Columnist Onboarding Checklist

Columnist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Columnist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Writing onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Columnist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Columnist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Columnist Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The columnist should be introduced to the company’s mission, values, and culture. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist who provides an overview of the company’s background, goals, and expectations.

2. Familiarization with the writing style and guidelines: The columnist needs to understand the specific writing style, tone, and guidelines followed by the company. This task is usually performed by the editor or senior writers who provide examples, templates, and resources to help the columnist align their writing with the company’s standards.

3. Access to necessary tools and software: The columnist should be provided with access to the tools and software required for their writing tasks. This includes word processing software, content management systems, and any other platforms used for research or collaboration. The IT department or designated personnel typically handle this task.

4. Introduction to the editorial team: The columnist should be introduced to the editorial team, including editors, proofreaders, and other writers. This allows them to establish relationships, understand the workflow, and seek guidance when needed. The editor or team lead usually facilitates this introduction.

5. Review of previous work and portfolio: The columnist should share their previous work and portfolio with the company to showcase their writing abilities and expertise. This task is performed by the columnist, who may be required to submit samples or provide links to their published articles.

6. Understanding the target audience: The columnist needs to have a clear understanding of the target audience for their writing. This includes demographics, interests, and preferences. The marketing or research department may provide insights and data to help the columnist grasp the audience’s needs.

7. Familiarization with company policies and guidelines: The columnist should be familiarized with the company’s policies, such as confidentiality, plagiarism, and ethical guidelines. This ensures that their work aligns with the company’s values and legal requirements. The HR department or a designated compliance officer typically handles this task.

8. Training on SEO and keyword optimization: The columnist should receive training on search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and keyword optimization to enhance the visibility and reach of their articles. This training is usually provided by the SEO team or digital marketing specialists.

9. Introduction to the content calendar and deadlines: The columnist should be introduced to the content calendar, which outlines the publishing schedule and deadlines for their articles. This allows them to plan their work and meet the company’s expectations. The editor or content manager typically provides this information.

10. Collaboration with other departments: The columnist may need to collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, design, or social media, to align their writing with broader company initiatives. This collaboration can involve brainstorming sessions, feedback loops, or joint projects. The respective department heads or project managers facilitate this collaboration.

11. Performance evaluation and feedback process: The columnist should be informed about the company’s performance evaluation and feedback process. This includes understanding how their work will be assessed, who will provide feedback, and how often performance reviews will occur. The HR department or the columnist’s direct supervisor typically handles this task.

12. Introduction to company resources and research tools: The columnist should be introduced to any company-specific resources, research tools, or databases that can aid their writing process. This may include access to industry reports, subscription-based platforms, or internal knowledge repositories. The research or knowledge management team typically provides this introduction.

13. Understanding the company’s brand voice and messaging: The columnist should have a clear understanding of the company’s brand voice and messaging to ensure consistency in their writing. This includes understanding the company’s core values, brand personality, and key messaging points. The marketing or brand management team typically provides this information.

14. Introduction to the company’s social media presence: The columnist should be introduced to the company’s social media presence and guidelines for promoting their articles or engaging with the audience on social platforms. This task is typically performed by the social media or marketing team.

15. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The columnist should be informed about any ongoing professional development opportunities, such as writing workshops, conferences, or webinars, that can enhance their skills and knowledge. The HR department or the columnist’s direct supervisor typically provides this information and facilitates access to such opportunities.

By completing these onboarding tasks, a columnist can effectively integrate into a new company, understand its expectations, and align their writing with the company’s goals and values

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Columnist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Columnist up to speed and working well in your Writing team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.