Hiring the right person to help grow your business is a big job, and one that takes quite a bit of thought and preparation, especially if you are a small business owner. Many employers feel pressure to get someone into a position quickly in order to keep up with a particular timeline or to fulfill their demand, but sometimes, it’s better to wait until you find the right person for the job than it is to make a hasty decision, in part because you’ll save yourself time, effort, and money down the road.

There are several aspects to hiring; it’s not just about the interview process. Writing out the perfect job description, embracing social media, and being open to hiring someone from a different background or field than what your business is in all play a part.

Here are some of the best ways to get started.

Create the perfect interview

Interviews are the place where you really get to see what a potential hire can bring to the table. Think about the questions you’ll ask, and put them in the context of looking into the future. For example, where does this person see themselves in five or ten years? You don’t want to hire someone who is simply looking for a paycheck; instead, focus on the people who will make the most of their training and carry it forward, as these are the employees who are more likely to end up in management and help you drive your small business to the next level. Are you new to the employee-hiring process and unsure of how to go about it? Check out this helpful collection of resources, which covers everything from what you’re legally allowed to ask to what you should expect potential employees to ask you during an interview.

Write out a detailed job description

When you need to write out an advertisement for a certain position, think about the type of employee you want to attract. It needs to be detailed and have all your needs included while making the applicant feel like they are needed, as well as let them know what you can do for them. Focusing only on what they can do for your company means you’ll turn away quite a few people who may be great for the role but feel they aren’t experienced enough.

Be active on social media

Social media can be a great way for employers to spread the word about job listings and to find people who are motivated to find a job. It also shows that you are moving in the right direction as far as being technologically advanced goes, which attracts a younger demographic. Consider creating a mobile app for your business so applicants can send their resume in or apply online.

Consider hiring an older employee

While it’s illegal to decline giving a job to someone based solely on their age, many employers are wary of hiring seniors because they’re worried about the individual not being able to grasp the functions of the job. However, older employees have a great deal more experience and tend to have a better work ethic than those who are new to the workforce.

Don’t get caught up in experience

While experience is good, an individual who has great soft skills, no matter their age, can make a huge difference in the way you run your business. Being able to speak clearly and confidently, manage conflict and issues, and treat people the way they want to be treated are all great managerial qualities, so you could be hiring someone who is in it for the long haul. This means your turnover rate will drop and you’ll have someone you can promote sooner rather than later, which will save you money over time.

Remember that finding the right person for the job at hand can be a long and lengthy process, so try to stay patient and treat each interview with care. Allow them to interview you as well, because you can sometimes learn a lot about a person from the questions they ask.