How to follow the onboarding of a recruitment?

Onboarding is a crucial (and final) step in the recruitment process, essential for ensuring the integration and retention of new talent. This article highlights best practices for successful onboarding, in line with the company's overall recruitment strategy.

We often talk about the candidate-to-company integration, but we too often neglect the new "company-to-candidate" relationship. As a recruiter (especially if you're external), it's important to give equal importance to both. Put as much effort into ensuring your candidate's satisfaction as you do into ensuring your client's. They both have just as many reasons as the other to end the probationary period.

Onboarding: more than just integration

‍Onboarding is a crucial strategic process for immersing new employees in the work environment and company culture. This process strengthens the employer brand and contributes to employee retention by helping them adapt quickly to their new surroundings. As they say, "You only get one chance to make a first impression." Effective onboarding begins with the very first interaction with the candidate and continues well after the contract is signed, encompassing various aspects such as training, cultural acclimatization, and professional development.

Recruitment and onboarding strategy

‍An effective recruitment strategy integrates onboarding from the very beginning of the job posting design. Using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is crucial for tracking candidates throughout the recruitment process and preparing for their integration. An effective ATS not only manages applications but also plans onboarding steps, ensuring a smooth transition from recruitment to integration.

The role of HR in onboarding

‍HR teams play a central role in developing and implementing onboarding. They must ensure that new employees understand their contract, the expectations of their position, and integrate smoothly into the team. HR must also coordinate with managers to develop personalized onboarding plans, organize initial training sessions, and hold regular follow-up meetings.

The importance of onboarding software

‍Onboarding software is an invaluable tool for HR teams, automating key aspects of the integration process, from managing contract documents to scheduling training, thus ensuring a smooth and efficient onboarding experience. This software can also offer features for tracking new employees' progress and providing feedback, which is crucial for tailoring the onboarding process to individual needs.

Communication: a key factor in onboarding

‍Communication is essential at every stage of onboarding. It must be clear, regular, and two-way, allowing new employees to express themselves and fully integrate into their new work environment. Communication channels can include one-on-one meetings, emails, internal communication platforms, and discussion groups, ensuring that information is shared effectively and that employee questions are addressed promptly.

Examples and best practices

• Example of onboarding: A technology company developed a three-week onboarding program, including training sessions, meetings with key teams, and mentoring by experienced colleagues. This program led to a better understanding of the company's objectives and faster integration into teams and ongoing projects.
• Best practices:
• Prepare an onboarding plan before the arrival of the new employee, including clear objectives and a detailed timeline.
• Communicate this program to the candidates and give it meaning. This will create anticipation and even a sense of urgency among employees to move forward with the program.
• Use onboarding software for efficient and personalized management, ensuring that information is easily accessible.
• Organize regular follow-up meetings to ensure smooth communication and gather feedback to continuously improve the onboarding process.
• Be original! Onboarding shouldn't be a tedious process with outdated tasks and activities. It's one of the first impressions your new employee has of the company; you don't want to project an outdated image, do you?

Onboarding, a strategic investment too often neglected

‍A well-designed onboarding process is a fundamental element of a successful recruitment strategy. It's not just about welcoming a new employee, but about actively engaging them in the company's culture and values, thereby fostering their long-term commitment and loyalty. It's also about immediately addressing any doubts, questions, and concerns to prevent a potentially volatile atmosphere from developing. In short, laying a solid and engaging foundation will facilitate integration and help you avoid potential problems.