Employee On-Boarding—Pre-employment
Written by Michelle Wachtel, SPHR
The time between when your candidate accepts your employment offer and their start date is another often overlooked and underused opportunity to build rapport with your soon-to-be new employee. It only takes a little effort on your part to begin to make the candidate feel like part of the team.
Here are a few ways to maximize the time before they walk in the door for their first official day to keep in contact and maintain enthusiasm:
- Send a thank you email once you receive forms and notification that the candidate has completed pre-employment drug screening.
- Check in with a short email letting the candidate know you are preparing for their start and ask if they have any special needs or requests for their workspace. Include any forms they can complete prior to their first day and let them know what time to arrive and what to expect.
- Ask for a few facts to share with their colleagues when you notify them of the new employee’s start.
- Have your trainer, team lead or peer of the candidate reach out to introduce themselves.
Behind the scenes:
- Map out the first few weeks schedule in detail and distribute copies to all who will be involved in training and on-boarding.
- Schedule a lunch with the new employee on their first day and invite some of their colleagues.
- Set up computer, work station and basic supplies. A welcome sign and some company promo items can be an added welcome waiting for the new employee. (One of my network associates mails a welcome package to the new employee before they start. This is a great idea!)
- Print updated copies of phone lists, who to contact information and a map of the building with emergency exits, restroom locations and a seating chart. This can go a long way in enabling the new employee to learn who sits where and who to go thereby fostering a level of comfort and independence as they adjust to the new company.
- Inform key individuals of the new employee’s start date including the receptionist or whomever the new employee will be meeting upon arrival.
