Remember the old saying that "you never get a second chance to make a first impression"? Fortunately, when it comes to hiring a new employee this is not always the case. Sure, you will never be able to recreate the experience of the candidate's first interview, but now they are an employee; and you do have a chance to make another first impression; this time showing what it will be like to work for your company. Here are some helpful considerations once the hire is complete.
- Have a plan, an agenda, equipment and a workplace - It is critical that the new employee feel like you were expecting them. This can be easily achieved by carefully mapping out an agenda of what there first week will look like. Make sure you have their equipment and work space procured BEFORE they start work!
- Orientation - Have a well defined orientation process that guides the employee through the on boarding / badging process, provide facility tour, etc...
- Introductory email - Send out an introductory email to the group, team, office, company (depending on size) introducing the new employee.
- Set clear expectations - It is VERY important for new hires to understand what is expected of them and what exactly success looks like. Clarity is critical when it comes to KPI's, deliverables, cadence, culture, etc...
- Assign a mentor - Assign a mentor outside of the new hire's leadership structure; someone the new hire can speak with freely without the fear of "sounding stupid" to the boss.
- Training Plan - Have a detailed plan to train new hires on policies, processes, and procedures. Try include a large dose of job shadowing as it helps the new hire to better understand their role and begin to form relationships on the team.
- Performance Reviews - Set up regular performance reviews (daily or weekly to start, then monthly or quarterly)
- Career Progression - People love roadmaps and new hires are no different. It is always helpful if you can provide a clear career progression and a good understanding of how to advance to the next level.
This list is certainly not exhaustive, but should help you make the most of your company's second, first impression!