Induction Reflections: From Nerves to Navigators

When it comes to inductions, I’ve been around the block a few times. Training recruiters is practically muscle memory at this point. But this week? This week was different.

On Monday, we rolled out the red carpet (well, more like a conference room carpet) at the Hilton on Deansgate for the induction of our two newest team members. These are the first team members since I launched Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions 11 months ago! First-day jitters? Not as much as I thought I would (or Lee thought I would for that matter). However I was very excited to have the team expand and they both felt naturally the right fit. Recruitment is a process that can be taught however work ethic that’s something you have, or don’t. But let’s just say by the time we were sipping our third round of coffee, any lingering nerves were long gone, and the caffeine jitters had well and truly taken over! (no joke by 3pm I had to drink water as I was clearly over caffeinated and far too giddy)

The Lee Icebreaker

We kicked things off with the Icebreaker. Now, I’m no stranger to a good chat, but my husband and fellow director, Lee, absolutely stole the show with his icebreaker game. Suddenly, we were laughing, sharing stories, and proving once and for all that recruiters have the best banter. (and I don’t mean where you insult each other and call it Banter, let’s be honest I’ve done that in the past and sorrily regret to all former colleagues that had to witness or experience that)

The Consultant’s Journey: More Than Just a Roadmap

Next up was the Consultant’s Journey. Think of it as a satnav, but instead of taking you to the nearest McDonald’s (love a maccies), it’s guiding you to your first deal. From understanding our company values to knowing how to offer best-in-class candidate service, we laid the foundation.

And the questions! I’m not ashamed to say I love a good question. The curiosity, the eagerness to learn, the desire to really understand our objectives – that’s the energy I live for. Both of them weren’t afraid to challenge ideas and dig deeper. Trust me, that’s recruiter gold.

Candidate Service with a Side of GDPR (Hold the Snooze)

Now, we all know GDPR can sound about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But when you link it to the actual service we provide? Suddenly, it’s not just about ticking compliance boxes; it’s about integrity. Understanding how to respect candidate data while delivering exceptional service is key, and they both got that straight away.

IT Setup: Phones, Apps, and CRM – Oh My!

Laptops? Check. iPhones? Check. Knowing which button does what? Well, that took a moment. But thanks to our (painstakingly prepared) training guides, we had step-by-step support for every tech-related hiccup. The guides turned out to be the unsung heroes of the day, providing clear instructions and sparing us from any unnecessary tech meltdowns.

The Hilton Effect: Because Good Coffee Matters

Let’s talk about the venue. The Hilton on Deansgate nailed it. Comfortable break-out spaces, spot-on catering, and, crucially, enough coffee to fuel an army of recruiters. And yes, I may have gone a bit overboard on the caffeine – lesson learned (however I am sure I will do again). But those little luxuries made a big difference, creating a relaxed environment where we could genuinely get to know each other.

Reflection Time: What I’ve Learned

If I’ve taken anything away from this induction, it’s that preparation pays off. Having structured training guides and a clear agenda made all the difference. But, equally, it’s the people that make it. The fact that both new starters came in with open minds, asked brilliant questions, and soaked up knowledge like sponges? That’s the magic.

Of course, there are areas to improve. No induction is perfect. But watching their confidence grow throughout the week was a clear win. They’re already performing beyond expectations, and I’m beyond proud.

David Did It! Top Tips for Induction Success

Thinking of revamping your own induction process? Here’s what worked for us:

1. Location Matters: Choose a venue that offers comfort and practicality. Bonus points if the coffee is good.
2. Create a Journey: Frame your training as a step-by-step guide. Clarity beats chaos.
3. Encourage Curiosity: Make it clear that no question is too small. Questions are how people learn!
4. Mix It Up: Combine learning with laughter. Icebreakers aren’t just for cringe team-building days — they work!
5. Reflect and Improve: After each induction, gather feedback and refine. It’s all part of the journey.

So here we are, week one in the bag, and it’s already shaping up to be a cracking journey for our new recruits. Watch this space!

Until next time,

David Did It!