Documentation Writer Onboarding Checklist

Documentation Writer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Documentation Writer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Writing onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Documentation Writer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Documentation Writer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Documentation Writer Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing an overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission to the new documentation writer. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated company representative who can explain the organization’s core principles and how they align with the writer’s role.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The documentation writer needs to understand the company’s policies and procedures to ensure compliance and consistency in their work. This task is usually performed by the HR department or a designated team member who can provide the necessary documentation and answer any questions.

3. Introduction to the writing team: It is essential for the new documentation writer to meet and get acquainted with their colleagues in the writing team. This task is typically performed by the team lead or manager, who can introduce the writer to the team members, explain their roles, and facilitate initial interactions.

4. Review of existing documentation: The new documentation writer should be given access to existing documentation to familiarize themselves with the company’s writing style, tone, and content. This task is performed by the writing team or a designated team member who can provide access to the relevant documents and guide the writer through them.

5. Training on company-specific tools and software: Many companies have specific tools and software for documentation writing, such as content management systems or style guides. The new documentation writer should receive training on these tools to ensure efficient and effective work. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated trainer who can provide hands-on training and answer any technical questions.

6. Introduction to subject matter experts (SMEs): The documentation writer needs to establish relationships with subject matter experts within the company who can provide insights and information for accurate documentation. This task is performed by the team lead or manager, who can introduce the writer to relevant SMEs and facilitate initial meetings.

7. Review of product or service offerings: The new documentation writer should receive a comprehensive overview of the company’s product or service offerings to understand what they will be documenting. This task is typically performed by the product or service team, who can provide presentations, demos, or training sessions to familiarize the writer with the offerings.

8. Understanding target audience and user personas: The documentation writer should gain a clear understanding of the target audience and user personas for whom they will be writing. This task is performed by the marketing or product team, who can provide insights, data, or user research findings to help the writer tailor their documentation effectively.

9. Shadowing experienced documentation writers: To gain practical knowledge and learn best practices, the new documentation writer should have the opportunity to shadow experienced writers within the company. This task is performed by the writing team or a designated mentor who can guide the writer, provide feedback, and answer any questions.

10. Review of style guide and writing standards: The new documentation writer should be provided with the company’s style guide and writing standards to ensure consistency and adherence to brand guidelines. This task is typically performed by the writing team or a designated team member who can explain the style guide, provide examples, and address any queries.

11. Introduction to project management processes: The documentation writer should be familiarized with the company’s project management processes, including how tasks are assigned, deadlines, and communication channels. This task is performed by the project management team or a designated team member who can provide an overview and answer any questions.

12. Collaboration with other departments: The new documentation writer should be introduced to relevant departments, such as marketing, customer support, or development, to understand how their work intersects with others and foster collaboration. This task is performed by the team lead or manager, who can facilitate introductions and initial meetings.

13. Setting goals and expectations: The new documentation writer should have a clear understanding of their role, responsibilities, and performance expectations. This task is typically performed by the team lead or manager, who can discuss goals, objectives, and key performance indicators with the writer.

14. Ongoing feedback and performance evaluations: Regular feedback and performance evaluations are crucial for the growth and development of the documentation writer. This task is performed by the team lead or manager, who should schedule periodic check-ins, provide constructive feedback, and conduct performance evaluations.

15. Continuous learning and professional development opportunities: The company should provide opportunities for the documentation writer to enhance their skills and knowledge through training, workshops, conferences, or online resources. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated team member responsible for organizing professional development initiatives.

16. Integration into company communication channels: The new documentation writer should be integrated into the company’s communication channels, such as email lists, project management tools, or internal messaging platforms, to stay informed and connected with the team. This task is performed by the IT department or a designated team member responsible for managing communication tools.

17. Introduction to company-wide initiatives and events: The new documentation writer should be informed about any company-wide initiatives, events, or activities to foster a sense of belonging and engagement. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated team member responsible for internal communications.

18. Provision of necessary resources and equipment: The company should ensure that the documentation writer has access to the necessary resources, such as reference materials, software licenses, or hardware, to perform their job effectively. This task is performed by the IT department or a designated team member responsible for provisioning resources.

19. Introduction to company benefits and perks: The new documentation writer should be provided with information about the company’s benefits and perks, such as healthcare plans, retirement savings, or employee discounts. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated team member responsible for benefits administration.

20. Welcoming and social integration: To help the new documentation writer feel welcomed and integrated into the company, social activities or team-building events should be organized. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated team member responsible for employee engagement

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Documentation Writer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Documentation Writer up to speed and working well in your Writing team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.