contingencies. While not as binding as a full employment contract, it serves as… 7 min read Template included
  6. Step 6 Collect the onboarding paperwork Onboarding Documents for New Hires Onboarding documents involve all the paperwork new hires need to be legally employed with your company, while also ensuring their success in taking on their new role. These can be divided into four types: Legal: These are the onboarding forms required by law. Pay and benefits: These ensure your employee is paid on time and… 6 min read
  7. Step 7 Run your first payroll How to Do Payroll for Small Businesses (+ Video & Template) Handling small business payroll includes having to consider everything, from setting up your business as an employer to paying your employees, tax agencies, and other applicable entities. When learning how to do payroll, there are several steps you must follow to ensure that you’re fully compliant with federal and state laws. If you’d rather learn… 13 min read
  8. Step 8 Get workers' comp Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cost, Coverage & How It Works Workers’ compensation insurance is a helpful policy for employers because it covers medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages for employees who are injured on the job or experience a work-related illness. In most states that require coverage, workers’ comp also protects the employer from employee lawsuits related to workplace injuries or illnesses. The price… 8 min read
  9. Step 9 Stay compliant Payroll Compliance: Important Payroll Laws to Know (Updated 2026) Payroll compliance covers the tax, wage, filing, and recordkeeping rules employers must follow. Use this guide to review the key payroll compliance requirements for your business. 10 min read

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