Since I have started my new job- almost a month ago- there has been a lot going on. My new hire orientation was very minimal and only included two computer programs. The first taught us how to work the cash register and the second described how to interact with customers more efficiently. It would have been very helpful if there was more face-to-face interaction in the new hire orientation or a follow-up after the on-line programs. I could not only make sure that I understood everything clearly, but I could get to know the people that I work with in a comfortable way. When I am actually working, everything is so fast-paced that I do not get to talk to and get to know the people that I work with. I do understand, however, that the way my new hire orientation was setup saves time and money for the company.
I eventually want to be promoted and become a Human Resources specialist. I think that there are many things I’m learning and many skills that I use at my current job that will help me in the future. For example, each time I go through a new hire orientation, I learn something new about what works well and what does not work well to make a new employee feel welcome and knowledgeable. I enjoy working with many different people, and I am good at establishing rapport quickly with my customers. Using eye contact and changing my body language is something that I do with every customer by taking subconscious clues from their facial expressions and body language. I am very eager to help my customers in any way that I can- whether it be taking their gathered clothes off of their hands or a kind gesture not included in my job description, such as pushing their stroller for them to the fitting room.
Going above and beyond what is required of me helps the company, my customers and my future opportunities for growth and promotion. Having the ability to efficiently organize, while paying attention to detail, is also something that I pride myself on. In the middle of my second week at my job, I won the highest sale for the week to one customer. During my third week, I won a contest for selling the most items to a customer.
My abilities are apparently not only seen by myself but also by my superiors. It has not been a month that I have been working at this job and I already have been offered a promotion to sales lead. There are thirty-six other employees they could have chosen, but I was specifically offered the promotion due to my ability to “work extremely well with customers”. I had to decline, to my dismay, because I am not able to meet the weekly hourly requirements. With two internships, 15 semester hours and the hours I am already working at this job, at some point I have to stop saying yes to things and take a step back to avoid being overwhelmed. I need to focus on my previous commitments so that I can continue to work towards my ultimate goals. Of course, I’m happy to have learned some of the skills and talents I will need in the future when I really am ready for that promotion!
How to go from New Hire Orientation to Promotion by Lisa Gauvreau
