How NOT to Make a New Hire Feel Welcome

Years back, before starting my own NYC team building company, I was an unfocused and unhappy guy, bouncing aimlessly from one entry-level job to the next. I was particularly miserable at a current job when I found a position available somewhere else which really excited me – one where I would get to utilize my strengths and bottled-up creative energies.

I was granted an interview with the head of the department, whom I instantly connected with – a rarity for me, since I’d never felt “at home” with a potential boss during the nerve-wracking interview process. We talked for a long time, and she really liked the enthusiasm I was displaying – after all, this was going to be a bit of a departure career-wise for me, and I was genuinely psyched with the opportunity! She told me there were other people to meet – including the “big boss” – and we’d schedule another interview; in the meantime, she gave me some “homework” for how to best prepare for the senior manager meeting.

The following week, I came back in and met with other members of the department, as well as the “big boss” who, in my opinion, I had charmed just as well as everybody else with my eagerness and enthusiasm. At the end, the department head gave me a big, bright smile and said, “That went GREAT, we’ll be in touch!”

So, I went back to my old job and giddily waited for the offer Email to come in.

And I waited….

And waited….

A full week. I was at a loss, so I Emailed the department head.

No reply.

I waited another full week, which nearly drove me mad; this time, I called her up.

“David…” she said, “I’m so sorry for the delay, I know you’re waiting patiently for an answer. Honestly, if it were up to me, I’d offer you the job – however, they want to interview some other candidates before making a decision.”

Frustrated, I swallowed my pride. “Of course! I understand completely” said through gritted teeth. “May I ask when those other candidate interviews might be completed?”

“Well…” she said, “See, that’s- the…well…we just want to interview a few other candidates…the thing is, right now, there are no other candidates.”

<Jaw hits floor>

I didn’t know what to say, so I settled for, “Uhhhh…”

“We’re going to keep the job posted for a little while longer, and if there are no other candidates by next week, we’ll make you an offer.”

<Forehead slap>

I did end up getting that job offer, and because my current position was so intolerable, I accepted the new position – however, it was made exceptionally clear to me from the very start that I was a “reluctant hire.”

How do you think that made me feel? That despite the genuine enthusiasm and excitement I felt for the job, I knew that I wasn’t really welcome there, that they would have taken someone else – anyone else – if they could have? Hobbled at the starting gate, I would have to prove myself (which I did); however, it’s a hell of a lousy way to start a new job.

While “bad hires” are toxic and should be avoided at all costs, making new people feel welcome at your company will only serve to increase morale and positive sentiment, which will ultimately boost results. What are some ways to make people feel welcome in your company?