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How to onboard your new tech hires for success
At Code First Girls, we’ve helped thousands of women from non-traditional backgrounds launch successful careers in tech, and we’ve partnered with forward-thinking businesses to support their journey from day one. Through these partnerships, we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to onboarding new tech hires.
This framework draws on insights from our work with CFG graduates and our Client Success Team, but the strategies are designed for any organisation committed to building inclusive, high-performing teams.
Whether you’re hiring your first junior developer or scaling a tech function, these practical steps will help set new starters up for long-term success.
The first 90 days: Lay the foundations for success
The first three months in any tech role are critical. This is especially true when onboarding new tech hires with limited prior experience in the industry. A thoughtful, structured onboarding process builds confidence, accelerates learning, and strengthens retention.
Whether your new joiner is a CFG graduate or someone else entering tech through a non-traditional route, here’s how to help them hit the ground running:
- Kick off with clarity: Offer a prep day, team introductions, and a virtual or in-person office tour. Even a simple induction pack can make a big difference.
- Align your team: Ensure managers and teammates are ready to welcome and support new joiners. Communication creates community.
- Assign a go-to person: A friendly, designated contact provides a trusted support touchpoint from day one. This could be a mentor or a buddy.
- Set up early wins: Small, manageable tasks that contribute to team goals can boost confidence and signal that the new hire is making an impact.
Culture & collaboration: Embed belonging
Onboarding new tech hires isn’t just about learning tools and tasks. It’s about understanding how things work, and why.
New hires thrive when they’re included in the bigger picture. That means helping them understand not just what their team does, but how they contribute to the wider business goals.
- Explain the ‘why’: Don’t just assign tasks, but contextualise them. Share the background of systems, team rituals, and cross-functional processes.
- Facilitate introductions: Create opportunities to meet leaders, mentors, and role models across the business. It broadens their network and their aspirations.
- Schedule check-ins: Regular, structured feedback helps guide progress, build trust, and create space for reflection and growth.
Career progression: Map the path from day one
Like many professionals pivoting into tech, CFG graduates are ambitious, purpose-driven, and ready to grow. Many have left behind established careers to pursue a future in technology. Showing them a clear path forward helps sustain engagement and motivation from the outset.
Support career development by:
- Starting the conversation early: Share promotion frameworks, development pathways, and upskilling opportunities within the first few weeks.
- Setting measurable goals: Collaborate on six-month development plans and revisit them regularly to track growth and celebrate milestones.
- Making success visible: Share real stories of progression from within your team. Representation matters and it builds confidence.
Lets build the future of tech - together
At Code First Girls, we’re proud to work with employers who know that diverse, high-performing tech teams don’t just happen — they’re built through intentional hiring, inclusive onboarding, and long-term support.
Whether you’re looking to bring in one CFG graduate or scale an entire early careers programme, our team is here to help you attract, onboard, and retain exceptional talent.
Ready to build a stronger, more inclusive tech team?
Get in touch with us to explore how CFG can support your hiring and onboarding strategy.
GET IN TOUCH WITH CODE FIRST GIRLS
Get in touch with Code First Girls to learn more about how we can help you build a diverse talent pipeline, and upskill your employees, to create a future-ready workforce.