To be suspicious of job where the employer says at interview that they want you to 'hit the ground running'?

[TinselTarts]

It screams to me of 'we won't train you but will expect slave labour from you from day one'

Also, the interviewer at said interview also said as his first words to me at the interview 'Right, impress me!'

My first job as a graduate I was told to hit the ground running and it meant that my job role wasn’t properly defined and there were conflicting expectations- I was constantly criticised. I was like a servant with two masters. I was bullied out in the end

It wouldn't put me off, I have been asked to do that a couple of times, it's the level of seniority I'm at. But I would ask to be briefed before I started so I didn't waste time finding out the basics of somewhere new. The comment about employing people with children is worse. That would give me pause for thought.

Hitting the ground running is all very well - provided you have the seniority, the authority and the clout to get things done. It's a bit shit when you are not a senior manager though. They tell you to hit the ground running, and then they won't let you do the very thing you were employed for.

‘Hitting the ground running’ isn’t just used for senior jobs, I’m a PA and had it a few times. One job handed me a laptop still wrapped in its box on the first day and told me to crack on. I did suggest they implemented a bit more of an onboarding process in future.

Exactly!!

Id roll my eyes at the impress me but hitting the ground running would be absolutely expected in any job I applied for. I wouldnt be good at what I do if I wasnt able to do that but if it's not something for you then that's fine too

That’s perfect for me. I want to go into a role and get on with it. Not be micromanaged etc

It really depends on the role and seniority and experience you have. For many people
its a compliment though.

I agree that it doesn't sound good, but on the other hand I've been told so many times that 'we're really busy' at the moment and then had not much to do for the first few months, that it it might not be the reality. I'd try to figure out why they said that? Are they so busy that there really isn't anybody to show you the ropes?

Report him to his HR department, he can't say shit like that. And do not take the job. Sounds like a total cockwomble!

I think his discrimination is a matter for the HR department, and if they don't take it seriously, then perhaps name the company so we can all avoid them and not do business with them.

Whether he is ugly or not is immaterial.

Let’s hope you’re not desperate for the job and he doesn’t offer it to you, as that would be a dilemma for you! I shouldn’t think that’ll happen, unless you’re a consummate actor, as he’ll probably have realised you’re not on the same wave-length!

While I don’t think the phrase “hit the ground running” is very professional to use in an interview, I don’t necessarily see an issue with the expectations themselves. There are plenty of roles where formal training isn’t available and the pace is extremely fast. That environment isn’t for everyone, but I think it is a fair to let people know what to expect in advance.

However, his comment about kids is completely inappropriate in today’s workplace. I’m not sure what kind of job or company this is, but language like that from a manager is a major red flag.

He sounds like a grade A knob with no people skills. I picture someone with very little experience who is a manager because the overall calibre of the work force is not much to write home about. Probably wears a cheap suit, reeking of cheap aftershave, spending more time fixing his hair than actually working. Ok I could be wrong about all of that but he sounds disrespectful and if he openly said he wouldn't employ anyone with children clearly knows jack shit about discrimination and employment law so don't expect to be treated well if you do get the job.

I am getting too long in the tooth for peoples BS. I am in my 50s and when I say I have seen it all, I really have!

But do you have a 'can do attitude' and 'take ownership' of problems?
Are you 'raring to get started'?

Or would you prefer to have your feet up with a cup of tea watching Netflix like most of us who have to put on ridiculous fronts for the sake of keeping a roof over our heads.

First statement fine to me if you are qualified/experienced in the job you are being interviewed for.

Bigger issue with the second statement- he just sounds like a wanker!

Run.

You're walking into a shit storm, probably no training, no support and no handover.

Huge red flags for me. Would run a mile.

Hit the ground running would depend on context and the interviewer. However, the comments about people with children would scream lack of flexibility, prejudice & discrimination. I'd decline, probably not politely.

My employer said none of these things and were all lovely at interview. Turns out they don't train at all (I mean, at ALL), and discriminate against part timers and parents. I've been lumped with the crap work (despite higher quals) and have just been kicked out of my office for a new (male) full timer & put in an airless room full of junk and void of natural light. Also was told I could negotiate salary after probation to be told I don't do the responsibility level of work required to do that (but not given it!). Also discovered I'm the lowest paid and the full timer in the same position (started after me) gets all the good work & career development despite making massive mistakes (I know because I was told this by someone she does tasks for). They also use a negative training model where you're not trained but told what you did wrong. I'm a former staff trainer & they won't listen.

Yes, I'm looking elsewhere and they do wonder why any decent staff leave quickly... Last year they had people leaving with weeks of starting - the record was half a day!

It looks so calm & lovely too.

I don’t view it that way, but I’m a specialist who hires specialists, if someone can’t hit the ground running at the level I’m hiring in our field it’s a concern. It’s different if the role is not junior.

This is the thread headline surely?

I remember going for a interview back in 2005 at a call centre for inbound calls only. Interviewer said "Imagine you're a kitchen appliance...sell yourself to me" I said er....no you're ok, got up and walked out. Decided to stick with college & became cabin crew instead.