Recruiting the right people is just the start. The real magic happens when you bring them on board in a way that makes them feel truly connected to the mission. That’s exactly what Matt Craven, Director of Talent Acquisition at City of Hope, talked about in a recent episode of the ‘All Onboard’ podcast. Matt isn’t just about filling positions—he’s about building lasting relationships, from the moment a candidate accepts the offer to their first day and beyond. If you’re curious about how to make onboarding more than just a formality, Matt’s insights are a must-hear.

The Role of Talent Acquisition in Healthcare

At City of Hope, a renowned cancer research and treatment organization, the talent acquisition team plays a crucial role in bringing in the right people who align with the organization’s mission. As Matt explains, talent acquisition professionals are the true brand ambassadors of an organization. They are often the first point of contact for potential employees and are responsible for shaping the candidate’s experience from the initial interview through to onboarding.

Matt emphasizes that the process doesn’t end once an offer is accepted. In fact, he views the time between offer acceptance and the first day on the job—often referred to as “no man’s land”—as a critical phase that requires careful management. By maintaining regular communication and ensuring that candidates feel welcomed and informed, City of Hope reduces anxiety and keeps new hires excited about joining the organization.

From Pre-boarding to Day One: Making Onboarding Matter

One of the key themes in Matt’s discussion is the importance of effective onboarding. City of Hope has developed a comprehensive onboarding program that goes beyond the basics to ensure that new employees feel connected to the organization’s mission, vision, and values from day one.

Matt shares that the onboarding process at City of Hope is designed to be engaging and informative. On the first day, new hires participate in a full day of virtual orientation, where they learn about the organization’s goals and hear inspiring stories from various members of the team. This approach helps to solidify the connection between the employee and the organization, ensuring that they understand the impact they can have in their new role.

The Shift to Virtual: Adapting to a New Normal

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted how organizations operate, and City of Hope is no exception. Matt discusses how the organization has adapted to a more virtual environment, particularly in the areas of interviews and onboarding. While most roles in healthcare still require on-site presence, many of the processes that were traditionally done in person, such as interviews and onboarding sessions, have now shifted online.

This shift has brought about several benefits, including reduced time to hire and greater flexibility in scheduling. Matt notes that virtual interviews have become the new norm, allowing managers to make quicker decisions without the need for in-person meetings. Additionally, the virtual onboarding process has streamlined the experience for new hires, making it easier and more convenient for them to complete necessary paperwork and training.

The Importance of Communication and Continuous Engagement

A recurring theme throughout the podcast is the importance of communication in the onboarding process. Matt emphasizes that effective communication is key to keeping new hires engaged and ensuring a smooth transition into their new roles. This involves regular check-ins, not only during the onboarding process but also in the weeks and months that follow.

Matt also highlights the role of talent acquisition in fostering a positive feedback loop within the organization. By staying in touch with new hires and gathering feedback from managers, the talent acquisition team can continuously improve the onboarding process and address any potential issues early on.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Talent Acquisition

As the talent acquisition landscape continues to evolve, Matt predicts that automation will play an increasingly important role in the recruitment process. While he acknowledges the benefits of automation in reducing administrative tasks and speeding up processes, he stresses that the human element must remain at the forefront of talent acquisition.

Ultimately, Matt believes that the future of talent acquisition will require a balance between technology and human connection. Recruiters must continue to build relationships and create personalized experiences for candidates, even as they leverage new tools and technologies to streamline their work.

Conclusion

Matt Craven’s insights on the ‘All Onboard’ podcast provide valuable lessons for anyone involved in talent acquisition or HR. By focusing on personalized experiences, effective communication, and continuous engagement, organizations can create onboarding programs that not only welcome new hires but also set them up for long-term success.

At City of Hope, the commitment to these principles is evident in the way they approach talent acquisition and onboarding. As Matt puts it, it’s all about making sure that new hires feel connected to the organization’s mission from the very beginning, ensuring that they are excited and motivated to contribute to the important work being done.

Whether you’re a talent acquisition professional, HR leader, or simply interested in the latest trends in employee onboarding, this episode offers plenty of insights to help you refine your approach and create a more engaging and effective onboarding experience.