by Skyler Wolf Jones

Created on: December 03, 2008

New Hire "Bore"ientation

Why do human resources, management, and team leads go through a great interviewing process to select top candidates only to kill them with boredom on their first day of work losing all momentum? Perhaps, my long question doesn't have an exact answer; however, I think it does. By changing your verbiage to holding a New Hire Celebration and providing new hires with exactly just that, a celebration!

Celebrate the fact that you just landed an individual to fit your company's current needs. So, the question is; how do you get your message across as a celebration and not a "bore"ientation? Here are some examples. Tell an exciting story to start the day off right. How did you become part of the company? What are you excited about? Why should they be excited? Then, let them tell their story of where they use to be and why they are excited to start with your company. We all know that we need to go over the dreaded policies and procedures, but why the first day or even the first hour? Do we really entertain the thought they might memorize that lengthy novel of technical jargon? Of course we don't. Instead, build onto their story. Have them create an actual cover page to their story. Give them a chance to be creative and introduce themselves to the rest of the group through their home-made book cover. Have them come up with a creative title, their name, and some of the things they enjoy in life. You can't judge a book by its cover, but you can get to know a lot about a new hire by having them design one.

My last suggestion in this short article is to have new hire's develop a vision. I'm not talking about some miraculous sighting, I am talking about having them come up with a direction on what they would like to achieve within working for your company. Give them your mission statement, values, competencies, initiatives, or whatever you might have, and let them tie their vision into your company's plan. Just as a company is driven by a strong sense of identity and purpose, so are the individual's who work within the organization. There are many ways to captivate your new hires and celebrate on their first day. Be creative and change your "bore"ientation into a celebration.

Quick ideas to implement:

-If you have a product, let them see it, feel it, use it.

-If you can send something home with them to show family and friends, give it to them.

-Bring in the highest level of management to speak with them and let them know they are an important part of the company's success.

-Go on a tour through your building and introduce them to some of your friends or friendlier people of the company.

-Have them eat lunch with their team or supervisor if you can afford too.

-While you are covering policies and procedures incorporate an activity.

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