For too many Job Seekers, the sole focus for them during the search process is to simply find a company that will offer them a job. A savvy Job Seeker is concerned about not just finding a position but also one in which they will be ultimately successful.
Ask yourself before accepting any position whether you see yourself being successful after 90 days, one year, and anytime after that, both in the role and with that company. A key for a person to be successful is to have an on-board plan and an environment of learning that will allow this success to happen.
An on-board plan can take many different shapes. It can be on-the-job training for a food service position, an apprenticeship for a skilled trade, or a 30-60-90 day plan for a management position. Whatever the method or form, it should be sufficient to allow you with your desire, experience, and ability to learn to be successful in the role.
Why is such a plan important?
• Learn Key Skills – Especially in the on-the-job and apprenticeship methods this program will teach you what you need to know about the position to perform the role. Even if you have done the job before, there may be some key differences in the equipment used that will require some new skill development. Even in a professional position, a person might, for example, need to learn a particular computer program that may be crucial.
• Learn Key Processes – Every company does things a little differently. An on-board plan gives the time to learn this company’s standard operating procedures. It is also a great time to break some old habits that have been developed in the past.
• Meet Key People – There are always some people in an organization that are important to know and to build a relationship with. An on-board plan should give you the time necessary to meet them and spend the time required to build rapport. This also allows you to recognize who to turn to if you need an answer or decision on a particular subject. This area is particularly important in an office environment as understanding the key people will allow you to best navigate the personal politics that the company lives under.
• Develop “Friends” – The social aspect of work is important to most people.An on-board plan should include time to meet co-workers and others which will improve your ability to socialize. It is always difficult to go somewhere where you know very few people or no one at all. This may take the form of having people to talk to in the lunch room or participating in a company event. Regardless, in virtually all aspects, having some work “friends” make the starting of new job more tolerable.
• Opportunity to Understand the Culture – A common theme is that every company has uniqueness to it. The on-board program will allow you to better understand and to make sure it is a good fit for you.
• Spend Time With Your Supervisor – An on-board plan should possess time with your supervisor to discuss your challenges and early successes along with answering any questions you may have with starting your new job. This also gives you the opportunity to better understand the personality of your supervisor.
Ask about what the process will be for on-boarding you during the interview process. Most prospective employers will be pleased that you are thinking about the next step and how to ensure your success post-hire. If a company has not yet considered your program or does not have a formal plan, then that should be a red flag for you when considering this organization. This is probably a sign of an employer that does not invest in their employees and their long-term success.
The on-board program you enter should allow you opportunities to receive feedback on your progress providing you crucial supervisor face time. Similarly, the program should be flexible enough for modification if more emphasis needs to be placed in a certain area. If you are entering a professional or management role the on-board plan should be connected with the goals you will have for that year.
It is crucial that Job Seekers place themselves in a position where they will be successful. An on-board plan is important for that success. Be comfortable in inquiring about their plan for you during the interview process and use the answer you receive as part of your decision criteria on whether you will accept their offer to join them.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
