CADDManager on May 7th, 2008

We have been going through a hiring spurt at my firm and with that comes the inevitable orientation process for the new person.  This includes not only showing them where the restroom, coffee bar and lunch room are located, but also getting them started down the path of “fitting in”.

From the CAD perspective this would include the following (in no particular order):

Make them comfortable – This may be the key to all other issues in this topic.  You need to make them feel comfortable in sharing information.  If they feel intimidated, they will clam up and not ask for help, not share their questions or not check with you on issues.  This means that they will just do what they want or feel they “need” to do to get the job out the door.  They will most likely fall back into old habits from prior company standards.  The trouble is that it may not work in this new environment.

Give them a copy of the CAD Standards – and don’t just give it to them.  Explain it.  Have them read it and ask questions.  Emphasize that they will be required to comply with it.  They need to know what is in there and how it impacts their workflow.

Talk to them about their previous Standards – Do they have a copy that you can review?  You would then be able to read what others have done and pick up the good ideas.  You will also be able to know the “bad” ideas that you want this new person to not be doing on your files.  If they don’t have hard copy, then just chat with them a while to see what you might pick up.

Finding out what they know –  Where were they before they hired on?   This has more impact on their CAD habits than training, book learning and coaching.  They have picked up and will continue to try to use old habits from another CAD environment.  You need to find out how much experience in CAD they have.  It goes beyond what they may have printed in their resume or what they may have told the hiring manager.  You need to real life level of their CAD expertise.  Once you have some idea of their CAD knowledge you can adjust your dedication to training them in the “new” way of doing things at your firm.

more to come…

One Response to “New Hire Orientation – Part 1”

  1. I have a CAD induction meeting, which i guess is pretty much what you are suggesting/do now.. it’s a great time for them to meet you face 2 face and hear from the horses mouth what you are doing for the company.
    I also have a check list of items that they need to be aware of. It’s also a time for me to find out what they think, why did they leave their last empolyment, plus if they have any suggestions on any future CAD development projects that could benefit the company.

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