Human Resources

Hiring an Office Manager

Written by Anne Hauser for Gaebler Ventures

Hiring an office manager is a task that should not be taken lightly. We offer some excellent tips on how to hire an office manager.

Many business owners need to spend as much time away from the office as in the office.

If that's the case for your business, hiring an office manager to oversee day-to-day operations while you focus on the big picture may be a smart business decision.

It is important to decide what duties you want your office manager to complete on a regular basis, while considering where your business is headed.

Look ahead a few years and try to predict if you think you're office manager's responsibilities are going to change. If so, be sure to hire someone you think could adapt to changing responsibility in the long run.

While looking for qualified candidates, in addition to the general job placement Web sites, try advertising in trade journals to attract more people who have an interest in your specific business.

How to Interview Office Managers

Interview office manager candidates the same way you would for any other position-- review qualified applicants and set up interviews with the top candidates.

Remember hiring a manager is much more important than hiring an administrative assistant or a lower level staffer, so be sure to ask specific scenario questions to see the candidate's insight about your business. Give them sample problems and ask how they would take care of them.

You can find a good office manager and learn some insights about your own business at the same time.

Ask questions about your field to make sure the applicant has enough specific knowledge about your business to keep things running smoothly in your absence.

Anne Hauser is a freelance writer who is currently a double major in Magazine Journalism and English at the University of Missouri.