Tips for working at large companies

[everton2004]

Go in, do your job, go home. Oh and don't trust a word of what senior management say. Get along with the good ones, steer clear of the a'holes. Watch your back and, above all, look after number one. You'll do just fine

 

[The Size Of A Cow]

If you're unsure of how to do something - ask. People would sooner help you to do something once than discover it's been done wrong further down the line.

Own up if you make a mistake.

Get along with people, but try to be aware that there are plenty there who will sell you out as soon as look at you if it makes them look good to the boss.

 

[Woolly Blue]

Evening lads,

Just started at a huge UK brand (after years of working at smaller companies).

It's very different to what I'm used to, and I was interested to see if anyone's had any long term experience in places like these.

What's the best ways to progress in these kinds of environments?

I'm expecting some funny responses as well as serious ones lol

One of the advantages of working for a bigger company is they tend to have larger HR ( or Personnel in old money ) departments, which are predominantly female.

Take advantage of this and chat the younger, fitter ones up, or at least enjoy the view.

 

[Lowste]

In a small company you have a name

In a big company you are just a number

 

[roydo]

One of the advantages of working for a bigger company is they tend to have larger HR ( or Personnel in old money ) departments, which are predominantly female.

Take advantage of this and chat the younger, fitter ones up, or at least enjoy the view.

Like any HR dept has any fit ladies in.

 

[Moomin]

I've just been on a training course with my company, they had some colleagues from South Africa doing the training with us.

I got one of them so drunk last night he never made it to the course today as he was going sick.

 

[Sy-]

One of the advantages of working for a bigger company is they tend to have larger HR ( or Personnel in old money ) departments, which are predominantly female.

Take advantage of this and chat the younger, fitter ones up, or at least enjoy the view.

Also they don't like it if you ask if HR stands for Human Remains.

 

[Woolly Blue]

Like any HR dept has any fit ladies in.

They do mate, probably not in Yodelatheehoo land, but I see a few in my travels.

Sales departments tend to be better to be fair though.

 

[tim gabbott]

Just done 25 years.... Don't act the clown or try to be too funny... In my industry the best engineer don't progress the sh/t ones do get into management... But that is changing its all the young ones now who go up the ladder .. Be honest

 

[Woolly Blue]

Also they don't like it if you ask if HR stands for Human Remains.

Now might be a good time to check if @Deco works in HR ...

 

[roydo]

They do mate, probably not in Yodelatheehoo land, but I see a few in my travels.

Sales departments tend to be better to be fair though.

Actually, you are right. Tata had a lovely lady in their HR.

I dont think Yodel actually have an HR Dept mind. My "interview" was "Can you drive, and are you allowed to work in the UK?"

Glad it wasnt the other way round.

 

[The Esk]

Evening lads,

Just started at a huge UK brand (after years of working at smaller companies).

It's very different to what I'm used to, and I was interested to see if anyone's had any long term experience in places like these.

What's the best ways to progress in these kinds of environments?

I'm expecting some funny responses as well as serious ones lol

First of all the skills that got you the job, got you the job, so they're pretty comfortable with who and what you are, so take confidence from that and do what you're there to do to the best of your abilities.

In addition, you might want to consider - being proactive in identifying problems, and inefficiencies plus possible solutions; once bedded in start asking for more challenging work; take any opportunity to develop your skills and breadth of experience; if possible identify a mentor higher in the company who is a long term employee - learn from him or her what works/doesn't work.

Finally support the people around you, including your boss - the above plus being seen as a team player will stand you in good stead.

 

[Woolly Blue]

First of all the skills that got you the job, got you the job, so they're pretty comfortable with who and what you are, so take confidence from that and do what you're there to do to the best of your abilities.

In addition, you might want to consider - being proactive in identifying problems, and inefficiencies plus possible solutions; once bedded in start asking for more challenging work; take any opportunity to develop your skills and breadth of experience; if possible identify a mentor higher in the company who is a long term employee - learn from him or her what works/doesn't work.

Finally support the people around you, including your boss - the above plus being seen as a team player will stand you in good stead.

... and don't get caught gazing out of the window during meetings.

 

[roydo]

First of all the skills that got you the job, got you the job, so they're pretty comfortable with who and what you are, so take confidence from that and do what you're there to do to the best of your abilities.

In addition, you might want to consider - being proactive in identifying problems, and inefficiencies plus possible solutions; once bedded in start asking for more challenging work; take any opportunity to develop your skills and breadth of experience; if possible identify a mentor higher in the company who is a long term employee - learn from him or her what works/doesn't work.

Finally support the people around you, including your boss - the above plus being seen as a team player will stand you in good stead.

Sake, being serious, Esk is spot on.

I would add, retain a sense of humour and perspective. Folk in large organisations can get a bit engrossed/anal about how important an email or spread sheet actually is. They are, of course, but mistakes happen. If someone makes one, shrug, deal with it, and share a coffee or a beer later.

If its your fault, dont hide. Own up, ask for help, and do not let it stress you out.

Thats probably a 60 ish years of combined experience.

 

[ilikecheese]

... and don't get caught gazing out of the window during meetings.

Learn the art of the closed mouth yawn.