Today’s discussion veers into my experiences over 12 years of running bookkeeping firms. With a special focus on hiring, pre-screening, and the invaluable role of community support.

Navigating the Hiring Challenge

Hiring is more than filling a position.

It’s about finding the right person who not only has the skills needed but also fits into your company culture.

For small businesses, posting a job can often result in an overwhelming number of applicants.

How do you sift through hundreds of resumes effectively?

This question led me to leverage my network and experience to develop a refined approach to pre-screening.

Developing an Effective Pre-Screening Process

My approach to pre-screening involves a combination of technology and direct engagement.

I start with a Google form that includes critical questions. Aimed at understanding a candidate’s availability, technical skills, and problem-solving approach.

Following this, a Zoom call with targeted questions helps assess their practical capabilities.

Questions might cover areas like navigating QuickBooks, understanding financial reports, or handling typical bookkeeping challenges.

This method not only streamlines the hiring process but also significantly improves the quality of candidates that move forward to the interview stage.

The Power of Mastermind Groups

One of the most transformative aspects of my career has been my participation in several mastermind groups.

These are collaborative groups of professionals who meet regularly to share knowledge, business strategies, and support each other’s growth.

During a session focused on hiring struggles, I realized the potential of my pre-screening method. Not just for my firm but for others as well.

Sharing this approach has helped many in my network streamline their hiring processes.

Case Study: A Pre-Screening Success

Recently, I put my pre-screening process to the test for a colleague overwhelmed by the task of hiring.

After posting a brief job ad on various platforms, including social media, I handled the initial screening of dozens of applicants.

The process showed that many candidates have a big gap in what they list on their resume versus their actual skills. Highlighting the effectiveness of a pre-screening assessment.

I shared the list of qualified applicants with several bookkeeping firms, helping them save time and make more informed hiring decisions.

Community Engagement and Its Benefits

Engaging with a community, especially in specialized fields like bookkeeping, offers multiple benefits.

It fosters a supportive environment where sharing resources and advice is commonplace.

For instance, through my mastermind group discussions, I’ve been able to provide pre-screening services to other bookkeepers.

The positive feedback from my network about the pre-screening process has encouraged me to consider offering it as a formal service.

This initiative aligns perfectly with my mission to support and uplift the bookkeeping community.

In industries where time is as valuable as expertise, simplifying complex processes like hiring can lead to significant improvements in operational efficiency.

If you’re grappling with similar challenges in your business, consider reaching out to peers or joining groups like mastermind communities.

The support and insights gained can be transformative.

Get Involved and Stay Connected

If this discussion resonates with you, or if you’re seeking advice on bookkeeping and business management, join our Facebook group. Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad.

There, we continue these conversations and share more resources to help each other thrive.

Your journey in business doesn’t have to be solitary; with the right community and tools, it can be a path filled with growth and success.

☕ If you found this helpful you can say “thanks” by buying me a coffee… https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gentlefrog

If you have questions about hiring in your bookkeeping firm click the green button below to schedule a free consultation.