Help your candidates PIVOT to employee
They said yes to the job and you filled a gap in your workforce. Now, they have to resign, change their routine, adjust to a new environment, rethink how work relates to their life, make new relationships – all in the space of two weeks. Here are some ways you can support your new colleague during this time.
Resignation: Find out when they plan to resign their current role. This allows you to follow up and ask how it went and reiterate how excited you are that they’re joining your organization. This is a pivotal moment for them as their current employer may make a counter offer or use other means to try and keep them. Supporting them at this key point will reinforce their decision to make a change.
Adjusting to the new routine: They will need to rethink their commute, child drop-off/pick-up – basically, their whole home routine – even if they will be working remotely. Chances are, they are looking for a trusting and secure relationship and will be watching for the norms with their new leader. Have the leader reach out and welcome them. Cover things like:
Provide a clear timeline and expectations for the period prior to start.
Alert them to key dates: first day schedule, any equipment order/ arrival, paperwork or medical / drug screen
Let them know what to bring on their first day, what to expect (a full day of meetings, a walking tour), what to wear, where to park, etc. You know, the basics, but to someone new, these things are mysteries and may cause unneeded stress.
Building new relationships: They are leaving a group of co-workers they have worked closely with and enjoyed. Help them see the future of their new work life by making introdcutions to key coworkers and assign them a buddy who can help answer questions they may not want to ask their leader.
Investing a bit of time during this pivotal period between offer and starting date will reap long-term benefits. Your new employee will be up and running more quickly. Plus, you’ll reduce their stress – and the likelihood they’ll accept a counter offer or leave too quickly after they start.