Sign O' The Times
I've been working for 30+ years both in permanent and temporary jobs. It has been that in my own experience and observation these days that whenever one starts any new job (temp or otherwise) that you no longer get any direction/orientation or the courtesy of introduction. Here is a scenario on one of the many temp jobs I worked; on my very first day, I reported for work, and the company I was assigned to seemed to be at a loss as to "what to do with me or put me" (no desk, no cubbyhole, etc.), It took them awhile before they found a "spot" or workstation for me, then about an hour later (remember, this is my very first day on the assignment, and I have only been in there for an hour) various staff members begin to have a "running dialog" with me, asking me such things as "what happened to my order for my business cards?", or "have you seen Mike Russell? We're supposed to be having a meeting in the conference room right now" , or "Do you know what those banker's boxes are doing in the breakroom?" Really? Asking someone who hasn't been at your outfit for a full day. Now, I fully understand and appreciate the concept of "hit the ground running" and the new technology of "e-mail"/"texting"/teleconferencing, and such, but this is a bit ridiculous and "non-commonsensical". This is like going out on the street and asking a total stranger if they know where your car keys or house keys are. Can anyone relate to this?
I had a similar situation in a consulting job. I had another position where I pretty much trained myself with videos provided by the employer. Seems like a lazy world out there.
Yes, at 1 company I took it upon myself to develop a new hire introduction booklet, contacts, phone numbers, office layout, what to do in case of fire, etc. I got let go. Remember, small companies have small net groups who look at you as an outsider or threat. Best advice, hit the ground running, ask questions from anybody willing to help you. Keep your head down and laugh at their jokes even if there not funny.
Hi Yolanda, you are from my neck of the woods. Vacaville is where I grew up.
I have had this same experience. In my last position, they barely gave me 2 months to learn two desks. Due to this experience I have decided to branch out on my own, it’s draining going from position to position without adequate respect and training. I understood it’s time to do something different.
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Not too much training anymore. Employees seem to be more helpful than management.
I can...I been I've been working I've been working 30-plus years and I definitely can relate to what you're saying they expect for you to walk in on these jobs and know what's going on
Yes I can when I first started in the grocery store they asked me to go get a product in the back room
Hello, Ashley. Oh, I definitely did speak up, because I am very direct. When the staff heard what I had to say, I did not necessarily get apologies, but more like very sheepish responses like "Oh....OK....you do have a point there" and then they subsequently retreated. It's fine, though, because afterwards, everyone was a little more mindful, I got set up with everything I needed to do the job that I was assigned to do, and I have completed that assignment successfully. Now moving on to the next temp assignment.....onward and upward (hopefully). Thank you for sharing!
Ugh that sounds so unorganized Yolanda Caliz I am sorry! I would make sure to speak up and let them know that you would like a place for your things and when someone asks you that question, just shrug and say I am so sorry I have only been here for a day. They will likely apologize and continue on with their task. See if things improve and if they do not you could seek other opportunities. Sadly not all companies are as structured and welcoming as they should be!
Back in 1989, I had the exact opposite experience. I had just started working for the PA House of Representatives, and I only knew three out of 203 state representatives -- my boss, my own state representative, and a representative from Philadelphia whom I knew because he came to my church to speak. When I asked "what should I be doing", the Executive Assistant handed me a little blue book that had photos and bios of all the state reps, and a list of the ones that my new boss had close relationships with. She told me to study the book to learn something about them, so that when I answered the phone (I started out as a receptionist), I could greet them and ask "how is your (fill in the blank) doing in (fill in the blank). And when he or she came to the office, I was able to greet them by name, without asking who he/she was. I thought that was a great way to learn who was who.