Willem Hoek

Onboarding checklist when joining a new company

Jan 06, 2020

The Tomb of the Diver, in Paestum, Italy c. 480BC

So, you just joined a new company. Everything is very overwhelming - you have lots to learn. In addition to be able to do the basics of your job, what else can you do to get up to speed as soon as possible? Here are some ideas on what you can do to become more familiar with the company, its processes and people.

Start keeping notes in a paper file and your computer of the following. Memorise as much as possible of this.

The People

The names of all the people and job-titles between you and CEO.
Keep a list of all your peers. The people that report to the same manager as you.
Keep a list of all the people sitting around you. You may want to keep a small notebook with you for this. Greet them on their name next time you see them at the watercooler.
List of everyone that introduce themselves.
Name of person at reception, IT support person, office manager, person cleaning the kitchen and other key service.
Look up above people on LinkedIn and make a note of something interesting about them. Example previous company they worked at, language ability, where they worked before, anything. This gives you the ability to get a conversation going when you meet them.

This list is not complete but you get the idea.

The Company

Download annual report or get hold of some high level finance stats
Finance: what is turnover, earnings, valuation – is it on the up or down – why?
History of the company
Management team, Directors
Main product or service provided by company
Client base and how is it changing

Technology being used

Info of all the key systems used in company, example those used for accounting, production, HR, sales
High level architecture of these systems - what is working / not working well
Main service providers / vendor of the company

References

I have not read it but this book is a practical guide on how to be getting up to speed, faster in a new company.
The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael D. Watkins
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1422188612