How to Onboard Successfully in Your New Remote Role

Starting a new job is always a mix of excitement and nerves. When that job is remote, the onboarding process can feel even more challenging. Without the casual interactions of an office, you have to be more proactive about integrating into the team and understanding your role. Here’s how to ensure your remote onboarding is a success.

1. Be Proactive Before Day One

Your onboarding starts before your first official day.

Communicate with your manager: A week before you start, send a brief email to confirm your start time and ask if there’s anything you should review beforehand.
Set up your workspace: Ensure you have a dedicated, comfortable, and quiet place to work. Test your internet connection, webcam, and microphone.
Clarify expectations for equipment: Know whether the company is providing a laptop and other gear, and when it will arrive.

2. Master the Tools and Technology

In a remote setting, your company’s software is your office.

Get comfortable with the basics: Spend your first few days familiarizing yourself with the primary communication tools, whether it’s Slack, Microsoft Teams, or something else.
Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you're struggling with a particular piece of software, ask for a quick tutorial. It's better to ask early than to struggle in silence.
Organize your digital life: Set up your email signature, update your profile picture on communication platforms, and organize your browser bookmarks for important company links.

3. Schedule One-on-One Meetings

Building relationships is the most critical part of onboarding, and in a remote environment, it requires deliberate effort.

Meet your immediate team: Schedule 15-30 minute virtual coffee chats with each member of your team. Keep it informal—the goal is to get to know them as people.
Connect with key stakeholders: Ask your manager to identify people outside of your immediate team who you'll be working with closely and schedule introductory meetings with them.
Prepare a few questions: For each meeting, have a few questions ready, such as "What's the best way to collaborate with you?" or "What's one piece of advice you have for someone new to the company?"

4. Understand Your Role and Expectations

Clarity is key to success.

Set up a 30-60-90 day plan with your manager: This will help you understand the key milestones and expectations for your first three months.
Ask for clarification: If you're unsure about a task or a process, ask for more details. It’s better to over-communicate than to make assumptions.
Take detailed notes: Document everything, from project details to company acronyms. This will be an invaluable resource to refer back to.

5. Be Visible and Engaged

In a remote setting, you can't rely on being physically present to be noticed.

Keep your status updated: Use the status features in your communication tools to let your colleagues know when you're available, in a meeting, or at lunch.
Participate in meetings: Keep your camera on (if it's the company culture to do so), and don't be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and contribute your ideas.
Engage in non-work channels: If your company has social channels for hobbies, pets, or random chatter, participate in them. It's a great way to show your personality and build rapport.

6. Seek Feedback

Don't wait for your first formal review to find out how you're doing.

Schedule regular check-ins with your manager: Use this time to discuss your progress, ask questions, and solicit feedback.
Ask for feedback from peers: After completing a project with a colleague, you can ask, "Do you have any feedback for me? I'm always looking to improve."

Successful remote onboarding is all about being intentional and proactive. By taking ownership of your integration into the company, you can build strong relationships, clarify expectations, and lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in your new role.