This document outlines a process for hiring a new employee within 10 hours or less. It involves writing an engaging job ad emphasizing culture fit over qualifications, having applicants complete a writing sample to assess skills and seriousness, conducting a phone screen to evaluate phone skills and fit, assigning a small follow-up task to test commitment and timeliness, having promising candidates complete a paid half-day trial to observe initiative and work, and making a job offer to the top candidate who has demonstrated skills and fit through the multi-step process.

1. Startup Hiring
in 10 Hours Or
Less.

2. Write a
Great Ad

3. Write an ad with personality
that emphasizes fit and culture.
Not a laundry list of
qualifications.
Time Spent: 1.5 Hours

4. Have a Writing
Assignment
(and Grade It)

5. Make them write something.
This will weed out the
unserious and unskilled faster
than anything.
Time Spent: 2 Hours (3 Total)
Tools Used: Gravity Forms

6. Do A Phone
Screen

7. Phone skills are important. If
you know it’s not a fit, be
prepared to end the call
quickly.
Time Spent: 2.5 Hours (5.5 Total)
Tools Used: The Phone (close.io)

8. A Second, Small
Assignment

9. Hold people to their
commitments and make sure
they are on time.
Time Spent: 30 Minutes (6 Total)
Tools Used: Email

10. Have a Paid
Half Day

11. Interviewing only hires people who
can talk. With work, you learn who
takes initiative.
Time Spent: ~1 hour/Candidate
(4 Total)
Tools Used: Email

12. Make an Offer

13. Congratulations! You should
have confidence in your
candidate at this point.
They’ve worked with you so far.

14. Need MORE startup & agency
tips that work?
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