Desktop Publishing Specialist Onboarding Checklist

Desktop Publishing Specialist Onboarding Process

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

Desktop Publishing Specialist Onboarding Checklist

1. Equipment setup: The task involves setting up the necessary equipment for the desktop publishing specialist, such as a computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and any additional hardware or software required for their role. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated technical support person within the company.

2. Software installation and configuration: The desktop publishing specialist needs specific software to perform their job effectively. This task involves installing and configuring software applications like Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, or any other tools required for graphic design, layout, and publishing. The IT department or a designated software administrator typically handles this task.

3. Access and permissions setup: To perform their duties, the desktop publishing specialist may require access to various systems, databases, or shared folders. This task involves granting the necessary access rights and permissions to the specialist, ensuring they can retrieve and save files, collaborate with team members, and access relevant resources. The IT department or a system administrator typically handles this task.

4. Introduction to company policies and procedures: It is crucial for the desktop publishing specialist to understand the company’s policies and procedures to ensure compliance and smooth workflow. This task involves providing an overview of the company’s policies, including data security, intellectual property, file management, communication protocols, and any other relevant guidelines. The HR department or a designated representative typically handles this task.

5. Familiarization with company branding guidelines: As a desktop publishing specialist, maintaining consistent branding across all materials is essential. This task involves introducing the specialist to the company’s branding guidelines, including logo usage, color schemes, typography, and other design elements. The marketing or creative department typically handles this task.

6. Introduction to project management tools: To effectively manage their workload and collaborate with team members, the desktop publishing specialist may need to use project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Basecamp. This task involves providing an overview of the company’s preferred project management tools, explaining how to create and track tasks, assign deadlines, and communicate within the platform. The project management team or a designated representative typically handles this task.

7. Training on design software and tools: The desktop publishing specialist must be proficient in using design software and tools specific to their role. This task involves providing training sessions or resources to enhance their skills in software like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, or other relevant applications. The creative department or a designated trainer typically handles this task.

8. Introduction to company’s design style and aesthetic: Each company may have its unique design style and aesthetic preferences. This task involves familiarizing the desktop publishing specialist with the company’s design style, including preferred layouts, color palettes, font choices, and any other design guidelines specific to the company’s brand. The creative department or a designated representative typically handles this task.

9. Collaboration with other departments: The desktop publishing specialist often collaborates with various departments, such as marketing, sales, or product development. This task involves introducing the specialist to key stakeholders in different departments, explaining their roles and responsibilities, and establishing effective communication channels. The department heads or project managers typically handle this task.

10. Reviewing past projects and templates: To gain a better understanding of the company’s design standards and previous work, the desktop publishing specialist should review past projects and templates. This task involves providing access to a repository of previous designs, templates, and completed projects, allowing the specialist to familiarize themselves with the company’s design history and expectations. The creative department or a designated representative typically handles this task.

11. Shadowing experienced team members: Shadowing experienced team members can provide valuable insights into the company’s workflow, best practices, and client expectations. This task involves pairing the desktop publishing specialist with a senior team member or mentor who can guide them through their initial projects, answer questions, and provide feedback. The creative department or a designated mentor typically handles this task.

12. Introduction to company culture and values: Understanding the company’s culture and values is crucial for the desktop publishing specialist to align their work with the company’s overall mission. This task involves providing an overview of the company’s culture, values, and work environment, including any specific initiatives or events that promote teamwork and employee engagement. The HR department or a designated representative typically handles this task.

13. Performance expectations and goal setting: To ensure the desktop publishing specialist understands their performance expectations and goals, this task involves setting clear objectives and discussing key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to their role. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or manager responsible for overseeing the specialist’s work.

14. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities: The field of desktop publishing is constantly evolving, and it is essential for the specialist to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques. This task involves providing information about ongoing training programs, workshops, conferences, or online resources that can help the specialist enhance their skills and knowledge. The HR department or a designated representative typically handles this task.

15. Introduction to company communication channels: Effective communication is vital for the desktop publishing specialist to collaborate with team members, share updates, and seek clarification. This task involves introducing the specialist to the company’s communication channels, such as email, instant messaging platforms, project management tools, or any other internal communication systems. The IT department or a designated representative typically handles this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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