Unlocking Effective Onboarding for Digital Marketing Talent with NOVOS

Introducing NOVOS

NOVOS is on a mission to redefine the world of eCommerce SEO. Olivia, the Operations Director at NOVOS, shares her expertise throughout this article, “We have worked hard to create a positive recruitment and onboarding experience for all – we’ve taken our learnings from previous jobs to ensure that we set an excellent standard.”

Why effective onboarding matters

In the fast-paced digital marketing landscape, efficient onboarding is paramount. Olivia emphasises, “Everyone wants to hit the ground running when they start a new job. Efficient and effective onboarding is crucial to give you the best opportunity to do so. New jobs are daunting and there are so many factors you must take in quickly.”

Effective onboarding lays the foundation for new hires to thrive by rapidly immersing them in company culture, responsibilities, and team dynamics. Additionally, it bridges skill gaps, ensuring that team members are well-equipped for their roles.

Elements of effective onboarding at NOVOS

At NOVOS, they adopt a structured approach to onboarding, highlighting a 1-30-60-90 day plan that aligns with probation periods – a structure for day 1, week 1 and also months 1, 2, and 3. Olivia explains, “We have a clear onboarding process in our task management system which outlines who is responsible for what during the onboarding process.”

This structured approach encompasses a comprehensive introduction to the company, familiarisation with NOVOS’s mission, vision, and values, as well as the establishment of personalised KPIs for the employee’s first three months, aligning with their identified areas of development.

Balancing structure with adaptability

Balancing structured onboarding with the dynamic nature of digital marketing requires careful planning. Olivia says, “We prioritise allocating time for onboarding, mentorship, and shadowing to provide essential support.”

In the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape, shadowing plays a pivotal role in any onboarding process. It offers new team members the opportunity to gain practical insights into the dynamic aspects of the industry. By closely observing and learning from experienced colleagues, recruits not only grasp the nuances of the latest learnings within the digital marketing and SEO realm but also swiftly integrate into a team’s collaborative workflow.

Allocating time for effective onboarding and a thorough introduction pays off in the long run, as it empowers individuals to eventually work independently, armed with all the information required to excel in their roles.

Addressing common challenges

Onboarding, particularly in the contemporary context, presents its fair share of challenges. The remote working landscape, a reality accentuated by the global pandemic, has transformed the onboarding process into a virtual experience for many. This shift can sometimes hinder the establishment of personal connections and the quick immersion into the company’s culture. Olivia notes “Our recruitment is entirely virtual now, so the first opportunity people get to meet their managers face to face is their first day if they choose it. Some people decide to onboard virtually, and we must adapt the onboarding process as so.”

Additionally, adapting to the rapidly evolving digital marketing sector can be overwhelming for newcomers, as they are required to absorb a multitude of information swiftly.

Leveraging technology

Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the onboarding process. Olivia explains, “We rely on tools such as ClickUp for task management, BreatheHR for HR processes, and Assembly for fostering team connections. Cybersecurity training during the first week equips our team to handle IT security.”
 

Tips for improving your onboarding experience:

• Map out your team member onboarding process comprehensively.
• Automate tasks using management tools.
• Ask for feedback from new hires.
• Gather essential information during interviews.
• Onboarding isn’t just a one-person job; it takes a community to feel at home. Foster a collaborative onboarding experience.
• Food is always the way to people’s hearts. Take recruits for a meal to build connections. Company culture is key.
• Recognise that onboarding can be overwhelming and pace the learning process accordingly.  It’s a marathon, not a sprint!

The recruitment process that precedes onboarding holds equal significance in achieving a successful match. A trusted recruitment partner is essential in identifying talent that seamlessly aligns with your companies’ values and culture. As an ex digital marketer of 12 years,“James from Withfrontier knows exactly the kind of people that suit NOVOS and that NOVOS will compliment too” Olivia states.

In the dynamic digital marketing realm, effective onboarding serves as the launchpad for success. NOVOS has showcased that a well-structured onboarding process, tailored to individual roles and supported by technology, empowers digital marketing talent. By investing in onboarding, agencies and companies can nurture talent and drive remarkable outcomes in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

For assistance in sourcing and onboarding the ideal talent for your company, Withfrontier is ready to assist you. Reach out today if you’re ready to start your meaningful recruitment journey.