Onboarding template and conversation resources

The template and conversation resources provided on this page can be used to:

• Welcome a new employee to the BC Public Service or to their new position on your team  
• Clarify expectations for the role, provide organizational context and define short-term goals  
• Build the foundation for a trust-based relationship  
• Set an employee up for success 

Download an MS Word version of the Onboarding Template (DOCX, 60KB).

On this page

• Preparing for the conversation
• Suggested discussion questions

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Preparing for the conversation

The following considerations can help guide employees and supervisors prepare for their roles in performance conversations.

Employee

• Review resources available on Careers & MyHR including the Onboarding guide and What to expect during probation
• Review your job description and corporate or organizational plans. Also review other performance expectations your supervisor has communicated with you 
• Create a list of any questions you have about your role, your team or the organization. Share these with your supervisor 
• Come prepared to discuss styles of communication and ways of working. This will help build a strong and effective relationship moving forward 

Supervisor

• Review resources available on Careers & MyHR including Set up a new employee, Probationary period and Onboarding guide
• Provide to the employee their job description and any corporate or organizational plans. For example, the ministry service plan 
• Come prepared to discuss styles of communication and ways of working. This will help build a strong and effective relationship moving forward 

Note, you may customize this suggested approach based on the employee and their experience. Consider things like: 

• Whether the employee is new to the BC Public Service or a ministry, division or team
• How long they have already been working with the BC Public Service 
• The length and depth of their work experience prior to this new role 

Suggested discussion questions

To help guide discussions, choose some of the questions below. You can also develop questions of your own. Capture significant outcomes and action items in the comments section of the template.

Resources and supports

• Have you received all the information, tools and resources you need to complete your responsibilities?   
• Are there supports you need to succeed in this role or take part in the workplace?   

The role

• Do you have a clear understanding of the expectations for this role?  
• Which parts of the job are you excited about?   
• Which parts of the job are you worried about?  
• Are there any job duties you would like clarification or support on?   
• What challenges, if any, have you experienced while training or working? What can we do address those challenges?  
• Are there any specific tools or training sessions that would help you be more successful?  

Understanding organizational context

• What stood out for you when reviewing the Corporate Plan?  
• What questions do you have about your ministry’s vision, mission and mandate, etc.?   
• What questions do you have about how your role contributes to the ministry Service Plan?  

Working together (supervisor and employee)

• What motivates you at work?  
• What type of communication style and tools work best for you?  
• How do you prefer to receive feedback and/or recognition for your work?   
• What would be the best use of our one-on-one time?   
• What support do you need from me as your supervisor?   
• What are your long-term goals within the BC Public Service? How can I support you to reach them?  

Working with the team

• How are you settling into the team?   
• What would help you feel connected to the rest of the team?   
• Do you have any questions about the organizational chart and structure?  
• Do you have any questions about the team culture?   

Employees already with the BC Public Service

• What were your development goals in your previous role? Are there any that are appropriate to transfer over?  
• Do you have any questions about how ways of working in this role differ from your last role? Such as communication, approvals and culture?   
• How can I best support you as you transition into this new role?  
• Of the list of mandatory training, are there any courses you have not completed?  
• How comfortable do you feel with the tools and resources provided?  

Closing

• Is there anything else I should know?    
• What specific areas do you intend to work on before we next meet?   
• How would you like to work together to address challenges?  
• What feedback do you have about the onboarding experience?