Whether you’re hiring a VP or a an entry-level clerk, never take your hiring decisions lightly. Both you and the job applicant expect certain results from your agreement to work together and you’re both most likely to get what you want if you spell the following out up front:
- What happens now? What, precisely, does each side promise to do and what does each side get? Write this out in simple language and add it to the written job offer to avoid disappointment on either side.
- What happens if things don’t work out? If you’re unhappy with your new hire’s performance, will you address it through additional training, issue a warning, or give notice or what? If the new hire is unhappy, what would you like him/her to do?
There’s no better time than when the job offer is made to be clear, to be honest, and to set expectations.