Training 101: How to Train New Employees

You must be doing your job right, if you're asked to be a trainer! Hopefully you're prepared, but here are some tips on how to be an effective and good trainer.

Be pleasant! Chances are, the person you're training is worried enough about the new job or position, they don't need to feel like they're annoying you the whole time, too. They won't learn anything and they'll leave their so-called training session feeling miserable. Maybe you didn't choose to train them, but they didn't choose to be trained by you, either.

Questions! Ask them questions, make it clear they should ask you questions, and try to gauge how comfortable they are with certain things on the job. Communication during training is very important, and can make or break the new employee.

Follow the rules! Your workplace probably has rules that people fudge over when they can. Maybe you do, too, for that matter. While you're training a new employee, even if they'll do it eventually, act like they won't, and let them know clearly what the workplace rules are. Follow dress code to a t, don't take long breaks, etc. Set a great example, then when they're secure in what they ought to be doing, they can relax a bit.

Show them the ropes! One of the hardest things for a person to learn at a new job is where everything is, where everything should go, how to restock or refill things, and who they're working with. Give them a whirlwind tour on day one and then follow it up with getting the items or people you need when you need them.

Listen, See, Utilize! These are the three things that the new employee will need to do before they start retaining information. On their first day show them everything, but make it clear that they don't need to worry about remembering it all perfectly. Show them what you're doing at all times, so that they'll have an idea of it when you let them do it themselves with you backing them up. Another confidence booster.

Let them set the pace! As the person you're training appears more comfortable with things, let them try it on their own. They'll make mistakes, and it's your job to smooth them over and make sure they know that everyone makes mistakes when they first start a job. As they catch on, they'll gain confidence, which they'll need to perform their job well.