Bringing a new member into the team will almost always involve a probation or trial period, usually of between three and six months. This a valuable time for an employer to make sure that any new member of the team is the right fit for the role and for the individual to determine if the position and the company will offer them the challenge they are seeking.
Your new recruit will be hoping to pass their probation period with flying colours – we have some suggestions on how you as an employer can help to ensure that those first few months go smoothly and get the relationship off to the best possible start.
Set clear objectives
Make sure all new employees have a detailed job description and are clear in what is expected from them. If there are particular objectives that they need to achieve ensure that these are fair and achievable and that the right support is in place from the outset.
Make time
Whilst there may be a real need for that extra pair of hands, make sure you give new employees a realistic period of time to get up to speed and familiarise themselves with the company and their role. Provide them with any relevant background material that could be beneficial and arrange introductory meetings with key individuals, so they get to know who is who early on and start to build those all-important relationships.
Make yourself available
Any new employee will no doubt have questions they need to ask; set some time aside during the first week to catch up with them one-to-one and address any immediate queries they may have. Make sure that you are approachable and they understand that they can come to you for clarification and support. Try to avoid cancelling catch up meetings whenever possible – new employees want to feel valued.
Don’t criticise their predecessor
It’s important for an employer not to speak ill of a former employee - even if you are keen that your new recruit brings a fresh approach and a different perspective to the role.
Get them involved
New members of the team will want to impress and show their suitability for the role early on. Assign them a specific task or project which will allow them to play to their strengths and demonstrate to the team – and you – why they have been brought into the role.
Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today for expert advice on your next career move and recruitment needs.