Tips for Remote Software Developers, Onboarding is the process of introducing a new employee into an organization. It is also the process of helping new employees understand their job requirements for their new job position. This is important in every type of business or for every kind of company. So, it is the same also in the software world when one meets the challenges of onboarding developers.
Developer onboarding can be done, as well as any other job, in two ways, the first of course with a physical presence, and also since the world changed a lot in the last two years due to the pandemic, remotely. That is why here we will see some of the best tips for the software developer onboarding process, and which is the easiest way to onboard remotely even when the pandemic doesn’t allow otherwise. So let’s get into it.
Introduction of The Newcomer
Tips for Remote Software Developers, Human resource specialists consider the introduction process the most important one when a new employee joins an organization. Several introductions should be made initially because the newcomer usually steps into a new work atmosphere, with new people and new job tasks.
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It is expected that they feel a little bit anxious or need some time to adjust. Here are some introduction parts that should be made to get the developer started:
- Introduce Future Colleagues – The most basic thing one should do is first introduce the new developer to their new colleagues. Add them in all the chat groups, make a short video call conference with the team they will work with, and of course, an introduction to their team leader is crucial. Make them feel welcomed in their new workplace.
- Culture of the company – This can be done a lot easier when it would not be done remotely, but still, it is not that difficult to do it for a remote newcomer. Every company has its own culture, as you probably know, from transferring from one to another. Is there a dress code, does the atmosphere allow a level of familiarity, do people hang out during breaks, etc. This allows a chance for both the employers and the newcomer to feel whether or not they can work together easily.
- Introduce tools and goals – The first two were the socializing part, and this one is also very important because it is the technical part. It is easier with experienced developers, but even with a beginner, it is crucial to tell them which software tools they must install and give them a list of software they will need for their job. Also, along with the tools, you should introduce them to the company’s goals, what are the long-term and short-term goals, what issues they will be facing, which tasks are essential, etc.
Access Permission
Now that the newcomer is generally relaxed and was introduced to the basic stuff, the next step is to give them access to the project they will work on. Some of the essential parts to include them are:
- Access and introduction to all meeting plans, guidelines and manuals.
- Permission to have access to internal services and IT support.
- Access to edit tasks and be a part of the project management system.
- And, of course, last but not least, access to the API keys and test environment.
Also, it is valuable to give them all the technical documentation. Whether it is a software engineering onboarding of an experienced or a new developer, they can’t start working without this documentation. So give them development notes, test suites, manual for inputting sample data, API keys and credentials, manual for database setup, source code, etc.
You should give them access right away because, as new employees, they will need a little bit more time to adapt.
Communicate one on one
Even after the newcomer starts to work and is getting into the system well, it is probably still not easy for them, especially when working remotely. So, try to communicate with them one on one without the other members of the team. It doesn’t have to be during a break. You can set up a short video call with them during work time to make an evaluation of their work, give them compliments for the job they’ve done, and also talk about where progress can be made.
Every beginning can be difficult, so it is essential to give proper support because it is good for the new employee and is valuable for the company that the developer learns things fast.
Conclusion
Stick to the plan, and in this order. Onboarding is a crucial part of getting a new employer who will give their best for the company. The point is to make both sides satisfied with the outcome being a good working environment and accomplishing goals on time.
Hello, My name is Shari & I am a writer for the ‘Outlook AppIns’ blog. I’m a CSIT graduate & I’ve been working in the IT industry for 3 years.