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New Hire Etiquette

Hylan85

Hylan85

Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
399
Location
Staten Island, NY
Hey CP,

So, I recently was hired by a very large firm. It was a job I never imagined being hired for. The company has over a thousand firms around the globe. As a new hire, our first engagement with the firm is a conference in Texas where there will be training given and nighttime events scheduled for our entertainment/networking efforts. I've never worked for a firm of this size, so I'm reaching out to the general public here on two fronts for advice.

1) As a professional, what should I expect?

2) As a cigar smoker, what's the proper etiquette for something like this? Do I bring cigars or not? How do you find out if the people around you are cigar smokers?

Any advice on either front is greatly appreciated. 11 days and counting until I start the new job and my nerves get more anxious daily.

Thanks!
 
Hylan85 said:
Hey CP,

So, I recently was hired by a very large firm. It was a job I never imagined being hired for. The company has over a thousand firms around the globe. As a new hire, our first engagement with the firm is a conference in Texas where there will be training given and nighttime events scheduled for our entertainment/networking efforts. I've never worked for a firm of this size, so I'm reaching out to the general public here on two fronts for advice.

1) As a professional, what should I expect?

2) As a cigar smoker, what's the proper etiquette for something like this? Do I bring cigars or not? How do you find out if the people around you are cigar smokers?

Any advice on either front is greatly appreciated. 11 days and counting until I start the new job and my nerves get more anxious daily.

Thanks!
Click to expand...


Just remember - "letting your hair down" does not mean you should toss all care to the wind. Your boss/peers may want to "party", but you are truly there to work.

Be very, VERY judicious in everything you do. Think about how you act - from the way you talk, to the way you dress, to what and how much you're drinking (ESPECIALLY - how much you're drinking). While this is a social opportunity for you to "network" with co-workers, some companies also use these kinds of events as an opportunity to asess their talent. You do NOT want to have to try to live down anything that may happened in a moment of indiscretion (I've heard and seen PLENTY of examples of plain ol' idiocy at these events) and you do not want to someone dragging you into their craziness.

Nothing wrong with bringing cigars, but again be very judicious on when and where you bring them out.

Good luck!
 
My co-worker always called the parties after work as The extended work hours.
Remember, it really isn't a party, but a social event with your bosses. Time to kiss ass. :laugh:

Personally, I wouldn't bring cigars. But that is up to you.
 
Bring cigars enough for others, who smoke but did not bring any. Don't hang out with the guys that are drinking to get drunk. Drink a nice scotch, two reasons- 1. it is a sipping drink not like beer which goes down like water, 2. you will attract other scotch drinkers and they will most likely be cigar smokers.

Have fun and walk up to everyone and say hello- start conversations and make connections. Have fun.

I would also say feel free to seperate yourself for a moment of clarity and smoke up by yourself.
 
All sound advice for sure.


The only thing I would add is Hell yes bring cigars!
If nobody there smokes, you are sure to get a little free time.
Do you know how many Texas Brothers would love to meet up?

Have a great trip and good luck with the new job.
 
I work for a very large company and first impressions can go a lon long way. I think for something like this an orientation can be considered 24 hours on the clock best work behavior.

If you have to ask, its not worth asking. At the end of the day it depends on the working culture of the company and if it's worth taking the chance.

My $0.02
 
Ed -- I'll be in Dallas.

Engspot -- I know what you mean. I have no real intention on drinking too much, if at all. I've never been in this spot, so any information I can get to prepare myself is awesome, you've all been great. Does smoking fall into that "poor behavior" category?
 
Is there someone that's been there a little while that could clue you in on these type get togethers? Maybe get a heads-up on it to be somewhat prepared ahead of time. It could be a really family oriented type bunch, or could be the real hard hitting, scotch drinking, cigar smoking types. Any idea the entertainment they will be lining up? I know we usually have an agenda of sorts for the days/nights when my dept has these type training events.

But, all in all I'd say just be yourself Daniel, don't sweat it. If you want a drink, have one. If you do want to have a smoke, I'd say save it for after dinner, and if you do be sure to ask if anyone would like to join you. ;)

Have a safe trip and enjoy! Congrats on the well deserved position my friend!
 
I haven't been on any business trips like one you're asking about, but I think general social functions based around work should follow similar guidelines. Like others mentioned, limit your drinking. I'd stick with wine or scotch... something you wouldn't pound back. I'd certainly bring cigars on the trip, and bring a handful with you to the events. If you happen to talk to someone about hobbies and they show any sort of interest in cigars, or are a cigar smoker, offer to share one. I think it'd probably be more prudent to bring shorter smokes, because you wouldn't want to either appear anti-social or have to put out a partially smoked churchill.

Congrats on the new job Daniel. Hope you have a good time on the trip, and with your regular day-to-day duties there.
 
When in Rome...

I would suggest being a sponge for a while. Follow their lead.

Have fun!
 
If you landed an upper level position in a large firm, I am sure that you know how to handle yourself in a professional manner.

That being said, I would say bring some sticks that you don't mind sharing with others. Use your professional opinion when you get there, if you don't think the atmosphere is correct for cigar smoking, maybe think twice about lighting one up.
 
I'll echo the previous posters. Drink like the head honcho is next to you. If you do feel the pressure to drink past your tolerance level, I like to pull the bartender aside and get an icewater with a lime wedge. Gives the appearance of a vodka or gin and tonic but allows you to pace yourself.

I would bring some cigars with you just in case. If you find a quiet moment in the day to have a smoke take it. If others can join you, enjoy the company. I don't recommend being the guy that ferrets out other cigar smokers. You are there for a reason and most likely, it ain't cigars.
 
Oh, you may want to look in the 'hand book' about smoking and drinking rules.

I know some request employees to not even 'smell of tobacco' when at business engagments/functions. (yes, it's true)

That goes from strong cologne as well....at least in the ER I worked.
 
grateful1 said:
Oh, you may want to look in the 'hand book' about smoking and drinking rules.

I know some request employees to not even 'smell of tobacco' when at business engagments/functions. (yes, it's true)

That goes from strong cologne as well....at least in the ER I worked.
Click to expand...

Good point. I just started a new job a month ago, and I came across a statement about a scent-free environment in the orientation handbook. I didn't often wear cologne prior to this job, mainly because I spent many shifts sweating and working outdoors so it isn't a habit I had to break.
 
Shamrocker said:
grateful1 said:
Oh, you may want to look in the 'hand book' about smoking and drinking rules.

I know some request employees to not even 'smell of tobacco' when at business engagments/functions. (yes, it's true)

That goes from strong cologne as well....at least in the ER I worked.
Click to expand...

Good point. I just started a new job a month ago, and I came across a statement about a scent-free environment in the orientation handbook. I didn't often wear cologne prior to this job, mainly because I spent many shifts sweating and working outdoors so it isn't a habit I had to break.
Click to expand...

Scentfree? That would almost be as laughable as our no cellphone use (handsfree or not) while driving policy. Being a bacon salesman allows me to constantly be scentful.
 
Wisco said:
Shamrocker said:
grateful1 said:
Oh, you may want to look in the 'hand book' about smoking and drinking rules.

I know some request employees to not even 'smell of tobacco' when at business engagments/functions. (yes, it's true)

That goes from strong cologne as well....at least in the ER I worked.
Click to expand...

Good point. I just started a new job a month ago, and I came across a statement about a scent-free environment in the orientation handbook. I didn't often wear cologne prior to this job, mainly because I spent many shifts sweating and working outdoors so it isn't a habit I had to break.
Click to expand...

Scentfree? That would almost be as laughable as our no cellphone use (handsfree or not) while driving policy. Being a bacon salesman allows me to constantly be scentful.
Click to expand...

I can't remember the exact wording, but it pretty much means no strong perfume/cologne, which suits me fine. At least they don't have a "no fragrant food policy" like there was in place at a former co-worker's job. :)
 
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