The job market is increasingly competitive. If you’re looking for a new opportunity, one perk you should prioritize might surprise you: training. For millennials and Generation Z especially, continuous learning comes with growing up in the digital age.
That’s why it comes as a shock to some when they begin onboarding and find their employer lacks a sophisticated training program. In fact, more than half of businesses don’t have any sort of formal training and development program in place. This simply won’t cut it, especially in customer-facing roles such as client success specialists. In these roles, product knowledge, communication skills and collaboration are crucial and made even more impactful when employees have training in place to refine them.
Here are three important questions to ask a potential employer about their training program:
What type of training will be available for my role?
Did you know that according to LinkedIn’s 2021 Workplace Learning Report, 76% of Gen Z respondents identified learning as key to their advancement? But as we’ve seen, not all workplace learning programs are created equal. Effective ones can increase productivity, improve the employee experience and set both new and seasoned employees up for success. Innovative companies know that training matters, especially in customer-facing roles where understanding a company’s standards, processes and best practices is integral to that position’s success.
Look for organizations that prioritize an immersive training process so you can start off on the right foot. Bonus points for those that include an understanding of the tool or product as part of the job description.
Will the training be interactive?
If the employer passes the first question and shows they have a training program in place, the next question should center on how interactive your training will be. According to a Towards Maturity report, 1 in 3 employees say uninspiring content is a barrier to learning and can influence their decision to leave an organization.
Paper-based training is a thing of the past, so you also want to make sure your potential employer doesn’t use outdated analog procedures.
Features like interactive videos, seamless app integration and visual progress cues will make learning your new role fun and engaging. In addition, the right learning system will allow you to demonstrate knowledge of a specific topic to confirm you understand the material, even from your mobile device.
What about ongoing upskilling?
Developing expertise is crucial to long-term success, no matter your role. Once you know your employer has a modern, engaging training program, it’s time to ensure you’ll be able to build skills and develop your career for years and decades to come. Gen Zers want to become better in their work; that same LinkedIn report found that 83% of the surveyed workers feel that way!
Ongoing training not only gives you the knowledge to reach your full potential, it’s a way for employers to demonstrate their long-term commitment to their employees’ careers. Training will also help you become confident in your role and engage with your company’s overall strategy.
Learn more about Paycom’s training programs and opportunities here.
