Overview:
If your institution is just getting started with InfoReady, or you have a new group of reviewers using the platform for the first time, you might be wondering how to introduce the system smoothly. Since reviewers play such a critical role in evaluating applications and providing feedback, it’s important that everyone feels comfortable with the tools they’ll be using. We asked InfoReady admins who’ve been through this transition to share their go-to tips, and gathered their favorite strategies for a smooth, stress-free reviewer experience.
Strategies:
- Introduce reviewers to the system ahead of time. One administrative team set their reviewers up for success by sharing the benefits of InfoReady before assigning any reviews. After that, they updated the automated messages reviewers received, adding a few friendly tips on logging in and making the most of their feedback. "With communication up-front, reviewers paid attention more, so we make sure to give them as much as we could in these first few emails," said one admin.
- Get to know common questions. We found that many reviewers who called with questions often had similar ones. By picking up on these patterns, you can add extra guidance to your intro emails and competition instructions, helping everyone feel more comfortable from the start.
- Provide a set of standard written instructions. Many administrators find that having a written guide is a game-changer for new reviewers. Adding screenshots that show exactly where to click or enter information makes the process even smoother! "When someone calls with a question, the first thing I tell them to do is get out their list of instructions," commented an administrator who manages over 50 reviewers each spring.
- Make time for one-on-one instruction. Every administrator shared that helping reviewers one-on-one—either in person or over the phone—made a big difference. A little support at the beginning goes a long way, giving reviewers the knowledge and confidence to handle the rest of their assignments with ease.
Bonus tip:
The InfoReady Support Portal has resources for admins, applicants AND reviewers! You can include a link to the Support Portal in your reviewer instructions, which may forestall some questions, and the Support Portal is available 24/7 so reviewers can find help any time day or night.
If a reviewer has an issue that can't be resolved from the Support Portal they can always submit a Help Ticket in the Support Portal, on their InfoReady site, by emailing support@inforeadycorp.com or at https://inforeadycorp.com/support.
The Take-Away:
The key is to set reviewers up for success from the start. Sharing the benefits of InfoReady and answering their questions early on helps reviewers feel confident with the system—so when it’s time for reviews and deadlines, they’re ready to dive right in.
