Starting Work Next Week - Questions

[devonshire_lass]

Hi everyone, I've had a good read through the forum but I still have questions - sorry!

I'm starting as a Postwoman with Driving next Wednesday on a 20hr contract.

Is there generally parking at the depot or do most park locally?
I don't know the area at all as it's 20 miles away from where I live (no vacancies locally) - is this a massive problem?
And I don't have my induction for a month (mid November) - am I likely to be working indoors until then or straight out delivering?

I don't have any contact details for my DO/manager (Bideford) yet - is it worth a trip over there to say hi early next week, especially as I don't have any idea of what to wear on my first day?!

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Hi everyone, I've had a good read through the forum but I still have questions - sorry!

No need to apologise. A new job is always scary

I'm starting as a Postwoman with Driving next Wednesday on a 20hr contract.

Congratulations

Is there generally parking at the depot or do most park locally?

usually no parking in the office yard, but have a look on google earth for local street parking.

I don't know the area at all as it's 20 miles away from where I live (no vacancies locally) - is this a massive problem?

You'll learn it very quick and if you have a smart phone with Maps or Navigation that's even better. Also a small A-Z of the area will help till you are familiar with the area.

And I don't have my induction for a month (mid November) - am I likely to be working indoors until then or straight out delivering?

No you'll probably be straight out on delivery, with a trainer for a short period, then with a partner or by yourself depending on the actual style of delivery.

I don't have any contact details for my DO/manager (Bideford) yet - is it worth a trip over there to say hi early next week, especially as I don't have any idea of what to wear on my first day?!

Probably not as we are starting to ramp up for Christmas and they'll be busy.

As we are entering winter then almost anything waterproof and breathable should be okay for Legs, body and feet. A baseball style cap (plain if possible) is good to keep the rain/snow/sun out of your eyes. Shoes with good ankle support are a must as you will be walking quite some distance on most routes. Also make sure you have enough to drink with you, its easy to dehydrate even in winter.

[CAMPINGBLUNDERER]

The vans in Bideford are parked in a public car park next to the Delivery Office / Post Office it's very unlikely that there is any parking " on site " so you will need to find a quiet road nearby.

The best thing is to take a trip over there one day to suss things out , once you actually start ask around and you will find out what the other Posties do.

[peshwaarinaan]

Hi Devonshire_lass, good luck next week. I was very nervous too but everyone was so nice and so accommodating.

I didn't know my patch either but you don't need to to be honest. The way your round will be set out is that it will be obvious where you go to next and you will have someone with you initially. It's a bit daunting when you go out on your own but you'll soon get the hang of it.

Yes definitely wear a hat and I'd recommend layers on your body. I'm still wearing a polo shirt at the moment as the weather has been so nice but that's likely to change at any time!

Hope you enjoy it. I'm in week 12 and love it .

[devonshire_lass]

Hi everyone - thank you VERY much for your kind words and advice, it really helps!
I'm taking a trip over there tomorrow as I'm in Bideford anyway, watching the ladies football so I'll suss out the location & parking for Wednesday, although the depot will be closed I know.
Thank you once again, great forum.

[franco1]

Hi lass,
Things are different from depot to depot, at mine everyone parks inside yard which can be a pain when you need to get your RM van out.
Again training varies too, if your lucky you will be shadowed by postie on a round for a few days, make sure to speak to union rep and get this training otherwise they may try to send you out blind on a walk.
The induction can sometimes be non-existant so be prepared to have to learn as you go, make sure you ask posties, you will be surprised how helpful they can be.
Practice reversing in your car without using back mirror only the side ones as you will eventually have to do a driving assesment usually in a transit van.
Dont worry if you are slow or make mistakes, just stick with it and it does get easier.
Also be sure to claim overtime, if you dont ask you dont get.
Best wishes.

[Storm]

Hi everyone - thank you VERY much for your kind words and advice, it really helps!
I'm taking a trip over there tomorrow as I'm in Bideford anyway, watching the ladies football so I'll suss out the location & parking for Wednesday, although the depot will be closed I know.
Thank you once again, great forum.

I just wondered if you could help me please, when you went for your interview did you print out and take the security check 5 year work history with you or was there somewhere to put it online on my profile?

[devonshire_lass]

First day done and it was good. Nice route, not too scary & the guy training me was great.

Only thing is that I've been moved to a further away DO which, although they are all great & friendly, is a good 2hr round commute each day. My local DO (that I live virtually next door to) wants me to transfer there ASAP but my manager doesn't want to let me go for 6 - 8 weeks as he's very short staffed. I do understand but it does suck that I drive past several DO's to get to mine when there is work at my local one.