New job - poor onboarding

[Remmy123]

Please tell me if I am being unreasonable

I started a new job Monday - I was given my laptop a few introductions to the team and tonnes of online training videos to watch

I am really struggling with being trained this way as I can't ask anyone any questions with the stuff I don't get - im now entering panic mode as I am expected to start the actual job next week.

it's a large company with processes in place but I thought and would have liked hands on training

how can they expect me to just hit the ground running with just having watched stuff (that I don't understand) online

am I worrying for nothing or should I speak up? Thanks

What is your job title and what are the people like? do they seem approachable / friendly?

Probably best to speak to your manager as opposed to asking on MN.

Civil service by any chance?!

speak up to your line manager. Email them detailing the areas you’re struggling with. Ask if you can join a more experienced team member to observe them. Could someone screen share with you over the bits you’re struggling with?

but now is the time to calmly speak up

It’s part way through your training.

This is an ideal time to talk to your manager about how it’s going and any support you think you need. Some people really like video learning, they can pause, rewind, repeat, have one screen and the system on the other. No judgement. Others prefer having a live person to support them.

Is this a remote or in office role? Is the training around policies or your actual job? I would suggest watching the videos and taking notes. Then send let them know there are things you need clarification on and would appreciate some one to one time

Presumably you understand some of what you are watching? Can you note down areas which are unclear and ask for a meeting with your line manager or an appropriate colleague to clarify? Are you sure you are going to be thrown in at the deep end on your own next week or is it possible that you will be shadowing/working alongside someone until you find your feet?

Thanks all - I do understand some of what I am learning but when I go into the 'sandbox' to practice I get stuck at certain points and I can't ask anyone how to get to the next bit (remote today but in tomorrow)

I did ask someone if I can shadow them tomorrow so that might give me some clarity I think I'm just feeling really overwhelmed with it all as there are hours and hours of training

When you get stuck in the sandbox, are you going back to the video again?

It’s a common pitfall of online learning, people treat it like a film to sit back and watch through, rather than a textbook to keep referring back to.

It’s hard to comment without knowing the industry or job title, if financial for example it is totally normal for all new employees to be given laptop then have lots of online training covering all relevant topics before being allowed to do other tasks. Also in education before starting in a school I had to complete online training covering safeguarding, data protection etc. Are you learning background for the role or job itself.

It's an executive assistant role in executive search - it's a global firm

i sm much better at being shown hands on or learning in the job

when I get stuck in sandbox I am reading / watching the video again but still can't get to next steps I've spent all day watching videos now feel really deflated!

It's an executive assistant role in executive search - it's a global firm

Presumably you have worked as an EA before? I'm a bit stumped as to what kind of EA training (requiring actual practice rather than just watching loads of company culture, H&S videos etc) is involved for a whole week - do they have an in-house system for tracking candidate progress etc? I would think it is entirely reasonable to ask your manager for support with specific queries or ask if there is another experienced PA whom you can call if you get stuck?

are these videos the mandatory compliance modules that everyone has to watch? There may be more training on its way once these are done if so

Also, are you calling someone for help or struggling alone?

For an EA role, you want to be showing initiative

What is it about the EA training that you don't understand? Is the training specific to your job or just general stuff which doesn't relate to EA work?

Thanks all - I have done job for years I am totally confident in my role - but I wanted someone to physically show me

anyrway I have reached out to a few people now and i am shadowing them thiis week also I am not expected to know all of this training as it is also for parters too (thought all was just for the admin)

sttarting a new job when perimenopausal is not for the faint hearted!

It's the systems they use

Oh I see. Definitely ask for guidance

@Remmy123 you’re right about that. Starting a new role while you’re peri menopausal is a struggle. I got a new job in April. Was really excited but three weeks in I had a massive crisis of confidence and was convinced I couldn’t do it. Luckily I worked through the process and stuck with it but I think I went home on at least three occasions saying I was going to leave.

Yes I am like this now but only day 3 - spent my whole notice period stressing and now I'm still stressed!

look back to when I was in my 20's and remember not even listening in the training sessions as was so cocky!!

@Remmy123 trust the process (as rubbish as it sounds) if you know that you have the skills and can do the job then stick with it. When you’re through your probationary period you could maybe mention that the induction is a bit too reliant on videos.

Good luck!

Lots of big companies have mandatory introduction training that you just have to get through to tick a box. Pick up what you can then shadow people as you’ve already arranged and ask questions.

Sounds like youre putting yourself under an absolute ton of pressure only a few days into the job. Give yourself a break!

Surely they won't be expecting you be full knowledgeable immediately and there will be a settling in period?

Meanwhile, watch the training, make notes and don't be afraid to ask your manger and colleagues. Systems and tasks often change ao much that many may new to others as well.

If it helps, I made a few blunders (still do!) not knowing who did what or which forms to fill in, it's called a learning curve for a reason! Xxx

Thanks so much for your responses - yes defo putting myself under to much pressure