New employees are eager to hit the ground running, but along the way, they will naturally make a few mistakes. Proper training early on is essential to help them get situated and integrated into their new role. If you don’t invest the time now, your new hire can’t grow into a productive member of your organization. Here are 5 crucial ways to properly train your new employee.

1. Make it a team effort

Everyone has unique strengths and experience. Bringing in several managers and peers with valuable, diverse input will provide your new hire with a strong, broad foundation. Existing employees can also effectively communicate your organization’s values, vision and culture.

2. Incorporate different methods

People learn in different ways. By segmenting your training and employing a combination of computer-based and one-on-one approaches, you will give your new employee the best of both worlds. Provide explanations and demonstrations, but give your newbie ample opportunity to learn by doing. Don’t forget to make other resources available such as manuals, handbooks, marketing materials and old files that might help with acclimation.

3. Do a trial run

Go through the training program yourself. It may sound silly, but there is no better way to gauge how well the information comes through. This is the perfect opportunity to identify and fill any gaps, or polish up any points that need clarification.

4. Repeat

Don’t expect your new hire to grasp everything all at once. There is a lot of information to retain, and some is bound to fall through the cracks. Be prepared to re-visit your training sessions again (and again). Repetition creates familiarity, which is the key to absorption.

5. Be patient

Have patience. Be available when your new employee has questions. Frequently communicate both praise and criticism. The learning curve is frustrating, and mistakes will happen. Exhibiting patience and understanding will help your newbie quickly develop the trust and confidence he needs to thrive.

By skimping on onboard training, you’re setting your new hire up for failure. Devote plenty of time and resources early on, then sit back and watch your newbie succeed. Contact us today for more tips on how to select, train, and retain your very best employees.

About NextGen

NextGen is the brainchild of longtime telecom professionals with nearly 50 years of experience and millions of dollars in Telecom Recruiting Services. We focus on establishing long term relationships with our clients and candidates so we can recruit the best and the brightest in the telecom industry. This ‘quality over quantity’ approach is at the heart of everything we do and has resulted in successful job placements at Fortune 1000 firms worldwide.