5 TIPS TO MAKE NEW

5 Tips to Make New Hires a Long-lasting Success

Bringing a new employee into the mix is process commonly known as onboarding. The idea behind onboarding is to make the transition from new hire to team member as efficient and pain-free as possible. However, polling shows that some 31% of entry-level and intermediate level hires leave their new posts within just six months of starting. The question is: why?

The hiring and training process is time-intensive and doesn’t come cheap. This means that making a good match for the long haul requires more than just assessments of skill and personality. To ensure a talented new hire sticks around and is truly positioned for success, the onboarding process must be executed with the same care applied during hiring. For a few ideas on how to make the most of the onboarding process, consider the tenets below as you guide your new hire toward long-lasting success within your company.

1. Be honest about the scope of the role

Let’s say you’re looking to add a new buyers agent or loan processor to your team. You write up the position’s responsibilities, but neglect to mention that you want the new hire to handle a host of administrative tasks, as well. Maybe it doesn’t seem important enough to outline in detail, as it’s the sort of thing the rest of your does. Miscommunications like these are a leading reason why new hires leave their roles. If there isn’t clarity and transparency about a position’s true responsibilities, then new hires may become quickly disillusioned and seek out greener pastures.

2. Build in some perks

While stocking the breakroom with bagels every Friday may seem like a small gesture, it’s often those little morale-boosting moves that build loyalty and comradery among the team. Bike-to-work incentives, subsidized gym memberships, and benefits that match the needs of your employees—all are ways to demonstrate appreciation and investment in your team. Likewise, the right candidate will return the favor and invest his or her energies into their new role.

3. Get a sense of big-picture career plans

Another reason new hires move on may have nothing to do with you or your office. In fact, many hires in entry-level or even intermediate roles have doubts about their long-term vision. That’s why it’s important to be upfront from the beginning regarding a candidate’s five-year plan and ultimate dream job. Maintain realistic expectations when asking these questions, but use it as an opportunity to gage a candidate’s seriousness about the real estate or mortgage industry. Why this line of work over another? Emphasizing industry longevity and career growth during the interview process can save you drama down the road.

4. Keep the lines of communication open

Take a proactive approach in communicating with your new hire. Take time to check in regularly during the first six months of his or her addition. If you can, make time to train new hires yourself—if only for a part of the onboarding process. You’ll forge a deeper professional bond and create an avenue for further questions. All in all, make it clear that you’re personally invested in their presence and talents, and that you care what they have to say. That way, if any issues or doubts arise, you can stay on top of it and work out a solution, rather than lose a new employee.

5. Give new hires meaningful work to do

It’s natural to keep the kid-gloves on with new hires, but don’t let that stop you from giving them a chance to shine. New team members will feel empowered and motivated if given meaningful projects to focus on. Don’t relegate their daily duties to busy work as they build experience. Instead, task new teammates with something challenging, or that draws on a specific skill you hired them for. You’ll instill confidence, demonstrate your commitment to their growth, and with any luck—keep them around for the long haul.

HANK CORREA JR.

Top Agent Hank Correa Jr. – of Better Homes and Gardens’ Hank Correa Realty in Hilo, Hawaii – is a hardworking, dedicated Realtor who has decades of experience helping his many buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. Offering a full spectrum of real estate services – from resale to new construction, Hank’s long tenure in the industry, coupled with his commitment to providing top-of-the-line customer service, has made him a household name in his market and a clear choice for anyone looking for a Realtor in the Hilo area.

“When I was eighteen years old my father sadly passed and I had to move to the Pacific Northwest,” recalls Hank, when asked how he got his start in the real estate business. “I had an uncle there who was in real estate, and I spent about eight months with him, which is when I became intrigued by this business. I ended up moving back to Hawaii, and I got my real estate license when I was just shy of nineteen.”

Since then, Hank has built a thriving business on a solid foundation of honesty, integrity and a fierce work ethic. Currently, the lion’s share of Hank’s business is based upon referrals, returning clients and positive word of mouth. “I think it’s because I’m very well known in this community,” he explains, when asked how he manages to inspire such impressive levels of trust and loyalty amongst those he works with. “I believe that I have a great reputation, and my business is also very diverse.” Hank, who is also a general contractor who has helped many clients build new homes, says with a chuckle, “I like to say that I’m the Centrum Vitamin of real estate. I know the business from A – Z. If we can’t find someone a home, I can literally help them build it,” says Hank. “My company has done that more times than I can count.” “I love everything about what I do,” says Hank. “I like to say that I never work a day in my life, because when you enjoy what you do you never have to wake up and go to work.” Hank also possesses the empathy for his clients that is lacking in many other agents. “We bought a home that was in foreclosure,” he says, “so the family that was living there ended up being displaced. We helped them get a rental, and we put them on a program to rebuild their credit. Ultimately, we’re going to be helping them get back to owning a home again. I think being able to help people that way is hugely rewarding.”

When he’s not working, Hank is a philanthropist who supports local charitable programs, including the local hospice, and he spent several years on the St. Joseph’s Catholic School Board. He is also an avid traveler and foodie.

Looking to the future, Hank’s plans include growing his business and allowing his sons – all three of whom have followed in his footsteps – to take on more responsibility in his business so that he can eventually transition to a management only role.

Above all, however, is Hank’s primary objective: to continue providing his many grateful clients with the unparalleled customer service that has become his calling card.

There are many other factors that have played a large part in Hank’s continuing success story, and chief among them would be expert negotiation skills and a comprehensive, intelligent approach to marketing his many listings. For more about Hank Correa Jr., please call 808-961-3300 or email Hank@HankCorrea.com

PATTI DePHILLIPS

People-loving, driven and self-motivated, Patti DePhillips has flourished as an agent in the Bergen County, New Jersey market. She got her start after working for a large Wall Street firm as a recruiter for investment banking and infrastructure. The parallels between her current and past career became immediately apparent once she started. “I worked with people very closely, and was involved in important decisions,” Patti explains. It turns out, helping people decide on the perfect career is similar to helping them find the ideal house. In both fields, Patti abides by the motto of always wanting what is best for her clients. This has helped her achieve great success in real estate, with a growing number of repeats and referrals.

“They trust me,” she says. “I give them good advice and I work hard for them. I do whatever it takes, whether that means giving them strategic advice or helping them clean out the closet.” Working at Terrie O’Connor Realtors, her top priority is providing superior service and listening to their needs. While she does have a team that helps her make the process easier behind the scenes, buyers and sellers will only work closely with Patti. “When they call me, they will get me. That’s just how I choose to do my business.” Whether Patti is getting a client top dollar for their property, or finding them the best home for their price range, she consistently exceeds expectations. cares about her clients and takes great pride in her work. Don’t look anywhere else! She is hands-down, THE BEST!”

When Patti isn’t working, she’s staying involved in the community through her children’s schools and various foundations. She is an active member of her church and is on the board for the local Chamber of Commerce. During any free time, she loves to travel, go out to dinner, and hang out with family.

Looking ahead, Patti’s sights are set on continuing to grow. She wants to help as many people as possible fulfill their real estate dreams. “My plan is to keep giving great service to my clients and feeling proud that I did the best for them.”

After working together, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently said, “I would recommend Patti, without question, to anyone looking to buy, sell or rent a property. She took her time with my husband and I, showing us multiple houses over a 2-year period. We ended up moving into the perfect home! She also listed and sold our previous home, seamlessly! Patti is extremely knowledgeable, professional, diligent and committed. She sincerely

For more about Patti DePhillips, please call 201-424-9136 or email pdephillips@tocr.com