1. As stephenr says, create a document/checklist. This should include steps on how to set up db access, vm access, installing common tools (like XCode for Mac),

1. As stephenr says, create a document/checklist. This should include steps on how to set up db access, vm access, installing common tools (like XCode for Mac), etc. If there are standard HR procedures like setting up direct deposit, instructions on how to do that too. Machine set up can be automated using tools like Boxen. 2. Provide application documentation and an intro to your company and industry domain knowledge. This should be part doc and part talk. 3. Assign someone to be their guide for two weeks. This person should be responsible for the small things like guiding them through application patterns, odd questions etc. Above all, do your best to get your new hire in the code and working even if it's just bug fixing the first week. Keep in mind that onboarding will have to continue to evolve as your company scales. What worked 3 hires ago, may need to be tweaked now