Wonolo
So you’ve ‘Accepted’ a job on the Wonolo app, but you have no experience with warehouse work and don’t want to mess this up.
Learning what is required in advance is a great place to start. Performing poorly on your job can lead to a poor review, which might affect your chances of being hired for future tasks. Doing well, on the other hand, can lead to more consistent work from companies.
Regardless of previous experience, you can ace your warehousing jobs with a few helpful steps.
1. Do Your Research
Just as with anything you are embarking on without previous experience, you should make sure that you conduct as much research as possible.
Research involves a number of activities. One of the first is to look for online resources that go into detail about what working in a warehouse entails and the types of tasks that may be required of you.
This will prevent a situation in which you arrive for your job and are blindsided with a task you know nothing about.
Once you learn about types of tasks, research each one independently. For example, if you will be filling orders, you should conduct research into what this entails, the various formats in which orders are typically filled, and whatnot.
One of the most innovative ways to prepare yourself is to watch tutorial videos.
There are tutorial videos for practically everything under the sun, and as much as reading about the task at hand can be beneficial, watching a video on how it is done will give you another way to look at it.
You could also speak to someone who has previously worked in a warehouse.
This could be someone you know in real life.
If you don’t know anyone in real life who has done this type of work, feel free to look online. There are real-life interviews and other materials online that are curated from the point-of-view of someone who has worked in a warehouse.
In essence, before you even show up to the job, be sure to properly conduct research, as this could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
2. Ask Questions
While all the research in the world can be helpful, few things are better than getting firsthand information from the people you will be working for.
After all, every establishment has different needs, and it is best to stay in the know.
Before the time you are to report for your duties, feel free to contact the client and ask questions regarding the job.
Ask about the duties that will be required of you (this will also help you know what tasks to research) and any other helpful information.
When you arrive at the job, make sure to get clarification on whatever you are unsure of.
For example, if you need help understanding the filling format, be sure to ask the supervisor in charge. If possible, arrive early to the location so you that you will be sure of these things before your work is due to start. This will prevent time being wasted or your workday being prolonged.
You should also feel free to ask questions of your coworkers. Most will have no problem answering questions while you find your footing. Observe how they work and take mental notes.
Your supervisors and coworkers probably already have experience in this field, and observing them could serve as a helpful guide for you.
Some people might be reluctant to ask questions out of fear of coming across as inexperienced; but the truth is, you are inexperienced in this field, and by asking questions, you are saying that you are able and willing to learn and improve yourself—which companies find impressive.
3. Dress the Part
Working at a warehouse is unique in the sense that the attire required is semi-casual or business casual.
It certainly isn’t the type of work that requires a suit and tie, and it’s best that you show up looking the part.
Find out if you will be required to wear a uniform. Some warehouses require this and provide uniforms for workers to wear while on site. Uniforms often come with safety equipment.
If the establishment you will be working for is going to provide this for you, then this step is taken care of.
If a uniform will not be provided for you, then it is your responsibility to make sure that you are dressed in a manner that is appropriate, safety-conscious, and comfortable.
Most companies would recommend that you wear casual clothing such as jeans, khakis, and a short-sleeved shirt. It is considered a universal rule to wear boots when working in a warehouse.
4. Exceed Expectations
When you first come to work at a warehouse, there will probably be an average already in place. This means that there is already a certain amount of work that every worker typically performs in a given time.
This could be 100 orders filled per day or something along these lines. Once you get the hang of your tasks, you should aim to exceed this expectation.
If the average worker fills fifty orders a day, try your best to fill fifty-five or sixty. If the work described has already given you a certain amount of orders to fill, try to finish them in record time.
Performing your work quickly and accurately makes you stand out as a model worker. As a result, you will earn a good review and potentially be invited back for more work.
The quality of your work should not be compromised in an effort to finish in record time or exceed your work expectations. If you cannot perform your task well in record time, don’t force it.
You should also aim to get along well with your coworkers, supervisors, and others around you.
No matter how good the quality of your work is, if you have a reputation for not following orders, insubordination, or being uncooperative with others, you will likely not be invited for future work.
If you encounter any problems, confusion, or conflict, feel free to ask for help or speak to a superior.
Avoid being overly chatty or getting distracted at work. This includes talking about unrelated topics with others, listening to music, sleeping on the job, or anything else that makes you come off as unprofessional or unserious.
Make sure that your work area is tidy, and create as little of a mess as possible while working.
All in all, the best thing you can do to leave a good impression is to do good quality work and act professionally.
5. Ask for Feedback
After your work is completed, ask for feedback from your supervisors about your performance.
Take note of any criticism, and be sure to make the necessary improvements in the future.
As much as preparation and planning are key, you most likely won’t know everything, and feedback is the key to growth.
Conclusion
Starting a new job you have no experience with can be daunting for anyone, and warehouse jobs are no different.
The key to acing is, first of all, to come prepared. It will do you no good to show up for the job with no knowledge or research done and assume that you will find your way somehow.
This will only lead to your job being harder and your supervisor being frustrated. Beforehand, conduct as much research as possible. A majority of your problems can be solved in advance if you report to your work well prepared.
When you do report to work, ensure that you do your work to the best of your abilities, and if possible, exceed expectations.
You should never underestimate the importance of getting along with those around you, from your superiors to your coworkers. Leaving a good impression with them can go a long way.
After the work is done, seek out feedback on your performance, and always strive to improve yourself.
With all these steps taken into consideration, you should be able to ace your Wonolo warehouse job even if you have no prior experience.
