Why successful hiring happens behind the scenes
When a hiring decision is made, it may seem like the hard part is over. However, the reality is that the most crucial elements of successful hiring happen behind the scenes—before, during, and even after an employee’s first day. Whether you’re an employer preparing to onboard a new hire or a job seeker stepping into a new role, understanding the work that goes into making employment a success is key. Here’s why what happens behind the scenes makes all the difference.
Preparing for a Smooth Onboarding
For Employers: Bringing a new employee on board isn’t just about offering them the job; it’s about setting them up to be successful in it and to be glad they accepted your offer. Before they even walk through the door, it’s your responsibility to prepare:
Clear job expectations and role responsibilities (actually write them down somewhere)
Necessary training materials, login credentials, and office space
A schedule for the first week, including introductions to team members (and don’t make them ask for the bathroom!)
Specific persons who will take questions, and designated follow-up times for officially asking how it’s going
For Job Seekers: If you’re in the interview or job offer stages, your preparation is just as important. Doing your homework on the company is not just standard advice; it’s critical to taking charge of your success. Take time to:
Look at the company’s web site in detail - you can learn a lot, and it’s what the company wants you to know.
Understand company policies, dress code, and core values. You are often told this before Day One, so start right.
Get to know the team structure and learn about key players in the organization.
Clarify any questions about your role and responsibilities with your new employer.
Set goals for your first few months based on the expectations you are given.
Retention: Setting the Stage for Staying a While
For Employers: The employee’s job has just begun - and so has yours. Keeping great employees takes effort. It’s just as important to have a retention checklist as it is to have an onboarding checklist! It should include:
Prescheduled dates when you will be discussing the new employee’s performance.
Checking to see that the new employee is included in workplace team activities.
Documenting any responses to employee requests for training, supervision or concerns.
Recognition of accomplishments made by employee.
Specific solicitation of feedback from new employee.
For Employees: Employees who take an active role in their success are more likely to thrive. To contribute to your own retention, make the effort to:
Ask questions and seek clarity on your responsibilities.
Build relationships with colleagues and engage in company culture.
Show initiative and demonstrate a willingness to learn.
Communicate openly with managers about your challenges and career aspirations.
Handling a Termination with Dignity
Despite everyone’s best efforts, not every hire is the right fit. If termination becomes necessary, it should be handled professionally and respectfully by both parties.
For Employers:
Be prepared to provide clear documentation of previously-addressed performance concerns or policy violations and opportunities given for improvement.
Conduct terminations privately and factually. Be straightforward and concise.
Ensure final pay and necessary paperwork are processed smoothly.
Collect all company property and allow employee to collect personal belongings with dignity.
Offer exit interviews to gain insight on improving future hiring and retention, if appropriate, or written documentation for later reference related to pay and paperwork.
For Employees:
Maintain professionalism and avoid burning bridges—your reputation follows you. This applies whether termination is your choice or not.
If you are being told that you are a mismatch for the position you held, ask for feedback to understand what kind of a role your manager thinks you would have been more suited to fill.
If your termination was a performance issue, understand what went wrong and how to improve for the future.
Ensure you understand your final paycheck, benefits, and any remaining obligations so that you can leave with no need for follow-up.
Stay positive and proactive in seeking new opportunities. If you didn’t practice your own onboarding or retention this time, do it next time😊.
Success Stories
If you browse Personnel Partners’ web site or Google reviews, you’ll see success stories - job seekers and clients who are thrilled to be brought together by the efforts of our Certified Staffing Professionals. But you can be very sure that those success stories didn’t happen just at the magic moment we asked two people to meet with each other. Everything about our hiring business requires careful preparation, thoughtful retention efforts, and, when necessary (although rare), respectful offboarding. Our clients and employees alike benefit from putting in the work behind the scenes, ensuring that new hires start strong, stay engaged, and transition gracefully when the time comes. Only by focusing on these key behind-the-scenes elements can we contribute to a more effective and rewarding workplace experience.