What your first day reveals about your hiring approach today

Think back to your very first day at work. Not your first day at your current employer, but your actual first day in the office. Do you remember the excitement during the commute? The nervousness, whether you were too early or cutting it too close? The hunt for the bathrooms, the printer, or the kitchen? Perhaps you were greeted with a warm welcome, a cup of coffee, a card, and a mentor. Or maybe you found yourself sitting alone at a desk, with no laptop, no plan, and no one to show you the ropes.

That first-day experience is likely still etched in your memory, and that’s no accident. Your first day represents a pivotal moment. It’s when everything feels new, vulnerable, and, as a newcomer, you’re at the mercy of the organisation. Swiss recruitment specialists Robert Walters reflect on why this personal experience holds valuable insight into your current onboarding process and share tips for turning every first day into a success story.

A moment of self-reflection for hiring managers

The way you welcome a new colleague today will directly impact their success in the first few weeks, influencing the speed of onboarding, motivation, and long-term commitment. Yet, the significance of a strong onboarding process is still underestimated in many companies. Once the contract is signed, the assumption is that ‘everything will fall into place.’ But this is exactly where the risk lies.

The first working day is when the promises made during the application process must be realized. If that day is chaotic, impersonal, or lacking in warmth, doubts can creep in. Conversely, it’s the perfect opportunity to inspire enthusiasm, foster connection, and set a positive tone from the outset.

What you felt, others feel too

When you reflect on your own first day, you may realize just how vulnerable a new colleague can feel. You don't know the systems, the unwritten rules are still unclear, and it often feels like everyone already knows their place. What helped you during this time - or what was missing - can provide valuable insights for shaping your own onboarding process today.

It’s not just about a practical checklist. It’s about the tone, warmth, and welcome that new hires receive. Are they truly seen and welcomed? Is there time set aside to have lunch together or a pre-arrival phone call? Or is there an immediate push for productivity without considering their personal introduction to the team and company culture?

Employer branding begins at the welcome desk

Organisations often invest heavily in employer branding campaigns and ensure a smooth recruitment process, yet they overlook the fact that the real candidate experience begins on the first day of work.

This is when applicants transition into employees, and their experience plays a key role in how they talk about the organization—both internally and externally. A strong, welcoming first day creates a sense of connection, trust, and a faster feeling of ‘this is where I belong.’

Four questions to consider:

If you’re a hiring manager or part of an HR team looking to elevate the candidate experience in your organisation, start with these reflective questions:

• How did my first working day feel? What went well, and what was lacking?
• What would new colleagues say about their first day with us?
• Do new employees have one clear point of contact or mentor?
• How personal is our onboarding process really?
   

Small gestures, big impact

A flower on the desk. A welcome card from the team. A clear schedule for the first week. Or lunch with the manager and/or team on the first day. It's often the little things that make all the difference.

Want to know more?

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