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If you’ve been following my last few blogs, I covered the entire interview and hiring process. So what’s next? Onboarding! Many employers tend to overlook this phase by not giving it the attention it truly deserves. You just spent a good amount of resources (time and money) to find a candidate that you like, and now you need to properly onboard them. It’s important that the hiring manager sets their new employee up for success from the start.

Here are 5 tips for onboarding a new hire.

1. Paperwork: Try to have all of the new hire paperwork completed ahead of time. Email the required documents to the person so they don’t have to worry about it on their first day.
2. Welcoming Desk: This is a simple gesture that speaks volumes. Before the new hire starts their first day, you should make sure that their desk has all the tools and necessary equipment. They should have a computer loaded with all of the necessary programs, system access, email address, phone and a nameplate. A nice touch would also include some product samples (if applicable), notebook, pens and other desk accessories. Most important, please be sure to wipe down the desk so it’s not covered in an inch of dust.
3. Building Tour and Introductions: Walk the new hire throughout the building and show them around. Introduce them to key people in the building they’ll be working with. Also set aside some time in the morning to introduce the new hire to their immediate team members. Explain what role they were hired for and what they’ll be doing. Your other team members should also introduce themselves and explain their roles with the company.
4. Small Tasks: You don’t want your new hire to be bored on their first day and questioning why they are there. You don’t want to overwhelm them either. Give the new hire a few small tasks and include details about what they entail. This will keep the new hire busy and give them a sense of purpose.
5. Lunch: My department has monthly team lunches where we meet the new hires and also talk about recent successes. After we’re finished eating, we have a team building activity and play a game such as Jeopardy or Family Feud.

Starting a new job is not easy and many feel overwhelmed. By using these tips, you can help make the new hire feel comfortable and welcome