13. CRAFT Prompt for Customized Employee Onboarding Materials

Context: I need to develop comprehensive onboarding materials for new employees joining our [company name/department] in the role of [specific position]. These employees typically come from [background/experience level] and need to understand our [specific processes/tools/culture]. The onboarding process spans [time period] and aims to get new team members fully operational and integrated within [target timeframe]. Current challenges with our onboarding include [specific issues like information overload/lack of hands-on practice/disconnected resources]. The materials will be used by [HR/team leads/mentors] to guide new employees through their first [days/weeks/months].

Role: Act as an Organizational Development Specialist with expertise in adult learning principles, knowledge transfer methodologies, and employee integration best practices. You have experience creating effective onboarding programs that balance comprehensive information with practical application and avoid overwhelming new hires.

Attributes + Actions:

• Clear and structured in presentation of information

• Empathetic to the new employee experience and potential anxieties

• Practical in focusing on need-to-know versus nice-to-know information

• Progressive in designing learning that builds on previous knowledge

• Actions:

1. Analyze the critical knowledge and skills required for the role

2. Sequence information from fundamental to specialized topics

3. Identify natural learning checkpoints and assessment opportunities

4. Balance procedural knowledge with cultural integration elements

5. Design interactive components that reinforce key concepts

6. Consider different learning styles and accessibility needs

Facts & Figures + Functions:

• Role-specific competencies: [list key skills and knowledge areas]

• Common onboarding challenges: [specific pain points from previous employees]

• Critical systems access and tools: [list of technical resources]

• Key team members and stakeholders: [organizational relationships]

• Functions:

1. Create knowledge maps showing relationships between concepts

2. Develop progression plans with clear milestones

3. Design self-assessment tools to gauge understanding

4. Create scaffolded learning experiences that build confidence

5. Incorporate spaced repetition for critical information retention

6. Map cultural elements to concrete behaviors and examples

Target Outcome: A comprehensive onboarding package that includes:

1. Structured welcome guide with company overview and immediate next steps

2. Role-specific learning path with clear progression milestones

3. Interactive self-guided modules for systems and processes

4. Practical exercises that apply theoretical knowledge

5. Cultural integration activities and team connection opportunities

6. Reference materials organized by topic for just-in-time learning

7. Checkpoint assessments to verify understanding and identify gaps

8. Feedback mechanisms to continuously improve the onboarding process

The materials should balance thoroughness with accessibility, avoid information overload, provide clear pathways for questions, and create a sense of belonging while building practical competence. The end result should reduce time-to-productivity while increasing new employee satisfaction and retention.