You might have more work than you can handle, but before you hire a new team member, it’s important to decide what you need them to accomplish and how they’ll integrate with the rest of your team.

If you hire without a plan (or if you wind up hiring the wrong people because you moved too fast), you may find yourself saddled with excess costs and a team that doesn’t function well together. 

If you hire positions before you are ready for them (look six months ahead), it may result in the need for a layoff if things don’t go as planned.

Take time to assess your needs before making any hiring decisions. Look at the whole candidate, not just their skill set. This means considering the following:

• Commitment

• Record of being & ability to be a good team player

• Short-term & long-term goals

• Cultural fit

• Experience in a startup environment

When you find a candidate you’d like to hire, clearly communicate what their new role will require. Don’t sugarcoat how your startup operates today – set realistic expectations to make sure your new hires know the company and the team they’re joining.