Publicist Onboarding Checklist

Publicist Onboarding Process

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

Publicist Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing the new publicist with an overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This helps them understand the company’s identity and align their work accordingly. The HR department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The new publicist needs to be acquainted with the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to communication, social media usage, client interactions, and confidentiality. The HR department or a designated company representative is responsible for providing this information.

3. Introduction to the team: The new publicist should be introduced to their immediate team members, including supervisors, colleagues, and support staff. This facilitates relationship-building and collaboration within the marketing department. The team lead or supervisor typically performs this task.

4. Overview of client portfolio: The new publicist should receive an overview of the company’s existing client portfolio, including key clients, ongoing projects, and any specific requirements or challenges associated with each client. This task is usually performed by the team lead or a senior publicist.

5. Training on company tools and software: The new publicist should receive training on the various tools and software used by the company for tasks such as media monitoring, press release distribution, social media management, and analytics. This training is typically conducted by the IT department or a designated trainer.

6. Review of past successful campaigns: The new publicist should be provided with case studies or examples of past successful marketing campaigns executed by the company. This helps them understand the company’s approach, strategies, and best practices. The team lead or a senior publicist usually performs this task.

7. Introduction to key media contacts: The new publicist should be introduced to key media contacts, such as journalists, editors, and influencers, who are important for building relationships and securing media coverage for clients. This task is typically performed by the team lead or a senior publicist.

8. Review of industry trends and news: The new publicist should be encouraged to stay updated on industry trends, news, and developments. This can be achieved through subscriptions to relevant newsletters, industry publications, and attending industry events. The team lead or a senior publicist can guide the new publicist in this regard.

9. Shadowing experienced publicists: The new publicist should have the opportunity to shadow experienced publicists to observe their day-to-day tasks, client interactions, and strategies. This provides valuable hands-on learning and helps the new publicist gain practical insights into the role. The team lead or a senior publicist can facilitate this task.

10. Goal-setting and performance expectations: The new publicist should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations, key performance indicators (KPIs), and goals. This helps them align their efforts and track their progress. The team lead or supervisor typically discusses this with the new publicist.

11. Introduction to internal communication channels: The new publicist should be familiarized with the company’s internal communication channels, such as email, project management software, and team collaboration tools. This ensures effective communication and coordination within the marketing department. The IT department or a designated trainer typically performs this task.

12. Introduction to external stakeholders: The new publicist should be introduced to external stakeholders, such as clients, partners, and vendors, who play a role in the company’s marketing activities. This helps establish relationships and facilitates smooth collaboration. The team lead or a senior publicist typically performs this task.

13. Review of crisis management protocols: The new publicist should be briefed on the company’s crisis management protocols, including how to handle negative publicity, manage client expectations during crises, and maintain brand reputation. The team lead or a senior publicist usually performs this task.

14. Performance feedback and evaluation: The new publicist should receive regular performance feedback and evaluations to track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and recognize their achievements. The team lead or supervisor typically conducts these evaluations.

15. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The new publicist should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, webinars, conferences, or certifications, that can enhance their skills and knowledge in the marketing industry. The HR department or a designated company representative typically provides this information

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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