Recognize any biases in your interview process that may disqualify someone who doesn't interview well. Remember that you are interviewing for the ability to perform the tasks required by the position, not for the ability to conduct one's self in an interview or adhere to visual standards.  Many companies, large and small, are reforming their recruitment and hiring practices to cast a broader net to find those who may look or act differently, but can perform at or above standard on the job. For example, an autistic person might not interview well, but might be a more precise and productive employee than a non-autistic person. Focus on what they can do, instead of how smoothly they talk. While it might seem a bit unforgiving, one tactic to find the best candidates is to turn away those who arrive to your interview late. An employee with high standards takes their job seriously and should treat the application process the same way. Job applicants that show up late for interviews or don't follow the rules for applying display a clear lack of high standards for themselves and their employment future. Take note of this if you still interview the applicant or just reject the candidate. It is very important to ask potential employees about their goals during the interview. Both short-term and long-term goals will reveal a lot about potential employees. It will give a sense of whether the candidate is thoughtful. It will also give a sense of how the employee conceptualizes their role at your company. Ask the candidate:  Why they applied for the position Where they see themselves in your enterprise in the next year Where they see themselves in your business in the next five years To describe their career goals and why they want to work for your company. Pay attention to answers about personal and industry goals or answers that indicate that the job applicant wants to be the best. An important element of the interview process is assessing an individual’s personal appearance and behavior. How a job applicant presents themselves and behaves in an interview will give you a good indication of how high their standards are for the job. That said, you should consider the circumstances and abilities of those interviewing for the job and the job itself. Don't pay too much attention to appearance while ignoring the desire and ability to perform.  Consider whether the applicant uses any slang terms or profanity and whether they answer questions with complete sentences and proper grammar. An applicant with high standards will dress professionally and appear polished and well-organized. Watch whether the candidate has positive body language and good posture. This is especially important if the person will be in a sales position or will deal and come into contact with people outside your company on a regular basis.
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One-sentence summary -- Work to make your interview process fair and balanced. Turn away late arrivals. Ask about goals. Observe personal appearance and behavior during the interview.


Many banks will look at the credit history of each significant owner. You’ll improve your chances of getting credit if you improve your personal credit score. Do the following:  Review your credit report for errors. For example, an account might be listed as in default when you are current, or the wrong credit limit might be listed. Dispute any errors with the credit bureaus. Pay your bills on time. If you’re late, you’ll accrue penalties and late fees. Also, your credit score will suffer. Lower the overall credit that you use. Ideally, your balance should be less than 30% of the credit limit. Business credit reports contain all kinds of information. For example, they also list court judgments, liens, and bankruptcies. You’ll want to keep this type of information off your credit history.  A court judgment is entered against you when you lose a lawsuit. You can avoid this situation by settling lawsuits (unless you have a solid defense). A lien can be added to property when someone has a legal right to payment which you haven’t satisfied. Avoid liens by paying all suppliers on time. Business credit reports contain more detailed information on payment history than do personal credit reports. It’s best to pay at least 30 days early, if possible. Dun & Bradstreet reserves perfect credit scores for those who pay early. About a quarter of all small businesses have a major error on their business credit report. Accordingly, you should monitor your business credit history and raise any errors with the credit bureau. Gather any documents that support your claim. For example, if an account is listed as late, then you'll want proof that you have made timely payments. Look for email confirmations or cancelled checks.
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One-sentence summary --
Boost your personal credit score. Clean up your public records. Pay early. Monitor your business credit history.