Pros
Since I must write 5 words.
Cons
I have never experienced anything like this in my professional career.
Within approximately three weeks of employment (two weeks of training and one week on the floor), I was placed on a final warning for compliance issues while still trying to learn the systems, workflows, scripts, SOPs, and procedures.
What makes this even more surprising is that I was never given a prior written warning. I went from being a brand-new employee in onboarding to receiving a final warning despite still learning the job, the systems, and the company's processes.
During onboarding, I printed well over 200 pages of employee manuals, compliance documents, SOPs, scripts, and workflow instructions. The amount of information expected of a new hire was overwhelming, especially considering we were simultaneously expected to learn multiple systems and begin performing.
What made the experience even more frustrating was that the written procedures often did not match what was being taught in training. You would read one process in the compliance documentation, then attend training and be told to do something different. As a new employee, you're left trying to figure out which instruction you're supposed to follow.
The compensation discussion during recruiting was also very different from the reality of the position. Significant earnings were discussed during the interview process, but new hires should make sure they fully understand exactly how compensation works, including any draw arrangements and what they will realistically earn while ramping up.
Another major concern was the expectation that employees continue learning and training outside of scheduled work hours. If someone is already spending their entire workday in training, it is fair to ask when they are expected to absorb hundreds of pages of additional materials. New hires should ask detailed questions about training expectations and whether additional learning is expected outside of working hours. WE WERE TOLD IN OUR RECORDED TRAINING TO WORK OFF THE CLOCK.
The most shocking part of all of this was receiving a final warning after essentially completing onboarding. Instead of additional coaching, hands-on practice, or a reasonable ramp-up period, the response was disciplinary action.
At that point, I logged off and decided the opportunity was not for me.
• Unrealistic onboarding expectations.
• Massive amount of documentation to learn in a very short period of time.
• Inconsistencies between written procedures and training guidance.
• Final warning issued within approximately three weeks of employment.
• No prior written warning before receiving a final warning.
• Compensation expectations should be clarified in writing before accepting the role.
• Extremely steep learning curve with little room for mistakes.