[Sandy T]

I have a new temp starting on Monday (thrilled!!). Does anyone have a document that would help me make her first day productive? I am a Sr. Exec Assistant in a corporate headquarters and support 1 SVP, 4 VP's and 20 finance folks. I'm thinking of just assigning her two VP's. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[LisaOlsen]

Hi Sandy,
I would suggest creating a "first week on the job" document. Do you have an idea of what types of tasks she will be assigned (office supplies, filing, phones, project management, etc). Use her where she will be the most valuable to you. I wouldn't just assign her to two VP'S unless you are sure that's the best way to utilize her time and skills. Maybe it would be more productive to use her as your assistant instead. Those are questions you need to consider before she starts. In the meantime, here's a general outline of a week long orientation I used to use for a new EA I hired. It is essential that you meet with her in the morning and afternoon to answer questions and review the day.
1. Monday would start with giving her an opportunity to meet as many people as she can, tour the office, learn the phone system, read the office manual and review company policies. I would make sure she is taken to lunch on day one and not left on her own. Even a temp needs to feel like she is part of the team.
2. Day 2 might consist of shadowing you or another EA, learning the computer file set up (where to find what), sitting in some meetings and possibly assigned general tasks to get her oriented. Provide a list of "who to contact" throughout the company.
3. Day 3 would involve meeting with the execs and reviewing their schedules and routines. Review travel planning procedures.
4. Day 4 includes extensive training on management styles and protocol for each executive. Do research and review on committees and gather background information on current issues and projects. Determine what projects and tasks will be assigned to her on a regular basis.
5. Day 5 Review any areas missed during the week. Follow up to ensure she is well informed and ready for week two.

[robles2222]

Originally Posted by Sandy T

I have a new temp starting on Monday (thrilled!!). Does anyone have a document that would help me make her first day productive? I am a Sr. Exec Assistant in a corporate headquarters and support 1 SVP, 4 VP's and 20 finance folks. I'm thinking of just assigning her two VP's. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I worked as a temp for 10 years by choice because it made my schedule felxiable while my children where small and I didn't have to commit to one employer. Just make her feel comfortable and be open for questions. If the agency sent you a well qualified person with experience it should be a piece of cake for her to just jump right into what every you assing her to. The faster you get her started the easier it will be for you and then gradually you can give her more responsibility. You can even write out what she is expected to do on a daily basis. You can even write down instruction on how to get into different software packages your company has. This will help with the transitions you need to take place. It might just turn out to be the best experience you have. Remeber this person is here to help you with the overload.

[JudyM]

Their advise about making her/him comfortable and having lunch the first day I highly recommend. I have worked temp in places where lunch time came around and the EA or no one came by to ask me to go to lunch with them, show me where the cafeteria was or even come by to say its lunch time. You can guess how that made me feel. Especially when they took off around 11:30 ish and strolled back after 1:00.

[Sandy T]

Originally Posted by LisaOlsen

Hi Sandy,
I would suggest creating a "first week on the job" document. Do you have an idea of what types of tasks she will be assigned (office supplies, filing, phones, project management, etc). Use her where she will be the most valuable to you. I wouldn't just assign her to two VP'S unless you are sure that's the best way to utilize her time and skills. Maybe it would be more productive to use her as your assistant instead. Those are questions you need to consider before she starts. In the meantime, here's a general outline of a week long orientation I used to use for a new EA I hired. It is essential that you meet with her in the morning and afternoon to answer questions and review the day.
1. Monday would start with giving her an opportunity to meet as many people as she can, tour the office, learn the phone system, read the office manual and review company policies. I would make sure she is taken to lunch on day one and not left on her own. Even a temp needs to feel like she is part of the team.
2. Day 2 might consist of shadowing you or another EA, learning the computer file set up (where to find what), sitting in some meetings and possibly assigned general tasks to get her oriented. Provide a list of "who to contact" throughout the company.
3. Day 3 would involve meeting with the execs and reviewing their schedules and routines. Review travel planning procedures.
4. Day 4 includes extensive training on management styles and protocol for each executive. Do research and review on committees and gather background information on current issues and projects. Determine what projects and tasks will be assigned to her on a regular basis.
5. Day 5 Review any areas missed during the week. Follow up to ensure she is well informed and ready for week two.

Thanks, Lisa! I think approaching my temp as my assistant is a great idea. She had a great first week but I was so busy with a huge confidential project that I wasn't able to spend a lot of time with her. She is very talented and I'm going to expose her to a lot so she doesn't get bored. I plan on having her do many of the tasks you suggested. Tomorrow I will take her to lunch and introduce her to our HOLA community (Hispanic Resource Group)which she will really enjoy networking with. It will another very busy week and I am going to incorporate all of the suggestions I received here. Great ideas, ladies!!

Sandy

[angelface]

Originally Posted by Sandy T

I have a new temp starting on Monday (thrilled!!). Does anyone have a document that would help me make her first day productive? I am a Sr. Exec Assistant in a corporate headquarters and support 1 SVP, 4 VP's and 20 finance folks. I'm thinking of just assigning her two VP's. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I would suggest creating a document or booklet of all the basic office procedures. In my office, I call it "Temp Notes". I don't know about assigning her 2 VP's. It depends on how much experience she has with working with VP's. Maybe giving her 1 VP and a couple of the finance folks might be better. Good Luck!!!