The Most Neglected Step in Recruitment (And How To Nail It)

You’ve found the perfect candidate. You’ve made the offer. They’ve accepted. Brilliant job done, right? 

 

Not quite. 

 

There’s a dangerous no-man’s-land between offer acceptance and the start date. And it’s a period most companies do absolutely nothing with. That time is a golden opportunity. You can start building loyalty, excitement, and team bonds, or you can leave them wondering if they made the right decision. 

 

Right now, skilled people are in high demand. Candidates often find themselves juggling multiple offers or facing tempting counteroffers from their current employer. Some even get approached by other companies during their notice period. Until your new hire walks through your door on day one, they are still “in play”. 

 

Pre-onboarding isn’t a buzzword. It’s a practical, often overlooked step that can make or break your new hire’s success. Get it right, and you won’t just secure your new hire. You’ll also start building a strong, loyal relationship that pays off in long-term staff retention. Culture starts before the first day. The more you show you care, the more likely they will feel part of something worth sticking with. 

 

Here’s how to do it well. 

 

Basic Pre-Onboarding Ideas 

If you do nothing else, do these: 

 

 

Resignation Support Pack 
Make their life easier. Provide a simple guide on how to resign professionally, including a checklist and advice on handling counteroffers. 

First Week Preview 
Give them a quick outline of what their first few days will look like. Knowing what to expect helps settle first-day nerves. 

Welcome Email from the Manager 
A personal note congratulating them and telling them how much the team is looking forward to meeting them. 

LinkedIn Connection 
Encourage their new teammates to connect on LinkedIn. It breaks the ice and builds early rapport. 

 

Good Pre-Onboarding Ideas 

Stand out from the crowd: 

Branded Welcome Pack 
Send a small company gift. It doesn’t have to be flashy. A well-thought-out item with a handwritten note works wonders. 

Meet the Team Introductions 
Share a fun document or video introducing the team with short bios and a few quirky facts. It humanises the company. 

Buddy System 
Assign a buddy who drops them a welcome email and is available for any pre-start questions. 

Optional Pre-Reads or Training 
Offer optional reading material or videos they can dip into. Stress that it’s entirely voluntary. 

Invitation to Informal Events 
If there’s a social event or team lunch, extend an invitation. Nothing says “you’re part of the team” like being included early. 

 

Great (Next-Level) Pre-Onboarding Ideas 

The wow factor: 

 

Personal Welcome Video 
A short video from the manager or the team saying “welcome” makes a huge emotional impact. 

Personalised ‘Get to Know You’ Survey 
Send a quick survey asking fun, informal questions. Favourite food? Favourite weekend activity? Dream holiday? It shows you see them as a person, not just a position. 

Tailored First Week Plan 
Create a first-week schedule customised to their role and experience. Even small personal touches go a long way. 

Welcome to the Future Box 
A themed box that hints at the journey ahead. Keep it fun, imaginative, and on-brand. 

Check-In Calls from Key Leaders 
A quick call from a senior leader saying, “We’re excited you’re joining us”. Few things will make a new hire feel more valued. 

 

Why Bother With Pre-Onboarding? 

 

People are most emotionally invested immediately after they accept an offer. That’s when you have the greatest chance to build a lasting bond. Leave them hanging, and you risk second thoughts, counteroffers, or even losing them to another company. 

 

In a market where great candidates are in high demand and short supply, doing nothing is a dangerous game. 

 

Use the time well, and you’ll create a loyal, motivated employee before they’ve even walked through the door. You’ll also start building a culture where people feel valued from day one and where they want to stay for the long haul. 

 

Pre-onboarding is your chance to turn a new hire into a proud ambassador. Make it count.