No.

141

Sep 28, 2026

People

5 min read

Hire slower than feels comfortable

The two hires I rushed, the one I didn’t, and the paid trial week that now does most of the interviewing for me.

I’ve hired five people in six years. The two I rushed both left within four months. The one I took three months over is still here and runs the studio when I’m away.

The paid trial week

Now every final candidate works with us for a paid week before anyone signs anything. It costs us about €900 and has saved us from two expensive mistakes.

  • Pay properly for the week.

  • Give them a real task, not a test.

  • Ask the team, not just yourself.

Slow hiring feels like losing time. It’s the opposite.

— Lena

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A short letter about running a small business. One idea, one story, every Sunday morning.

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© 2026 Small Print · Written by Lena Brandt in Leipzig

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Small Print

A short letter about running a small business. One idea, one story, every Sunday morning.

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© 2026 Small Print · Written by Lena Brandt in Leipzig

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