What was your first day like?

sf199256 · Post by **sf199256** » 28 May 2018, 12:29

hiya :)

I'll be starting this week as a postie and I was just wondering what was your first day like?

Lfc1972 · Post by **Lfc1972** » 28 May 2018, 14:29

Congratulations. On my first day at the delivery office I literally was there for about 2-3 hours. I was given a quick tour and then sat and watched videos and learned how to use the handheld pdas. On the second day I went out on deliveries, I was on a van share so there was actually 3 of us, my partner went her way and the workplace coach walked around with me. He basically pointed out where hard to see letterboxes were and made sure i was using the pda correctly. Picked his brain about the job etc. Had an enjoyable but tiring day but thoroughly loved it. Don't panic about your speed at this point as it will come just make sure you are accuarate which you will be as you will be checking everything! You will trip up things on a regular basis and you will drop your bundle of post at some point. I gad the workplace coach with me for 3 days then that was it, but you will be fine. Make sure you have comfy shoes and plenty to drink, hopefully there will be somewhere you can pop into for a toilet break. Without sounding gross, use it even if you don't think you want to go you will probably regret it later and trying to walk with your legs crossed is not easy lol.

Don't worry you will be fine and people will always help you and ENJOY

itinerant · Post by **itinerant** » 28 May 2018, 17:25

Congrats and good luck this week!

I joined last year. My first day in the office was straight into on the job training helping on the sorting frame for the duty I was doing with assistance from one of full timers. After we had prepped and bundled up the 2 of us went out on delivery where I got info on the duty and how to use the PDA, Special deliveries, P739s etc. 2nd day was the same routine and then on day 3 I was out on my own (all the duties in my office are single not shared vans). First few weeks were hard as you are learning the process, the walk and your body is getting used to the physical effort (i had worked in an office for 20+ years and although I thought I was fit I found it tough initially).

Really enjoy it now

Pyewacket · Post by **Pyewacket** » 13 Jun 2018, 08:32

Mine started off with 'Who are you? Are you agency? Well we don't know anything about you starting today...'

At least it set my expectations to the appropriate level for the competency of management at my DO.

cobain20 · Post by **cobain20** » 25 Jun 2018, 15:01

I have another "first day" coming up. I used to work for RM in 2013/2014, and have rejoined and am starting again this week.
From what I recall, my first week a few years back involved job-shadowing, some H&S videos, corporate messages and some PDA training, but it's a simple device to use (provided the battery is working properly!).
Don't worry about feeling slow at first; I was worried about this, as everyone seemed to be rushing and were quick at everything. Bear in mind, this comes with experience, so take your time. What I remember is that your colleagues are there to help, everyone I used to work with were brilliant, and I felt at ease really quickly.
Good luck! Hoping my first day back this week goes well too!

supertouring · Post by **supertouring** » 12 Aug 2018, 07:36

I started this week and after a quick 5mins walk around to highlight H&s items and then 15mins to fill out a personal details form, I was assigned to a route with my mentor and a second postie who had completed the sorting and boxing up the mail.

So helped pack the van and off we went. That was it.

First couple of walks I shadowed my mentor, then he asked me to deliver while he shadowed me. As the day went on he took more and more of a back seat and let me get on with it, Answering any questions as we went.
Day two within an hour he suggested I do it on my own, but gave his number should I get stuck. I had few problems which were easily sorted with a phone call.
Day three onwards, I was delivering my walks on my own and noticed I was speeding up as I got used to the processes and house locations. Everything fell into place.

The three of us had good team spirit, a laugh and a joke and we covered for each other as needed. I could not have asked for a better team to start with.

Only downsides were when it rained heavily and I was unprepared, my first issue with a dog and how bad my legs ache this weekend. I thought I was physically fit (I was cycling 60-100 miles a week up to this) but the effort required has exceeded my expectations by a long way. But our route is very hilly.

cookiewise · Post by **cookiewise** » 28 Sep 2018, 21:10

My first day kinda set the bar fairly low as far as my expectations were concerned.
Letter from RM advising start time of 9am on day one. So at 8.30 I'm down the beach walking the dog. Returned to the house to find a man in hi-viz chapping my door.
I introduced myself and he said "we were wondering if you were coming in today?". This was at around 8.45am. My letter said to report at 9am.

So. Then I reported to the DO and was immediately sent out with a bloke with a giant red pram. A walking route with HCT and bag. Not knowing the area I didn't take in very much the first day. It poured with rain and I was drenched. Didn't get to try the pda.

Day 2. Was instructed to report at 8am and watch a H&S video and discuss same with H&S officer. Bloke I Was paired with the day before went out on delivery and I had to catch him up.

Day 3. Assisted with tying up. Out again in the pouring rain. Got to use a pda for the first time.

Day 4. Out on my own and have been ever since (now in week 7). Only ever spoken to management when I have made a mistake.

No coach. No support. No further training.

Wakewaterblue · Post by **Wakewaterblue** » 02 Oct 2018, 21:05

This has been really helpful to hear how you are all getting on. I have my induction day somewhere else next week and then I go to my DO the following day. No clue whether I arrive at my DO ready for a round with someone and wear shorts and t-shirt or something a little more smart?

I haven't really had time to go and do long walks to prepare. I've ordered some decent walking trainers in the event I don't have anything to start with and will break them in soon as they arrive. Soon as my payroll number arrives on my contract in the post I was going to call up the helpdesk and see if I can order anything. Can I do this before I start? Does the uniform go to home or DO?

I'm kinda dreading the initial period as like any new thing, it's hard to know the process and it sounds like the walking is killing a lot of the newbies off!

I did chuckle when I saw the uniform sheet that women can order skirts or trousers. Do people really wear skirts out delivering?! So I will be ordering the mens shorts me thinks!

I think I have gone off topic somewhat sorry! It has been useful to know how everyone's first day went. Thanks!

pinkpaws · Post by **pinkpaws** » 03 Oct 2018, 14:57

I'm going to be a been a newbe soon as well and like you so may questions, I'm so looking forward to it.

cookiewise · Post by **cookiewise** » 03 Oct 2018, 17:31

Don't have your hopes raised too high. I was just like you, all excited to start. They soon knock that out of you!

Do get the shorts. So much better than the baggy trousers they provide - and skin dries quicker than fabric!
The blue shirts are lovely - really well made - but dammit they need ironing! Stick with the red polos. I wasn't able to order any clothing until week 6 so had ruined a good pair or trainers meanwhile

Wakewaterblue · Post by **Wakewaterblue** » 08 Oct 2018, 22:27

I haven't received my contract in the post or payroll number so can't even ring up to order uniform. Induction tomorrow and then 1st day out on Weds. Looks like rain this week. This will be interesting. How do you keep bundles dry. I feel sorry for the customers who are going to get wet mail!

Feeling a little apprehensive!