In this article, we’ll look at the best practices for onboarding your new Voice Writing Reporter. We’ll look at the employee onboarding process/steps you can add to your own reusable Voice Writing Reporter checklist.
Need help with onboarding new Journalism team members? See the templates and resources we recommend for successful onboarding experiences.
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Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Voice Writing 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 Voice Writing Reporter, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Voice Writing Reporter onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing the Voice Writing Reporter with an overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This helps the reporter understand the organization’s ethos and align their work accordingly. The Human Resources department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.
2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The Voice Writing Reporter needs to be acquainted with the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to reporting, ethics, and confidentiality. This task ensures that the reporter adheres to the organization’s guidelines and maintains professional standards. The Human Resources department or a designated company representative is responsible for providing this information.
3. Introduction to the newsroom structure and workflow: The Voice Writing Reporter should be introduced to the newsroom’s structure, including the roles and responsibilities of various team members. Understanding the workflow helps the reporter collaborate effectively with editors, journalists, and other stakeholders. The Newsroom Manager or a designated supervisor typically performs this task.
4. Training on voice writing technology and software: As a Voice Writing Reporter, it is crucial to receive training on the voice writing technology and software used by the company. This task ensures that the reporter can efficiently transcribe and edit audio recordings into written content. The company’s IT department or a designated trainer typically provides this training.
5. Introduction to journalistic standards and best practices: The Voice Writing Reporter should receive training on journalistic standards, including accuracy, fact-checking, source verification, and unbiased reporting. This task ensures that the reporter upholds the highest standards of journalism in their work. The Newsroom Manager or a designated senior journalist typically performs this task.
6. Shadowing experienced reporters: To gain practical insights into the role, the Voice Writing Reporter should have the opportunity to shadow experienced reporters. This task allows the reporter to observe and learn from seasoned professionals, understand their reporting techniques, and familiarize themselves with the industry’s best practices. The Newsroom Manager or a designated mentor typically arranges these shadowing opportunities.
7. Introduction to key contacts and stakeholders: The Voice Writing Reporter should be introduced to key contacts and stakeholders within the organization, such as editors, journalists, photographers, and graphic designers. This task helps the reporter build relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues across different departments. The Newsroom Manager or a designated supervisor typically facilitates these introductions.
8. Review of previous news stories and publications: The Voice Writing Reporter should review previous news stories and publications produced by the company. This task allows the reporter to understand the organization’s style, tone, and content preferences, ensuring consistency in their work. The Newsroom Manager or a designated senior journalist typically provides access to these materials.
9. Introduction to legal and ethical considerations: The Voice Writing Reporter should receive training on legal and ethical considerations specific to journalism, such as libel, privacy, copyright, and plagiarism. This task ensures that the reporter understands the potential legal risks and ethical responsibilities associated with their role. The Newsroom Manager or a designated legal expert typically provides this training.
10. Setting performance goals and expectations: The Voice Writing Reporter should have a discussion with their supervisor to set performance goals and expectations. This task helps align the reporter’s objectives with the company’s overall goals and ensures clarity on performance evaluation criteria. The Newsroom Manager or a designated supervisor typically conducts this discussion.
11. Introduction to company resources and tools: The Voice Writing Reporter should be introduced to the various resources and tools available within the company, such as research databases, archives, content management systems, and collaboration platforms. This task ensures that the reporter can access and utilize these resources effectively to enhance their reporting. The IT department or a designated trainer typically provides this introduction.
12. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The Voice Writing Reporter should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and training programs. This task encourages the reporter to continuously enhance their skills and stay updated with industry trends. The Human Resources department or a designated professional development coordinator typically communicates these opportunities.
13. Introduction to safety protocols and emergency procedures: The Voice Writing Reporter should receive training on safety protocols and emergency procedures, especially if they are required to cover events or situations that may pose risks. This task ensures the reporter’s safety and preparedness in potentially hazardous situations. The Human Resources department or a designated safety officer typically provides this training.
14. Introduction to the company’s audience and target market: The Voice Writing Reporter should be introduced to the company’s audience and target market. This task helps the reporter understand the readership or viewership demographics, preferences, and interests, enabling them to tailor their reporting to the target audience effectively. The Marketing department or a designated audience research team typically provides this information.
15. Introduction to social media guidelines and practices: The Voice Writing Reporter should receive training on the company’s social media guidelines and practices. This task ensures that the reporter understands how to use social media platforms professionally, engage with the audience, and promote their work effectively. The Marketing department or a designated social media manager typically provides this training.
16. Introduction to data journalism and visualization tools: The Voice Writing Reporter should receive training on data journalism and visualization tools if the company incorporates these practices. This task equips the reporter with the skills to analyze and present data effectively, enhancing their reporting capabilities. The Newsroom Manager or a designated data journalism expert typically provides this training.
17. Introduction to the company’s editorial calendar and deadlines: The Voice Writing Reporter should be familiarized with the company’s editorial calendar and deadlines. This task ensures that the reporter understands the publication schedule and can meet the required deadlines for their assignments. The Newsroom Manager or a designated editor typically provides this information.
18. Introduction to the company’s feedback and performance evaluation process: The Voice Writing Reporter should be informed about the company’s feedback and performance evaluation process. This task ensures that the reporter understands how their work will be assessed and provides an opportunity for ongoing improvement. The Newsroom Manager or a designated supervisor typically explains this process.
19. Introduction to the company’s code of conduct and professional ethics: The Voice Writing Reporter should be provided with the company’s code of conduct and professional ethics guidelines. This task ensures that the reporter understands the expected behavior, integrity, and professionalism required in their role. The Human Resources department or a designated company representative typically provides this information.
20. Introduction to the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives: The Voice Writing Reporter should be introduced to the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. This task helps the reporter understand the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages them to contribute to a respectful and inclusive work environment. The Human Resources department or a designated diversity and inclusion coordinator typically provides this information
From reading through the items in the example Voice Writing Reporter checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Voice Writing 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.
