Software Developer Onboarding Checklist

Software Developer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Software Developer 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 Technology onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Software Developer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Software Developer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Software Developer 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 software developer. This helps them understand the company’s core principles and align their work accordingly. The HR department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

2. Orientation to company policies and procedures: This task involves familiarizing the software developer with the company’s policies and procedures, including code of conduct, data security protocols, and IT usage guidelines. The HR department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

3. Introduction to team members and key stakeholders: The software developer should be introduced to their immediate team members, as well as key stakeholders they will be collaborating with. This task helps establish relationships and facilitates effective communication within the organization. The team lead or project manager typically performs this task.

4. Provision of necessary hardware and software: The software developer should be provided with the necessary hardware (e.g., laptop, monitor) and software (e.g., development tools, licenses) required to perform their job effectively. The IT department typically performs this task.

5. Setting up email and communication tools: The software developer should be guided through the process of setting up their company email account and other communication tools, such as instant messaging platforms or project management software. The IT department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

6. Access to relevant systems and databases: The software developer should be granted access to the systems, databases, and repositories they will be working with. This includes providing necessary credentials and permissions. The IT department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

7. Introduction to the company’s development processes: The software developer should be familiarized with the company’s development processes, such as version control, bug tracking, and release management. This task helps them understand how their work fits into the larger development lifecycle. The team lead or project manager typically performs this task.

8. Training on company-specific tools and technologies: If the company utilizes specific tools or technologies, the software developer should receive training on how to effectively use them. This could include IDEs, frameworks, or proprietary software. The team lead or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

9. Review of existing codebase and documentation: The software developer should be given time to review the existing codebase and relevant documentation to gain an understanding of the project they will be working on. This task helps them familiarize themselves with the project’s architecture and code quality standards. The team lead or a designated senior developer typically performs this task.

10. Introduction to the company’s testing and quality assurance processes: The software developer should be introduced to the company’s testing and quality assurance processes, including unit testing, integration testing, and code reviews. This task helps them understand the importance of quality in software development. The team lead or a designated QA specialist typically performs this task.

11. Onboarding to project management tools: The software developer should be onboarded to any project management tools used by the company, such as Jira or Trello. This task helps them understand how tasks are assigned, tracked, and managed within the organization. The team lead or project manager typically performs this task.

12. Introduction to the company’s deployment and release processes: The software developer should be familiarized with the company’s deployment and release processes, including continuous integration and continuous deployment practices. This task helps them understand how their code will be deployed and released to production. The team lead or a designated DevOps specialist typically performs this task.

13. Mentoring and buddy system: The software developer should be assigned a mentor or buddy who can provide guidance, answer questions, and help them navigate the company’s processes and culture. This task helps the new developer feel supported and integrated into the team. The team lead or a designated senior developer typically performs this task.

14. Introduction to ongoing learning and professional development opportunities: The software developer should be made aware of the company’s ongoing learning and professional development opportunities, such as training programs, conferences, or online courses. This task helps them continue to grow and enhance their skills. The HR department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

15. Performance expectations and goal setting: The software developer should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations and be involved in setting goals aligned with the company’s objectives. This task helps them understand what is expected of them and how their performance will be evaluated. The team lead or a designated manager typically performs this task.

16. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions: The software developer should have regular check-ins and feedback sessions with their team lead or manager to discuss their progress, address any concerns, and provide feedback on their work. This task helps ensure ongoing communication and support. The team lead or a designated manager typically performs this task.

17. Introduction to company benefits and perks: The software developer should be provided with information about the company’s benefits and perks, such as health insurance, retirement plans, flexible work arrangements, or employee wellness programs. This task helps them understand the full range of benefits offered by the company. The HR department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

18. Introduction to company social events and team-building activities: The software developer should be informed about company social events and team-building activities, such as team lunches, happy hours, or sports events. This task helps them feel included and build relationships with their colleagues. The HR department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

19. Introduction to company support resources: The software developer should be made aware of the company’s support resources, such as IT helpdesk, HR support, or employee assistance programs. This task helps them know where to seek assistance when needed. The HR department or a designated company representative typically performs this task.

20. Exit process and knowledge transfer: Although not directly related to onboarding, it is important to include an exit process and knowledge transfer task. This involves documenting the software developer’s work, ensuring proper handover of responsibilities, and conducting an exit interview to gather feedback and insights. The HR department or a designated company representative typically performs this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Software Developer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Software Developer up to speed and working well in your Technology 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.