Beat the new job blues

Louise Mullane got a real feel for her 277 Flight Centre job. Picture / Fotopress

The first day in a new job can be telling about the new employer. For example, is there a full induction and support programme in place for newbies? Or are they left to their own devices after being shown to their desk or work area?

At the interview many job hunters are too busy concentrating on getting the job to worry about finding out whether there is an induction programme.

Paul Silver (not his real name) didn't ask about one when he was offered his last job at a finance company.

"I arrived in the morning and no one was really ready to show me the ropes," he said. "The chap who I was meant to meet had taken the week off and had not told anyone of my pending arrival. And my colleagues seemed too busy to help. I sat at an empty desk twiddling my thumbs until someone from HR arrived. I felt quite dejected and wondered why I took a job there."

Silver was eventually shown his desk and told that someone from IT would be in touch "sometime during the week" to set up his computer.

"I couldn't believe it really," said Silver. "They had a month's notice I was coming yet nothing had been planned for my arrival. I couldn't log in to my PC as a user account had not been set up and I couldn't use email."

And when it came to training - he was given a manual to read and was told by his boss to ask around the office if he needed help.

People arriving for their first day rarely know what to expect. It can be like entering a foreign country where everything appears the same but isn't. There are new people to meet, new systems and procedures to learn and you have to get this under your belt while actually doing the job you were hired for.

At travel firm Flight Centre newbies take part in a three-month familiarisation and support programme. They are also teamed up with a buddy - a colleague - who can answer all their questions and help them while they are learning the job.

Clare Naden, at Flight Centre, says once the firm recruits someone to work in one of its retail stores they nurture and help newbies to make them feel welcome.

"Our programme includes initial training followed by the buddy system."

The buddy spends half an hour with the new staff member every morning and 15 minutes at the end of the day with them reviewing the day's activities and work for the first three months.

"There is a coaching day with a trainer after their first month where they go through areas they may be struggling with and a trainer calls them every week to check that everything is okay, asks about their stress levels, and any issues they may have."

Louise Mullane has been with 277 Flight Centre in Newmarket for seven months and has just returned from a free trip to Australia. Before joining the firm last year she worked at a textiles company.

"The thing that impressed me about getting a job here was the recruitment process which has a few more layers than most firms," said Mullane.

"I had a couple of interviews and then spent a day at the 277 store to see how I fitted in - I got a real feel for the job, the people and what was expected of me."

After joining 277 Flight Centre Mullane spent four weeks alternating between working in the store and training.

"Part of the training includes newbies having a buddy to ask questions. If ever I got in difficulty I knew my buddy would help."

Mullane also sat between her manager and second-in-charge who gave feedback on her performance on the fly.

"If they heard me say something that wasn't quite correct or saw I was in difficulty they would chip in and help," said Mullane.

"We are trained in the technical side of making bookings correctly and confirming them, as well as sales skills. Training is ongoing, not just for the first few months in the job."

Naden says recruiting staff is an expensive business for employers, so Flight Centre has introduced a scheme whereby managers get a bonus related to staff retention.

"A low staff turnover leads to happier and more committed people and our staff training really helps us achieve this."


How to handle your first day


* Dress to fit in, not to draw attention to yourself.


* Listen without interrupting.


* Ask questions about the work, systems and procedures.


* Don't tell your colleagues how they should do their job.


* Use people's names as often as possible. You won't remember everyone's name so don't get stressed about it.


* Stay neutral if a colleague criticises the company or staff member.


* Watch who socialises with whom during breaks.


* Don't complain about new or former colleagues.


* When you get home write down the names of your colleagues, their job titles and responsibilities. This will help you remember who's who, and help you to feel more comfortable on day two.


* Stay positive. You were given the job because you were the best candidate.