When hiring at a startup, every role counts. Small budgets, aggressive targets, and competing with more established companies for the same candidates are some factors that make hiring at startups particularly challenging.

As a hiring manager in a startup, there are some things you should avoid doing during the startup hiring process.

1. Compromise on quality.
   Don’t settle for anything less than top talent. Compromising on quality may make the hiring process quicker, but it most likely won’t pay off in the long-run. Laszlo Bock, SVP of People Operations at Google says:

   Never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever compromise on quality. It’s better to grow more slowly and have higher-quality people than to grow fast with mediocre players.

2. Rush the process.
   Hiring the best people takes extra time, especially when they’re not looking to make a career move. Be open and prepared to spend extra time in meetings and discussions with a candidate that you’re really excited about. This will help cement your relationship with them and help them see the opportunity as one worth pursuing.
3. Hide your challenges.
   In the midst of selling candidates on the amazing opportunity that could be theirs, don’t forget to also be candid about the company’s challenges. Failing to do so could result in the employee being dissatisfied and feeling like you withheld information. Being open about these challenges also gives you the chance to see how the candidate reacts and if they want to be part of the solution.
4. Do it alone.
   Get your team members or other employees involved in the decision-making process. They may perceive a candidate differently and it’s a good idea to consider their perspectives. Introducing candidates to other people in the company is also a good way to give them a feel for the company culture and if it’s the right fit for them. You may also consider enlisting the help of a recruiting firm that has proven expertise placing top talent in startup companies.

If you’re hiring sales reps for your technology startup, download this eBook to learn how to bring on the most high-performing sales talent around.