When you’re looking to hire a human resources employee, be sure that you take the following steps:

1. Define the scope and budget of the role. HR professionals cover a variety of functions, so be sure you are clear on the goal for this position, and find a pay range that is in line with the current market.
2. Plan the hiring process. Who should interview candidates for this position, who should make the final decision, and what is the timeline for hiring?
3. Communicate with your hiring team. Whether you work with internal recruiters or with a search firm, be sure that those who are sourcing candidates are clear on the type of candidates you’re looking for.
4. Interview and offer. Conduct interviews, and finally make an offer for your top candidate choice. Be sure to have backup choices ready in case the original offer falls through.

While HR departments are not required, investing in hiring an HR Manager or other HR professionals can help you handle or improve company operations and culture on several levels. Hiring in human resources can signal to your employees that you’re invested in their well-being, as well as improving in the following ways:

1. Recruiting and hiring talent across the organization
2. Training and onboarding staff
3. Resolving issues and inefficiencies
4. Improving company culture
5. Retaining staff and improving morale

As a general rule, if you’re on your way to having 50 employees or more, it is definitely time to consider hiring a Head or HR or a Head of People. However, you may want to consider making this investment sooner if you’re facing any of the following issues:

1. Discord amongst employees
2. Difficulty hiring or retaining employees
3. Inefficient processes throughout the organization
4. Negative culture or lack of culture and values