Starting a new job should be exciting, but that excitement can fade quickly if the expected training doesn’t happen. Many organizations struggle to provide a structured onboarding experience, leaving new hires feeling unprepared and uncertain in their roles. Poor onboarding can undermine confidence and affect long-term job satisfaction. Fortunately, even if your onboarding was inadequate, you can take steps to regain clarity, build momentum, and set yourself up for success. With the right approach, you can thrive despite a rocky start.
Why Training May Be Inadequate
Many companies struggle with training because onboarding is often rushed, outdated, or overly hands‑off. Forbes highlights issues such as insufficient resources, one-size-fits-all training, and treating training as a one-time event rather than an ongoing process. Recognizing that these challenges are systemic allows you to focus on solutions rather than feeling frustrated.
Get Clear on Expectations
To succeed in your role, take the initiative to clarify expectations if training isn’t sufficient. Onboarding failures often arise from unclear goals or overwhelming first-day experiences. Schedule a check-in with your manager to clarify:
- Top priorities for the first 30, 60, and 90 days
- How your performance will be measured
- What does “good” look like in your role
- Immediate tasks versus long-term learning
Build Your Own Learning Plan
If formal training isn’t available, you can still develop the skills you need by creating a personal learning roadmap. Many employees experience information overload or inconsistent training, making self-directed learning essential. Consider breaking your learning plan into manageable steps:
- Identify the core tools, systems, and processes you need to master
- Ask colleagues for documentation, examples, or past work
- Request access to training materials, even if they are informal
- Utilize microlearning—short, focused learning sessions—to gradually build your skills
Seek Out the Right People
When training is limited, people become your most valuable resource. Research shows employees ramp up faster when they receive timely feedback, hands-on practice, and guidance from managers or peers. Most coworkers are willing to help, especially when you ask specific, targeted questions that respect their time. Identify:
- Who can help you understand the day-to-day tasks
- A team member who excels in the systems you’re learning
- Manager who can clarify priorities
- A “go-to” colleague who knows the unwritten rules of the workplace
Communicate Early—Not After Problems Arise
One of the significant risks of inadequate training is that small mistakes can snowball into larger issues. LinkedIn reports that a lack of communication and unclear expectations are major contributors to early turnover and employee disengagement. If you’re unsure about the task, ask for clarification early on.
According to an Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, the most common factors that make job seekers feel confident about their long-term job security at a company include:
- 41% of U.S. and 47% of Canadian job seekers say training for employees taking on additional roles and responsibilities.
- 38% of U.S. and 33% of Canadian job seekers say access to cross-training or upskilling programs
Know When It’s a Red Flag
Many training gaps can be addressed, but some environments consistently fail to support new hires. If you’ve sought help and clarification but still feel lost, it may point to deeper issues like high turnover, poor leadership, or unrealistic expectations. If your environment hinders your success, consider whether the role is a long-term fit. While a lack of training can be frustrating, it doesn’t have to hinder your success. Adapting and advocating for yourself are valuable skills in any workplace.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million since its inception. For assistance with your job search, visit ExpressPros.com/Job-Seekers or ExpressPros.ca/Job-Seekers.
The Job Seeker survey was conducted online within the United States and Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express among job seekers in the U.S. (n=1,000) and Canada (n=503) June 12–27, 2025. For complete survey methodology, please contact Communications@ExpressPros.com.
