new start advice question

micronaut

Hi,

Firstly, I feel lucky to have a job considering the current economic problems, so feel bad about complaining about my job, but I would like some advice if anybody has any experience similar to mine.

I started a new job in a reasonably large multinational in March. I didn't have all the skills they were looking for, and I attended 2 all day interviews with them, and was quite surprised when they offered me a job. The job offer was made over the telephone and the group director informed me that I didn't have all the skills they wanted, but they liked my attitude and wanted to employ me on the basis that I would need re-educating, and that this was a risk they were willing to take on me.

I was apprehensive of accepting the job, but in the current employment climate, and with the promise of being trained in the role I took the job.

I started the job and have yet to receive any training. I've been told that the training is meant to be "on the job", and there is no resource to provide formal training or materials.

Consequently, my work output has been slow as I self-teach myself various aspects of computer science. I was told to go and hassle other members of the department whenever I need help, but my lack of skills has also created friction from other members of the department. Senior staff members often ridicule my ability, and there is a culture of confrontation.

I have begun looking for alternative employment, however I would like some advice as to whether there should be any expectations from the company, in terms of my development within the role as currently I feel that all of the lack of delivery is from myself.

As would be expected my contract is quite vague other than "performing duties as expected by line management", and personal development is only available for soft skills such as team working or time management.

I've also had 3 line managers since March and it's difficult to gain any traction when I raise these problems. I am due to meet my latest manager this week, and would like some advice on how to structure these issues into some kind of resolution.

Dropping back into the employment market is both worrying, and feels like a wasted opportunity.

Any advice is much appreciated.

katie_saver

Hi,

I just wanted to say that when I strated my job, I was chucked in at the deep end and given no official training. It was all like you, 'on the job'. Whilst I think it is a quick way to learn it is also very stressful and I too felt like I was being treated badly by senior management with very little support from my line manager. However, as I work in training, most companies have had to squeeze their budgets and training is one of the budgets that takes the hardest hit.
How about you mention that more formal training would help you rather than pressurised 'on the job' training? In the meantime, you could look for another job, like I am doing!
Good luck!