". . the open door is just the first design choice . ."
Recently I’ve written a bit about how we help our Partners promote brand awareness with Candidates. I’ve focused mainly on Employer brand in terms of attracting great talent using shiny job posts, engaging social content, and compelling careers pages. But what happens after a Candidate says “yes”?
The reality is that an Employer brand journey doesn’t end when an offer is accepted. In fact, it’s just getting started. The period between offer acceptance and day one during the onboarding process is acritical window to build trust, maintain excitement, and reduce the risk of last-minute dropouts.
Keep the momentum alive
Accepting a new role is a big decision. Candidates can feel nervous or second-guess themselves, especially during long notice periods. Regular, authentic communication, even something as simple as a quick check-in email reassures them they’ve made the right choice.
Make it personal
Go beyond the formal contract emails. Share a welcome video from the Team or the Hiring Manager, introduce them to future colleagues, or send a personalised ‘what to expect’ guide. These touches show that you’re invested in them as a person, not just as a headcount.
Bring the culture to life early
Use this time to share stories about your values, highlight upcoming projects, or give them a behind-the-scenes look at your workplace. By the time they arrive, they’ll already feel like part of the Team.
Reduce pre-start anxiety
This one should be non-negotiable! It is so important that new starters are given clear information on logistics (start times, equipment, first-day agenda), this removes unnecessary stress and uncertainty. Providing clarity builds confidence and ensures they arrive engaged and ready to contribute.
Entasis Partners work closely with our Partners to design and deliver this critical pre-onboarding content. We can create branded welcome packs and introductory slides, to arranging informal coffee chats. These touchpoints strengthen employer brand and create a seamless candidate experience.
The payoff? Higher engagement, lower dropout rates, and Employees who start their journey feeling seen, valued, and connected.
