Editorial Assistant Onboarding Checklist

Editorial Assistant Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Editorial Assistant 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 Editorial Assistant, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Editorial Assistant onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Editorial Assistant Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company culture and values: The HR department or a designated company representative should provide an overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This task helps the editorial assistant understand the company’s ethos and align their work accordingly.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The HR department should provide a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to communication, time off, dress code, and confidentiality. This task ensures that the editorial assistant understands and adheres to the company’s guidelines.

3. Introduction to team members: The editorial assistant should be introduced to their immediate team members, including supervisors, colleagues, and other relevant personnel. This task helps foster relationships and facilitates collaboration within the team.

4. Overview of job responsibilities: The supervisor or hiring manager should provide a detailed explanation of the editorial assistant’s job responsibilities, including tasks related to writing, editing, research, and administrative duties. This task ensures that the editorial assistant understands their role and expectations.

5. Training on company-specific software and tools: The IT department or designated trainers should provide training on any company-specific software, tools, or systems used for writing, editing, project management, or communication. This task equips the editorial assistant with the necessary skills to perform their job efficiently.

6. Introduction to company style guide: The editorial assistant should be provided with the company’s style guide, which outlines the preferred writing style, grammar rules, formatting guidelines, and any specific industry conventions. This task ensures consistency in the company’s written content.

7. Familiarization with company publications: The editorial assistant should be given access to previous company publications, such as magazines, articles, or blog posts, to familiarize themselves with the company’s writing style and tone. This task helps the editorial assistant align their writing with the company’s brand voice.

8. Introduction to editorial calendar and deadlines: The supervisor or a designated team member should explain the company’s editorial calendar, including upcoming deadlines, content themes, and publication schedules. This task helps the editorial assistant plan their work and meet deadlines effectively.

9. Shadowing senior editorial staff: The editorial assistant should have the opportunity to shadow senior editorial staff members to observe their work processes, learn from their expertise, and gain insights into the industry. This task provides valuable mentorship and professional development opportunities.

10. Introduction to company resources and references: The editorial assistant should be provided with a list of company resources, such as reference materials, databases, industry publications, and online tools, that can aid them in their writing and research tasks. This task equips the editorial assistant with the necessary tools to excel in their role.

11. Review of company’s target audience and readership: The supervisor or marketing department should provide an overview of the company’s target audience, readership demographics, and content preferences. This task helps the editorial assistant tailor their writing to effectively engage the intended audience.

12. Introduction to company’s feedback and review process: The supervisor or designated team member should explain the company’s feedback and review process, including how performance evaluations are conducted and how feedback is provided. This task ensures that the editorial assistant understands how their work will be assessed and how they can seek improvement.

13. Introduction to company’s content management system: If applicable, the IT department or designated trainers should provide training on the company’s content management system, including how to upload, edit, and publish content. This task enables the editorial assistant to manage and update the company’s online content effectively.

14. Introduction to company’s social media strategy: The marketing department or designated team member should provide an overview of the company’s social media strategy, including platforms used, content creation guidelines, and engagement tactics. This task helps the editorial assistant understand how their writing may be utilized for social media promotion.

15. Introduction to company’s brand guidelines: The marketing department or designated team member should provide an overview of the company’s brand guidelines, including visual identity, tone of voice, and key messaging. This task ensures that the editorial assistant understands how their writing contributes to the overall brand image.

16. Introduction to company’s industry partners and contacts: The supervisor or designated team member should introduce the editorial assistant to relevant industry partners, contacts, or external contributors. This task helps the editorial assistant build professional relationships and expand their network within the industry.

17. Review of company’s past and ongoing projects: The supervisor or designated team member should provide an overview of the company’s past and ongoing projects, including any notable achievements or challenges. This task helps the editorial assistant understand the company’s current priorities and ongoing initiatives.

18. Introduction to company’s performance metrics and goals: The supervisor or HR department should explain the company’s performance metrics and goals, including key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the editorial assistant’s role. This task helps the editorial assistant understand how their work contributes to the company’s overall success.

19. Introduction to company’s professional development opportunities: The HR department or designated team member should provide information on the company’s professional development opportunities, such as workshops, training programs, or conferences. This task encourages the editorial assistant to pursue continuous learning and growth within the company.

20. Review of company’s ethical guidelines and standards: The supervisor or HR department should provide an overview of the company’s ethical guidelines and standards, including plagiarism policies, conflict of interest guidelines, and journalistic integrity principles. This task ensures that the editorial assistant understands and upholds the company’s ethical standards in their work

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Editorial Assistant checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Editorial Assistant 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.