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Anonymous
05/29/20 at 12:21AM UTC
in
Career

Cold Feet

I've been fortunate enough to secure a new job despite the COVID-19 pandemic. I'm excited about the opportunity and hope to learn a lot in my new position. The location is closer to my home than my previous position and the salary and benefits package is better. Due to the virus, I'll be working from home at least through July. I'm okay w/ that and I have a dedicated office space in my home. But I have a few concerns. When I interviewed for the position, I did a phone interview w/ my boss. The follow up interview was a zoom interview w/ 2 team members, one was an accountant and the other person was a lead AP specialist. As we got to the question portion of the interview, I realized that my potential new boss was also on zoom, but had been silent and his video wasn't on. I wanted to ask them how they enjoyed working w him and what they thought of his management style, but didn't since he was on the call and I figured they wouldn't be honest. I thought it was strange that he didn't announce himself or share his video, but I brushed it off. He called me a few days later to offer me the position. I asked him a few more questions, and he seemed friendlier in our conversation. After taking a day to think about the offer, the position and responsibilities, and what I wanted to do next in my career, I accepted the position. Fast forward to last wk. My new boss gave me a call a wk before I am to start the job. He wanted to let me know that the office was still closed and that I'd be working from home initially. I appreciated him reaching out. He said that he would touch base with me mid wk this wk to arrange a day and time for me to pick up my equipment (laptop and monitors). So this wk comes, didn't expect to hear from him Monday due to the holiday. Radio silence Tues. and Wed. So I decided to reach out first thing Thurs. morning to see if we could arrange a time later Thurs. or some time Fri. to meet up and pick up the equipment. Also thought this would be a great opportunity to meet the mystery man. When I called, the phone went to voicemail and I realized it was the office phone. I left a message since I figured he may have his calls being forwarded to his home or cell phone and this was the only number he had given me. I also decided to send an e-mail. Hours go by, no response. Then I get a call from the accountant that I virtually met during the interview and he let me know that my boss would like the two of us to make arrangements which we do. I'm a bit concerned because I never received a response from my new boss, unless he considers the accountant calling me to be his response. I would think that he'd want to physically meet even if it's a quick 5-10 minute exchange while I'm getting my computer equipment. It's an awkward first impression especially since I haven't even met him virtually and there's nothing I can find online. I'm not used to this style of communication. Should I be concerned?

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Anonymous
06/02/20 at 8:08PM UTC
UPDATE: My manager sent me an e-mail at 10:59PM Thursday, and apologized for now getting back to me sooner. He stated he had been in meetings all day and promised to call Fri. No problem, I understand. Fri. I met w/ a coworker at the office to get my equipment. I went home to set up the equipment and realized that there were no log-in instructions, but my boss stated in his e-mail that he'd call Fri. Fri. came and went. On Monday, I e-mailed my boss saying I was excited to start and could he provide log-in details. He provided the details and told me to e-mail him back when I was up and running. I e-mailed back 10 mins. later, he responded 4 hrs later and asked if I had talked w/ IT. No, I hadn't. So he said he'd reach out to someone to finalize my access to the systems. About an hour later, I spoke w/ IT. Very friendly guy, got everything set up. My boss also said he'd send over a chart of accounts. Today, I logged on, searched the shared drive, watch a few onboarding vidoes I found. Reached out to HR about enrolling in benefits and direct deposit. I reached out to my boss at 10AM to see if there was anything I needed to do, if there was an onboarding schedule and to inquire about the chart of accounts. At 3PM, the co worker I met w/ on Fri., sent over the chart of accounts. I'm grateful to have a job, but this is extremely slow as I'm just sitting in front of a screen w/ nothing to do, and keep having to ask for things. I know that COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on everyone, but this co. has been working from home since March 1st, and have hired others during this time. Just seems a bit unorganized. I'm trying to find the silver lining, and appreciate the quiet slow time, but I'm also afraid things will open up and then I'll be expected to hit the ground running when I could be doing more now to learn and get ahead of he curve.
Laura McCann
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325
Driving results through people engagement
06/02/20 at 7:56PM UTC
COVID has made everything crazy! I would assume positive intent with him. I love the suggestions from the others. Good luck with everything!
Heather Hauser
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308
05/29/20 at 2:52AM UTC (Edited)
Congratulations on your new job! I know it's a little disconcerting, but something may have come up that prevented your manager from meeting with you personally. I'm glad that he selected someone assist you that was on the Zoom interview; I think that shows that he is trying to make you feel comfortable even if he wasn't there personally, to help you. I agree with Shannon's comments and perhaps asking to schedule a meeting via Zoom would be a good idea. He may have not been able to interact during the 2nd interview, or perhaps his management style is to allow the other two employees meet you and he simply observe. If he was still working from home, there could have been various distractions around that would have made you more uncomfortable if he had his mic or video on. Good luck in your new positon!
Akeba Rice
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221
Strategist & Connector in the Dental Biz
05/29/20 at 2:39AM UTC
Hello there! Times are unprecedented and that may have people moving weirdly. I would give it time and ask the manager "what is the best way you'd like for me communicate with you?" You sometimes have to leader your manager because he may have a whole lot on his plate and that is no fault of yours. Always think positive but if this is the standard, do what is best for you! Best of luck, you got this!
Shannon Slack
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157
Founder of Moonlighting Career Services
05/29/20 at 1:20AM UTC
Hi! I can understand why you would be a little uncomfortable. We are in a time when everything is up in the air and many companies are still transitioning to remote work. You should ask if you can do arrange for a Zoom " Meet and Greet" with yous boss. He may be overwhelmed and may not be able to meet you in person. Also, some people are still being very strict about social distancing. He may appreciate the initiative. While the whole thing is awkward right now, it may be because we are in a time when everything is still day to day. It is understandable why the hiring process is awkward. I hope this helps. Congrats on your new job! :)

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