Wowing in the workplace

Creating a good first impression in the workplace is always vital, but never more so than when the job market is as tough as it is now. After all, if new employees do not prove their worth in their probationary period, there are plenty more well-qualified prospective candidates waiting in the wings.

Having landed the perfect job, how can you ensure it is yours for keeps? Russell & Bromley HR director Ann Friday says the retailer has introduced a 12-week probationary period for store staff and up to six months for trainee managers to ensure staff are given a formal framework during their first few weeks. “There is a structured process of what needs to be done in that time with training that goes on in tandem with the probationary period,” she says.

Friday says this allows the employer to ensure the candidate is all that they promised at interview. “It’s about looking for the basics such as key skills and commitment,” she says.

John Lewis resourcing manager Carole Donaldson adds that employers also realise new recruits have a lot of information to absorb. The retailer ensures clear job descriptions at the recruitment process are supported by KPIs, and upon starting the new recruit is given a senior mentor and undergoes a tailor-made induction programme to meet with key contacts.

Donaldson says John Lewis looks for people who are enthusiastic about getting to grips with the new role. “The challenge in joining any new organisation at a senior level is the ability to do this while providing leadership that is in line with not only our business goals but our business values,” she says.

She adds that the retailer also wants its staff to be proactive. “We would expect to see senior recruits building strong networks from day one, making use of key contacts they have been introduced to as part of their induction,” she says.

Donaldson admits new recruits can get overwhelmed and a common mistake is to take on too much, too soon. “While there will be a natural wish to deal with everything from day one there will be areas where further guidance, information or training will be required to give the full picture,” she says.

New recruits must therefore be encouraged to use their support network. “There is a wealth of experience within management teams to draw from and seeking input from within the team will create a real sense of involvement in the running of the branch,” says Donaldson.

Starting a new role may seem like a lonely process to begin with but being open and enthusiastic will not only win over your new colleagues but also your new employer.