Smart hiring decisions are crucial when building a strong team. I’m in the midst of hiring, and like most business owners, I have a budget in mind. I’m also, like many, feeling overworked, concerned about meeting client commitments and falling into the bad habit of working late nights and weekends.
Fortunately, I understand the hiring process—a method we’ve refined over the years into a predictable, results-driven system. However, applying it to my own business is another challenge entirely. It’s difficult to stay objective when it’s your business, your stress, and your 4-year-old asking, “Mommy, do you have to work late again?”
Better Hiring Decisions: Managing Salary Requests
I followed the process closely until I reached my preferred candidate. We had already discussed salary expectations early on—an essential step to avoid falling for a candidate outside my budget. As we wrapped up our final conversation and agreed to a trial period, she introduced a new factor. She mentioned that she was hoping for $5 more per hour than I was offering, especially since it was a 1099 position. However, she assured me she was still eager to join the team even if I couldn’t meet that increase.
When to Adjust Pay for Smart Hiring Decisions
Many business owners I’ve worked with would become frustrated at this stage—some might even reject the candidate outright. But I wasn’t frustrated at all. It was a fair request. The difference wasn’t extreme, and she was upfront about it rather than accepting the offer and leaving later for better pay.
I also respect an employee’s willingness to negotiate. As business owners, we constantly quote fees based on the value we provide. It’s only fair for employees to advocate for their worth in the same way.
Beyond Salary: Smart Hiring Decisions with Bonuses
Like many entrepreneurs, my instinct was to negotiate—perhaps a bonus structure or a pay increase after 90 days. After all, I had carefully planned my budget. But then I heard my son’s voice in my head: “Mommy, do you have to work late again? You can’t play trains with me?”
The $5 request was manageable, and spending more time with my son was worth that small adjustment. Why overcomplicate it with conditional pay increases? She was hired. We moved forward.
(That being said, bonus structures are excellent tools for accommodating candidates slightly beyond your budget. When structured correctly, they allow employees to earn more when the business earns more—making them a win-win solution.)
Smart Hiring Decisions: Get Expert Help
If you need guidance with hiring or want a blueprint for structuring compensation—whether for your employees or negotiating your own raise—consider our Smart Hire Solution™ or The Team Empowerment Academy™.
For more expert insights, explore our blogs and tune into one of our weekly podcasts for additional strategies on smart hiring decisions.
Authored by Molly Hall McGrath
