How Onboarding Can Make (or Break) Your Hiring Process

When it comes to adding new marketing employees, we know onboarding is the first step towards a successful and meaningful partnership. Here’s how our team ensures the onboarding process is as smooth and seamless as possible.

Through our decades as a company, we’ve learned the importance of a strong and efficient employee onboarding program.

For that reason, our onboarding process starts before a new employee’s first day. 

Below, find out how we measure employee onboarding success, strategically pair seasoned and new team members, and think holistically about how to set new Hawks up for success before day one.

Before the start date

Prior to their start date, our team ensures new Hawks are set up and prepped to begin training. We focus on clear communication and alignment on what’s expected within the first couple of weeks.

We also create an employee onboarding project through our project management software, Asana, so they know exactly what tasks need to be completed throughout the process.

This onboarding project includes all essential information on:

• Training
• Company help documents
• Digital marketing resources
• Standard operating procedures
• Best practices
• And more

Why proper onboarding matters

Aligning on these tasks and allowing employees to access their onboarding project before starting helps lessen feelings of overwhelm and allows them to feel more prepared and equipped to handle their first week.

According to our team, more than 93% of new hires agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I was given clear expectations on the first day for what the purpose, goals, and outcomes are for my personalized onboarding plan.”

What’s more, 95% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I felt prepared starting at Hawk on the first day.”

Particularly for remote teams, we’ve seen how important it is to help new team members establish connections, get acquainted with their colleagues, and feel part of the crew from the start.

How we ensure a strong start for employees

One of the most game-changing tactics we’ve implemented in the onboarding process is matching new hires to an “onboarding buddy.”

Within the past year, we’ve also launched “Hawk Wingmates.” For this program, we match new hires to a long-standing Hawk employee to provide an additional level of guidance and support in addition to their manager.

In response to implementing the Wingmates Program, all new hires have reported:

• Gained confidence in navigating their role and responsibilities
• Accelerated learning of SOPs and best practices
• Establishing a connection at Hawk
• Adapting to HawkSEM’s culture and workflow

Many new hires report the Wingmates Program has been their favorite part of onboarding and that it has made a significant positive impact on their transition onto the team.

In fact, many Wingmates continue to schedule meetings or check-in calls even after the 90 day onboarding process to keep in touch with their Wingmate.

Using ongoing feedback to make improvements

Another important part of onboarding involves gathering feedback and iterating on processes to constantly improve the new hire experience.

To collect important feedback needed to improve, we’ve incorporated 30, 60, and 90-day check-in periods with new hires. We use these to gauge how onboarding is going and if there are any concerns that need to be addressed.

If team members feel uncomfortable asking specific questions, we’ve even added an anonymous “No stupid questions” survey. This way, people feel comfortable asking any question without judgement.

The takeaway

By the 90-day mark, our goal is for new hires to feel comfortable and confident to navigate different work situations autonomously with the added support of management and their team.

By helping new hires feel prepared, focusing on teamwork and connection, and utilizing ongoing feedback, our team feels equipped with the skills needed to succeed in their role after the first 30, 60, 90 days and beyond.

Interested in joining our flock? Check out our careers page to view open positions and learn more about what makes us stand out — and soar together.