She Accepted Your Job Offer, Now What?

Now that your dream candidate has accepted your job offer, how do you make their first day a smooth and welcoming one? Here are 14 steps you should take.

1. Have them sign an employment agreement or contract. This document should spell out and confirm the terms of the offer. Include a recap of their salary and benefits, job duties. Include your non-disclosure and non-compete terms as well. Consult a professional in your state who can assist you in preparing this document.
2. Begin any paperwork that can be completed ahead of time. If you use a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) they can do all of this for you.
3. Set up any access to internal systems required for your business, i.e. company email, company calendar, and software access.
4. Set up any hardware they will need, i.e. laptop, monitor, phone, and printer.
5. Set up their workspace or office. Make sure their desk is stocked with all of the supplies they will need. Make sure their area is clean and functional.
6. Order any items they will need such as business cards or company branded clothing.
7. Inform the staff of their arrival.
8. Set up a complete training calendar and agenda for the first four weeks. Include the following:
   1. Daily and weekly training tasks to be completed.
   2. A description of each training module.
   3. Who will mentor and train them for each module.
   4. An end-of-day recap.
   5. Discuss the next day of training.
   6. A list of resources they will need.
9. Reach out to them a couple of times prior to their first day to see how they are doing and if they have any questions. This is especially important if they are relocating.
10. Order flowers or some other appropriate welcome gift to arrive on their first day, this does not need to be expensive.
11. Be there when they arrive and welcome them and show them to their work area.
12. Order a team lunch in their honor. This is a great way for them to meet the entire staff.
13. Follow the training plan you set up!
14. Conduct a 30-day review to discuss their progress and next steps.

Starting a new job can be stressful for all involved. The new employee will be nervous and unsure of what will happen next. Having a plan and communicating that plan to all of the team will make them more comfortable. Making them feel welcome and at home will have a long-lasting positive impact on your entire organization.

Lou Andruzzi, President 

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