Onboarding knowledge checklist — make new hires productive faster

Use this checklist as a lightweight template when creating role-specific onboarding knowledge. Each item should be short and directly actionable.

1. Role snapshot (one paragraph): what this person is expected to accomplish in the first 30–60–90 days.
2. Key systems and access: list tools, accounts, and who to contact for access.
3. Three critical processes: short step-by-step guides for the three tasks that matter most on day one.
4. Common pitfalls & FAQ: three to five common mistakes and how to avoid them.
5. Quick contacts: names, roles, and when to reach out (mentors, backup approvers).
6. First-week checklist: concrete tasks with owners and expected outcomes.
7. Learning resources: links to required reading, short videos, and a suggested learning sequence.
8. Success signals: how the manager and new hire will know progress is on track.
9. Owner & review cadence: who keeps this onboarding pack current and when it will be reviewed.

Tip: keep every section scannable — use bullets, short links, and a 1–3 sentence summary for each item.