Onboarding programs cop a lot of shade. Experiences range from awful to LinkedIn-shareworthy appreciation. And while your employer’s process plays a big role in your experience, there are a few things you can do to contribute to your own onboarding experience to give yourself the best head start. 

1. Be prompt with your onboarding prework 

Savvier companies are streamlining their onboarding process by moving some of the critical paperwork and training into pre-boarding. You want to meet them halfway, own your part and show them you’re accountable. 

If you’re asked to return a few forms like, your tax file declaration, bank account and super fund details, background checks, noncompetes and nondisclosures, get onto them promptly. Same goes for any online training like Code of Conduct. It means that on your first day, you and your employer can make better use of your time and experience together. 

2. Connect with key people before you start 

Your work relationships can make or break your employee experience. They can also be the difference between your success and stagnation. But you don’t need to wait for your first day to start building relationships with your new people (if you usually manage to curb your curiosity, you’re a stronger person than we are!). 

Jump start your key relationships and get up to speed quickly. Reach out to your new teammates and/or hiring manager to arrange an informal coffee, or search LinkedIn for people in similar roles under the guise of learning more about the role and what to expect so you can get yourself up for success. 

3. Prepare your own Personal Operating guide 

Think of this like your very own, “Working with me” guide that sets out how you like to work, communicate, and contribute within a team so they can get the best out of you. 

For example, do you prefer back-to-back meetings batched together, or spaced throughout the day allowing you to decompress? If you’re more introverted, will you need to be prompted to speak up in meetings when challenging or sharing ideas or do you prefer to reflect quietly and follow up later. 

It might not be relevant right from Day One. But as you meet more people across the business and get a feel for how things work in your team, it will help you to create boundaries and set yourself up for success. 

As the new hire, you also play a role in how your onboarding experience pans out. Give yourself the best head start by owning your part and showing your new team that you’re invested and accountable.