Investigative Reporter Onboarding Checklist

Investigative Reporter Onboarding Process

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

Investigative Reporter Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company, its mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: Investigative reporters need to understand the company’s policies and procedures, including ethical guidelines, code of conduct, and journalistic standards. This task is usually performed by the HR department or a senior editor.

3. Introduction to the newsroom: Investigative reporters should be introduced to the newsroom environment, including the layout, key personnel, and workflow. This task is typically performed by a senior editor or a designated mentor.

4. Access to necessary tools and resources: Investigative reporters require access to various tools and resources, such as research databases, news archives, and specialized software. The IT department is responsible for providing the necessary access and training.

5. Training on investigative reporting techniques: Investigative reporters should receive training on various investigative reporting techniques, including data analysis, source verification, and interviewing skills. This training is typically conducted by experienced investigative journalists or senior editors.

6. Introduction to key contacts and sources: Investigative reporters should be introduced to key contacts within the industry, potential sources, and experts who can provide valuable insights. This task is usually performed by a senior editor or an experienced investigative reporter.

7. Shadowing experienced reporters: New investigative reporters can benefit from shadowing experienced reporters to learn about their investigative processes, source cultivation, and story development. This task is typically arranged by a senior editor or a designated mentor.

8. Review of past investigative reports: It is essential for new investigative reporters to review past investigative reports published by the company to understand the quality, style, and impact of previous work. This task can be assigned by a senior editor or a designated mentor.

9. Introduction to legal and ethical considerations: Investigative reporters need to be aware of legal and ethical considerations specific to journalism, such as libel laws, privacy rights, and conflicts of interest. This task is typically performed by the legal department or a senior editor.

10. Collaboration with other departments: Investigative reporters often collaborate with other departments, such as graphics, multimedia, or data analysis teams. Introducing new reporters to these departments and fostering collaboration is crucial. This task can be coordinated by a senior editor or a designated mentor.

11. Introduction to editorial guidelines and deadlines: Investigative reporters should be familiarized with the company’s editorial guidelines, including style guides, formatting requirements, and deadlines. This task is typically performed by a senior editor or the managing editor.

12. Introduction to the company’s audience: Investigative reporters should have a clear understanding of the company’s target audience, their interests, and the type of stories that resonate with them. This task can be facilitated by the marketing or audience development team.

13. Introduction to the company’s technology platforms: Investigative reporters should receive training on the company’s content management system, publishing platforms, and social media tools to effectively disseminate their work. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated trainer.

14. Introduction to safety protocols: Investigative reporters often work on sensitive or dangerous assignments. Therefore, they should be briefed on safety protocols, risk assessment, and emergency procedures. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated safety officer.

15. Performance evaluation and feedback mechanisms: Establishing clear performance evaluation criteria and feedback mechanisms is crucial for the growth and development of investigative reporters. This task is typically coordinated by the HR department in collaboration with senior editors or supervisors

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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