Communication Professional Onboarding Checklist

Communication Professional Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Communication Professional 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 Marketing onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Communication Professional, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Communication Professional onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Communication Professional Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This helps the communication professional understand the organization’s core principles and align their work accordingly. Typically, this task is performed by the HR department or a designated company representative.

2. Familiarization with company structure and departments: This task involves introducing the communication professional to the various departments within the company, their functions, and how they collaborate. Understanding the organizational structure helps the professional navigate internal communication channels effectively. The HR department or a designated mentor usually performs this task.

3. Review of company policies and procedures: The communication professional needs to be familiar with the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to communication, data protection, and ethical guidelines. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated compliance officer.

4. Introduction to key stakeholders: The communication professional should be introduced to key stakeholders within the organization, such as senior management, department heads, and team leaders. This facilitates relationship-building and understanding of the communication dynamics within the company. The HR department or a designated supervisor usually performs this task.

5. Review of brand guidelines and communication materials: Understanding the company’s brand guidelines and communication materials is crucial for a communication professional. This task involves reviewing the brand guidelines, style guides, and existing communication materials to ensure consistency in messaging and visual identity. The marketing department or a designated brand manager typically performs this task.

6. Training on communication tools and software: The communication professional should receive training on the various communication tools and software used within the company, such as project management platforms, email systems, and collaboration tools. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated trainer.

7. Introduction to ongoing projects and campaigns: The communication professional should be briefed on the ongoing projects and campaigns within the company. This includes understanding the objectives, target audience, and key messages of each initiative. The marketing department or a designated project manager typically performs this task.

8. Review of past communication strategies and campaigns: It is essential for the communication professional to review past communication strategies and campaigns to gain insights into the company’s communication approach and identify areas for improvement. The marketing department or a designated supervisor typically performs this task.

9. Collaboration with cross-functional teams: The communication professional should be introduced to cross-functional teams they will collaborate with, such as design, content, and social media teams. This task involves understanding their roles, responsibilities, and how to effectively work together to achieve communication goals. The marketing department or a designated team leader typically performs this task.

10. Setting performance goals and expectations: The communication professional should have a clear understanding of their performance goals and expectations. This includes discussing key performance indicators, deadlines, and deliverables. The HR department or a designated supervisor typically performs this task.

11. Introduction to external stakeholders: The communication professional should be introduced to external stakeholders, such as clients, partners, and media contacts. This task involves understanding the existing relationships and communication channels with external parties. The marketing department or a designated account manager typically performs this task.

12. Continuous learning and professional development opportunities: The communication professional should be informed about the company’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development. This includes sharing resources, training programs, and industry events that can enhance their skills and knowledge. The HR department or a designated learning and development manager typically performs this task.

13. Performance evaluation and feedback mechanisms: The communication professional should be informed about the company’s performance evaluation and feedback mechanisms. This includes understanding how performance will be assessed, who will provide feedback, and the frequency of evaluations. The HR department or a designated supervisor typically performs this task.

14. Introduction to crisis communication protocols: The communication professional should be briefed on the company’s crisis communication protocols and procedures. This includes understanding the chain of command, communication channels, and roles during a crisis situation. The marketing department or a designated crisis management team typically performs this task.

15. Integration into the company’s communication strategy: The communication professional should be integrated into the company’s overall communication strategy. This involves understanding the strategic objectives, target audience, and key messages of the company’s communication efforts. The marketing department or a designated communication strategist typically performs this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Communication Professional checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Communication Professional up to speed and working well in your Marketing 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.