It is 2025 and lots of new employees are coming on board! As a hiring manager, there are few things more exciting than welcoming a new member to our team. It signals growth, fresh perspectives, and the opportunity to accomplish more together. My role during your onboarding period is to provide you with the tools, resources, and support you need to succeed in your new position. But there’s another critical factor in making your transition smooth and productive: your ability to advocate for yourself.
Let me explain why self-advocacy is so important and how it complements the support we provide.
The Support You Can Expect
From day one, my goal is to set you up for success. We’ve structured your onboarding program with clarity in mind: introductions to key team members, access to the tools you’ll need, and a clear roadmap of your initial tasks and goals. I’ll be checking in regularly to answer questions, address concerns, and provide guidance.
But onboarding isn’t a one-way street. No matter how thorough our process is, every role has nuances and every person learns differently. That’s where your voice comes in…and I need to hear from you!
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
It’s natural to feel hesitant when you’re new. You might think you should figure everything out on your own, but that mindset can slow your progress and create unnecessary frustration. By advocating for yourself—whether that means asking questions, requesting clarification, or sharing feedback—you empower us to help you more effectively.
Here’s the truth: your perspective is invaluable. If you don’t understand something, chances are others might not either. If a resource is missing or unclear, your input could improve the process for future new hires. When you advocate for yourself, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re contributing to the betterment of the entire team.
How to Advocate for Yourself During Onboarding
If you’re new to self-advocacy, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Ask Questions Early and Often
If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask. Whether it’s about a process, a tool, or the company culture, seeking clarification shows initiative and prevents misunderstandings later.Request Feedback
Don’t wait for scheduled reviews to find out how you’re doing. Ask your manager or teammates for feedback on your performance and use it as a learning opportunity.Communicate Challenges
If you’re facing obstacles, let us know. Whether it’s technical issues, unclear expectations, or feeling overwhelmed, we can only help if we’re aware of the problem.Set Goals and Share Them
Let us know what you’re excited about and where you want to grow. This helps us align opportunities with your career aspirations.Leverage Available Resources
Use the tools, training sessions, and team support offered to you. If you feel something critical is missing, speak up so we can address it.
We’re in This Together
Onboarding is a shared responsibility. While I’m committed to giving you everything you need to succeed, your active participation makes all the difference. Self-advocacy isn’t about going it alone—it’s about using your voice to ensure you’re getting the most out of the support and resources available to you.
Your journey with us is just beginning, and we’re excited to see you grow, contribute, and thrive. Remember, this team is here to support you, but your input will help us do that even better. Don’t be afraid to speak up—we’re listening and eager to help.
Welcome aboard, and here’s to your success!
Written by: Austin Meyermann, Founder and President of Hunter Crown, LLC
Looking for your next great opportunity?
Have hiring and/or recruiting needs?