So, you’re tired of using “onboarding” when talking about taking on new employees.
Well, it’s time to explore some alternatives to see what else is out there.
And that’s exactly what we’re here to help you with.
This article will show you another word for “onboarding” to help keep things fresh and engaging.
Is It Professional to Say “Onboarding”?
It is professional to say “onboarding.” It’s a common way to refer to taking on new employees, and it’s recognized in the workplace.
You can say it on a resume, too. It’s usually a good way to show that you’ve had direct experience relating to onboarding in the past.
You can also use it in emails when talking to business partners. It lets them know that you’re in charge of the onboarding process or you have a good one in place to ensure every new starter knows what to expect.
Check out this resume sample to see how you can use it:
I was an onboarding specialist at my last job. It was up to me to ensure everyone knew what to expect when starting our company.
Pros
- It’s clear and direct.
- It’s quite professional and works well in multiple contexts.
Cons
- It’s generic.
- It’s so common that you’ll find most people use it and want something more interesting.
There’s nothing wrong with using “onboarding” in your writing. But you’re here because you want something different, and that’s fine, too!
So, keep reading to learn another term for “onboarding.” We’ve gathered some of the best alternatives to show you what’s available and what works best.
What to Say Instead of “Onboarding”
- Orientation
- Induction
- Integration
- Initiation
- Familiarization
- Training
- Adaptation
- Introduction
- Onramp
1. Orientation
Another way to say “onboarding” is “orientation.” And, to be fair, it’s one of the most common alternatives for people to use in formal writing.
For example, you can use it when writing a resume. It suggests that you’ve had direct input into a company’s orientation process, so you know what to expect from it.
Generally, this is a great way to show that you know what you’re doing.
It also suggests that you’ve already got a lot of experience with orientation. So, if you’re looking for a new job, it’s likely that you won’t require quite as much training as other candidates.
You should also review these examples to find out more about how to use it:
I’m an orientation specialist because I’ve been involved in countless processes. Therefore, I know I’ll be a good fit for this role.
I’ve been through many orientations myself. So, I know a thing or two about integrating myself into a new workplace or system.
2. Induction
Another common choice to replace “onboarding” in formal writing is “induction.” Many companies offer an induction when you first start working for them.
So, you can use this when explaining the use of an induction. It either works in essays or business writing that explains why inductions are required and what it’s for.
Generally, it’s a great way to remain professional when talking about how you’re taking on new employees.
Most people know what an induction process is. So, you won’t need to explain too much more about it when you’re trying to explain their worth to a reader.
Feel free to review these examples to learn more about it:
It’s always good for companies to have an induction for new employees. Otherwise, they might not know what’s acceptable.
An induction helps new workers to understand what they can and can’t do. It’s a must in all well-established companies.
3. Integration
We also recommend using “integration” for something slightly different. It’s unique and engaging as far as synonyms go.
Generally, you can use this when completing your CV. It suggests that you’ve got hands-on experience relating to an integration process in a previous workplace.
It can also help you to explain why you think integration processes are important. So, you might have a few ideas that you’d like to bring with you regarding them to a new workplace.
Also, you can review these CV samples to learn a bit more:
I believe that client integration is just as important as staff integration. I also have a few ideas I’d like to implement regarding this.
Employee integration was my specialty in my last role. I’d like to bring that with me into this one.
4. Initiation
Sometimes, people write “initation” instead of “onboarding.” This formal synonym is a great way to show that new people are starting with your company.
Generally, you can use this in a resume. It’s, again, quite effective because it shows that you’ve been through many initiation processes and seen first-hand what’s required to make them work.
If you’re looking for a more managerial position, a phrase like this can go a long way.
It suggests that you know what to expect when new people join companies. So, you know what kinds of things to include in your own initiation process to make sure everything is covered.
These resume samples should help to explain a bit more if you’re still unsure:
I have a lot of initiation experience because my former employer put me in charge of managing all the new starters.
I’ve seen many initiation processes first-hand. It’s why I know I’m a good fit for this managerial position.
5. Familiarization
Another synonym for “onboarding” is “familiarization.” This time, we want to go over how you might use it in a business email or formal context.
Generally, you can write about “familiarization” in an email when passing duties to an employee.
It might be worth including it to let an employee know that you expect them to take control of familiarization for the newcomers.
Of course, this will only work when contacting an employee you trust. They need to know what they’re doing and be ready and willing to take on the job when you ask them, after all!
Feel free to review this sample email to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Michael,
I want to put you in charge of familiarization for the new starters today.
Please let me know if you run into any difficulties with that.
Best wishes,
Samantha Harding
6. Training
For something simple, try “training.” Everyone knows what training is, so you really can’t go wrong with it.
Also, it helps that “training” isn’t limited to one type of “onboarding.”
Typically, “onboarding” refers to new hires. It helps them to run through what’s expected of them at a company.
However, “training” can refer to both new and old hires. Therefore, it’s a versatile way to talk about teaching people.
Try using it when writing about company procedures. It’s a great way to highlight the types of training your company partakes in.
You should also review these examples to learn a bit more:
I have thought a lot about the buddy training I went through at my previous workplace. It’s certainly something I’d like to implement elsewhere.
Staff training is important. It works well for new starters, but you can keep using it even for people who have been there for years.
7. Adaptation
You can use “adaptation” as a formal synonym for “onboarding.”
This synonym works really well in business emails. It’s a great choice that suggests you know a lot about the processes you offer for new starters.
You can use it when contacting your current team. It lets them know that you’re taking on new members of staff and would like your old members to make them feel welcome.
Feel free to review this email sample to learn more about it:
Dear Team,
We will have a few new people starting their adaptation process today.
Please make them feel as welcome as possible if you see anyone new.
Best regards,
Tom Ford
8. Introduction
Another great synonym for “onboarding” is “introduction.”
This is a great way to show that you’re welcoming new people to a company.
Try using it when writing about company policies. It’s an effective choice that explains why people need introduction programs for new starters.
Also, feel free to review these examples to learn more:
It’s good to have an introduction specialist on the team. They’ll often help the new joiners to understand what’s going on.
A smooth introduction is required in the workplace. Otherwise, new employees won’t know where to begin.
9. Onramp
Finally, you can mix things up a bit by writing “onramp.” This is a more interesting way to talk about “onboarding,” which shows you’re taking new people into a company.
Generally, “onramp” is a bit more informal. So, you should use it when writing for more casual companies.
It’s generally an effective choice, but you should know your audience before trying to write something like this!
You can also review these examples to learn more about it:
The onramp process at this firm is spot on. It helps every new starter fit into the team without missing a beat.
I’m sure they worked hard on their onramping procedure. I’ve never felt so comfortable starting with a new job.