Finding the right team member to fill a role can be tough, but don’t take your foot off the gas just because the contract is signed. The real work starts now…

Here is a high level cheat sheet if you’re hiring, to ensure you get the best possible lift off with new hires.

Do’s

• Maintain communication between contract signing and start date.

• Introduce them to the team (on Slack/Teams if working remote).

• Ask them if they would like to receive material in advance of their start date.

• You’ve heard of an exit interview, what about an entry interview? These can give you all sorts of useful insights, e.g. where the person found you, why they joined, how you could improve the recruitment process, what were their perceptions of the business from the outside.

Don’ts

• Don’t make assumptions about their existing knowledge (of your product & business).

• In the first few weeks there is a large amount of information to take in. Don’t assume that if you’ve told them once, they will be up to speed.
• 1 and 3 month check ins aren’t just to feedback, use it to receive too.
• Don’t assume once week 1 is over that they’ll be settled in.

Hacks

• If you don’t have budget for SWAG, think sideways. For example at a previous company we sent out hand written “Welcome to the Team” cards to all new joiners in the week’s before they joined. Every single new hire mentioned this in their first week. It’s the small things.

• You’ve just hired your latest member of your recruitment team! Share with them your current hiring requirements and ask if they know anyone. Great people attract great people.
• Agree milestones early on that need to be checked in order to pass probation. No surprises.
• Work collaboratively to set SMART goals or agree OKR’s so there is complete clarity and buy in.