What’s it like starting a new job in a hybrid-working environment?

• Current job title: Compliance Manager
• Date you joined: 3^rd October 2022
• Where you joined from: Head of Quality & Compliance Assurance at Capital One UK

How did you find the interview process?

The recruitment team were great throughout, constantly keeping me updated and always quick to respond to any queries. My interview was in two stages – the first was a ‘getting to know you’ Teams call where I chatted through my experience and I was made to feel really at ease. I then heard back quite swiftly that I was through to the next stage, which was fantastic. For the second stage, I was invited for a face-to-face competency-based interview, which involved preparing a presentation. This was a slightly more nerve-wracking experience, but again, I was made to feel comfortable and able to be myself. I was delighted when I received the call to tell me I had been successful!

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

It was one of the things that attracted me to the role. Having enjoyed the flexibility over the past couple of years to better balance home and work life, I wanted to continue that in a new role. I was slightly apprehensive that it would take me longer to ‘fit in’ with my new team and truly get a feel for the VWFS culture with not being in the office every day, but a month in and it feels like I’ve been here for ages! I appreciate that occasionally it’s important to be in the office more regularly than once a week (as some meetings are better in person) but I also like the autonomy of being trusted to manage my own time and workload from home too. There’s always someone available via Teams if I need help!

Tell us about your current role:

My role as a Compliance Manager is to partner with stakeholders from across the business to provide help and advice on how we can ensure that we are compliant with all regulatory and business policies – and ultimately deliver the best outcomes for our customers. I have enjoyed starting to build relationships with the Customer Operations teams – everyone I have met so far has been friendly and helpful and really willing to answer my questions. One of my key objectives for this year is to get involved with our implementation plans to ensure we are prepared to be compliant with the new FCA Consumer Duty guidance. There’s a lot to learn but I am really enjoying it!

• Current job title: Controlling Analyst
• Date you joined: 3^rd October 2022
• Where you joined from: Technical Sales Manager at Reedbut Group

How did you find the interview process?

The interview process was broken down into a numerical reasoning test and two in-person interviews where I had the chance to showcase my knowledge of the business as well as discuss my own career experiences. It also allowed me to build a rapport with my prospective team members. Overall, I found the whole process to be a great experience! This was mainly due how welcoming the interviewers were, which helped make each stage of the process go smoothly, and I also found that all key information was communicated effectively, which helped in preparing for each stage.

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

The hybrid working model at VWFS is a fantastic scheme, but coming from a role which was office-based Monday to Friday, I found it difficult at first to get to know my new colleagues. However, this challenge was overcome from the various day-to-day duties in my role and several team events that have allowed me to meet people from across the business. Once the initial challenges of hybrid working are overcome, it is a great model which gives greater work life balance.

Tell us about your current role:

In my role, I report on Volkswagen Insurance and Volkswagen Bank by submitting monthly balance sheets to HQ each month and I’ve found this has given me a really interesting insight into the business. Another part of my role involves liaising with cost centre managers to monitor overhead expenditure, which gives me great exposure in terms of meeting key individuals across the business. My main goal within the next few months is to be able to undertake full responsibility in my role.

• Current job title: New Business Advisor
• Date you joined: 8^th August 2022
• Where you joined from: Pre-school room leader at Ashridge Day Nursery

How did you find the interview process?

At first, I found the interview process pretty daunting – I was coming from a completely different career and was unsure of the sort of things that would be expected from me, what information I should know and so on. I researched and researched and filled my brain with lots of different facts I didn’t even need to know! In the end, I needn’t have worried as I was greeted by lots of friendly faces in the reception, and the smiley faces continued right through to the end of my interview. I was asked a range of different questions, had lots of engaging conversations and realised that childcare taught me more transferrable skills than I realised.

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

I have really enjoyed starting my current role here at VWFS. It’s been really great learning lots of new information and seeing how I can put that into practice. Training alongside others has been beneficial as I know we’re in the same boat and we can help one another out when needed. The team I have joined have made me feel very welcome and have been really helpful in showing me the ropes and letting me know what I need to know. I really enjoy working alongside others, and each day, something new and challenging comes up. I am working towards increasing my hourly pay-outs, (as a new starter it’s not been high) but as time goes on I’m hoping I will be able to up my game!

Tell us about your current role:

Due to still being in training, I haven’t had the opportunity to take advantage of our new hybrid working model yet but as time goes on I am excited to find out what works best for me! On my first day, I was given my monitor and laptop so that working from home is an option as soon as I am ready for it.

• Current job title: Retailer Communications Business Partner
• Date you joined: 26^th July 2022 
• Where you joined from: New Vehicle Performance Manager at Renault UK

How did you find the interview process?

I applied for the role of Retailer Communications Business Partner while three months into maternity leave, so I was a little apprehensive about navigating my way through the interview process while learning to be a parent. However, from the point of application through to the offer phone call, the whole process was simple and I was kept well informed throughout. The interview itself felt really straightforward and personal, which cemented my drive to join the VWFS team.

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

Hybrid working for me forms the foundation of my work-life balance as I am able to pick a work location that works best for whatever I have on that day. I’ve found hybrid working at VWFS to be transparent and flexible; there is full transparency in the hybrid working guidelines but still flexibility to fit hybrid working around yourself. I would also add that the communication tools we have at our disposal mean that even from home, I’ve found it very easy to maintain that conversation with the team.  

Tell us about your current role:

My role is Retailer Communications Business Partner which sits in our Digital and Direct department; I support the flow of information and feedback between key VWFS stakeholders and our retail partners. It’s a fantastic role because I have broad visibility on activities within VWFS and the opportunity to learn about these activities in great depth from the VWFS team. Our retail partners are at the heart of our operations, so fundamentally I’m building a network communications strategy that ensures our retailers are receiving the right message, at the right time, in a form that is easily digestible for a busy retailer team.

• Current job title: Internal Communication Business Partner (D&I / Customer Operations)
• Date you joined: 1^st July 2022
• Where you joined from: Press Officer at Volkswagen Passenger Cars

How did you find the interview process?

It was really straight forward! I was made to feel really comfortable, and communication in the run-up to the interview was spot on. The task itself was engaging and relevant without feeling arbitrary, both interviewers were interested in what I could bring to the team, treated me like a human being and the questions led to thoughtful answers. I felt able to talk about my relevant experience and give an authentic account of myself. Even if I had been unsuccessful in my application, I would have come away with a really positive impression of VWFS.

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

The flexibility on offer really exemplifies what hybrid working should be all about – acknowledging that the ‘workplace’ is anywhere you can carry out your role without hindrance, be it at home, the office, or another location where the facilities allow you to do your job. I have found a nice balance in heading home after I’ve finished my meetings for the day – my half-hour commute allows me to digest the meetings and discussions I’ve had, while breaking up my day into sections, without ending up needlessly being in the office, or being isolated at home. With this approach, I’m in the office most days, making human connections and having those passing conversations that add so much value to our operations, while also having the benefit of my own private space to get my head down when I need it.

Tell us about your current role:

I enjoy the creativity that my role, my team, department and VWFS on the whole fosters. It’s a role you have to throw yourself into, and the number of amazing people I’ve met in the last six weeks is mind-blowing! I have several big, high-profile projects on the go, and although I’m not allowed to talk about most of them openly at the moment, I can say that they’ll change the company for the better, and they’re things that will touch everyone at VWFS in some way or another. I’m really excited to see the impact they make, and drive effective communication and engagement for both our D&I projects and Customer Operations.

• Current job title: Marketing Operations Undergraduate
• Date you joined: 20^th June 2022
• Where you joined from: Psychology student at University of Liverpool

How did you find the interview process?

Being someone who has only previously worked part-time retail and hospitality based jobs, I was very nervous for my interview with VWFS. These nerves were mainly due to the level of investment I had in this placement opportunity. Despite my worries, I soon felt comfortable during the interview as the process felt more conversational instead of the test I was anticipating. I found the interview to be very informative regarding what to expect during my placement, and allowed me to get to know more about the business and interviewers – while they also got to know me. I feel the process demonstrated the welcoming attitude VWFS has towards new starters as I felt my interviewers were equally invested in the process.

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

The flexibility of the hybrid working model at VWFS has been great as it is nice to have autonomy on how you use your time. I have found that I prefer coming into to the office to work, as I am conscious I am only with VWFS for a year and I want to make the most of this experience and the lovely office! But on days where more focus is needed or being at home is more convenient it is nice to have the flexibility. Getting set up at home was straight forward as the IT team are really supportive and explain the process well, which meant a smooth transfer when working from home.

Tell us about your current role:

So far, I have really enjoyed building relationships across the business, particularly as I am responsible for sending out communications to our luxury brands. I have enjoyed learning this process and becoming familiar with this side of the company. This year my main target is to fully immerse myself into working life and seek out opportunities to grow as an individual, which is why I was so pleased to be offered the chance to write this post! I would like to be able to branch out and work with the wider team as much as possible to allow me to have a greater understanding of how aspects of the business work together.

• Current job title: Internal Communications Business Partner
• Date you joined: 7^th June 2022
• Where you joined from: Transport for London

How did you find the interview process?

From my first call with Trish in the recruitment team through to my first day: I found the whole experience brilliant. Everything was really well communicated and everyone I spoke with worked hard to make sure I had a great candidate experience. The interview itself involved me presenting a pre-prepared task and then answering questions (about my presentation and more generally about myself). It was so easy to build a rapport with everyone from the interviewers to the HR contacts, and that’s what really sold the position to me, because I could feel we had a fantastic culture.

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

VWFS have a great hybrid working model that allows colleagues to work from home up to 80% of their contracted hours. I like to come into the office more than that because it’s a great place to be with loads of friendly colleagues – but being trusted to set your own schedule is a real benefit.

Tell us about your current role:

My role sees me looking after communications for both the IT and Marketing teams, as well as managing some companywide projects. I’m only a few weeks in, but everyone is so friendly and easy to get along with which makes my job even more enjoyable. I’d say most days are unique: from managing an event for the IT team through to writing communications about our new hybrid working policy – I’ve certainly been able to hit the ground running! For the rest of the year I’ll be focusing on getting to know as many people as I can, understanding how the business and local teams work and hopefully supporting in improving our communication tools.

• Current job title: General Manager – Fleet Customer Services
• Date you joined: 25^th April 2022
• Where you joined from: Bridle Vehicle Leasing

How did you find the interview process?

The recruitment process from start to finish was a great experience. It was of course understandably challenging making sure they get the best out of each candidate but I felt supported from initial application through to eventual offer. From there the on boarding process kicked in and I have to say again this was a great process and one of things that really stood out was having a single point of contact in HR which really helped with the usual but vital pre-start day questions. All in all it was a great, robust and supportive process making me feel part of the FS family from the day I put my initial application in.

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

I believe that this offers great flexibility allowing me and my team to choose how we manage and plan our time in the office and additionally it supports an important healthy work life balance. It allows us to be in the office as often as wanted and required without the pressure of people having to be physically travelling to the office every day. This is vital at the moment with the rising cost of living and rising fuel prices so a great benefit to all colleagues. It is also worth calling out how great the IT support has been in facilitating this flexibility as we really are given all the tools from day 1 we need to do our jobs and be as productive as possible.

Tell us about your current role:

I am General Manager for Fleet Customer Services with a wonderful team of 50 looking after the Sales Support and Purchasing function supporting our customer base from initial quote, through to order, then procurement of vehicle, delivery and in-life management. Our job does not stop there however as we also support new bids and tenders and as a team are always looking to add value at any point we can in the customer journey. I am really lucky to have such a great team that I work with every day who are all aligned in wanting to do the best for our customers, add value and grow the fleet. I also have a number of key stakeholders in our support functions that I work alongside on a daily basis without whom we wouldn’t be as successful as we are. There is a real family feel in Fleet which I will continue to encourage, grow and develop. I will work hard with the team to develop new products for our customers today and the customers of tomorrow and will make sure we celebrate success and will always encourage the team to continue to develop and grow.

• Current job title: Mobility Marketing Manager 
• Date you joined: 6th January 2022 
• Where you joined from: Director of Marketing at National Hair & Beauty Federation 

How did you find the interview process?

I found the interview process very organised and clear compared to other companies that I had worked for previously. The level of detail and support given from the HR team helped ensure that I was prepared with everything I needed. The first stage interview was on a team’s call and then the second stage interview was in the office, which was great to get a feel for the team and the office environment that I would be working in.  

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

Having come from a previous role where I was predominately home based due the pandemic, I was used to working from home. However, I have enjoyed the balance of hybrid working at VWFS. It’s great to come into the office a few days a week to get to know the team, and use face-to-face meetings in order to collaborate on projects. It is a really productive way of working.  

Tell us about your current role: 

I enjoy how varied my role is, being able to collaborate with lots of different areas of the business in order to drive forward the Rent-a-Car strategy. A big focus for me this year is to look at how we can drive innovation and growth for the Rent-a-Car business. Driving acquisition of new customers and strategies to retain customers. Improving the digital customer journey and optimising online conversions is another core focus for this year.  

• Current job title: Data Protection Specialist 
• Date you joined: February 2022
• Where you joined from: National House Building Council (NHBC) 

How did you find the interview process?

I found the whole interview process to be very smooth, and dare I say it, an enjoyable experience! Although my interviews were conducted virtually, it didn’t take away from me building a rapport with my interviewers. They put me at ease from the start and overall it felt as though we were just having a conversation.  HR were fantastic in supporting me through the onboarding process and were always on hand to answer my many questions.

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

I think the hybrid-working model is working incredibly well. The work/home life balance has been a constant struggle for most people. Now there’s more flexibility on being in the office, I can plan my days accordingly. I’m at home when my children return from school, and can dedicate real quality time to them after work instead of previously feeling distracted following my commute home. I also still feel connected to my team via MS Teams and don’t think it has hampered building a rapport with them in any way.   

Tell us about your current role: 

I’m thoroughly enjoying being part of the data protection team – I’ve been made to feel so welcome. Everyone here is not only friendly, but real experts in what they do. As a team who supports the business on all data protection matters, it’s very fulfilling to provide guidance on a topic that can be a bit of a minefield to manoeuvre. We’ll be working a number of deliverables overs the coming months to really embed a strong data privacy and data protection culture here at VWFS. I’m very much looking forward to it! 

Current job title: Marketing Assistant

Date you joined: 7th March 2022

Where you joined from: Marketing Executive at Alliance Automotive Group

How did you find the interview process?

The interview process was done virtually which was a new experience for me, but I found that everything was well structured and the process ran smoothly. The interviews were nerve-wracking, but I was made to feel as comfortable as possible and given time to think about the questions, and allowed to answer them in my own time. There was a good mix of questions as well as a practical task, which allowed me to learn more about the business and get a real sense of the type of work I’d be doing within the role.

How’ve you found the experience of hybrid working?

I enjoy the flexibility that comes with hybrid working, but it can also be challenging when starting a new job as you’re trying to learn the ropes and get to know your new colleagues. However, the induction process was fantastic and I got to meet my team virtually within the first hour on my first day. I also had 1-2-1 calls with colleagues from various areas of the business, which was helpful, to get to know different people and find out about their roles.

Tell us about your current role: 

In my current role, I support in the marketing activity for demand generation. What I enjoy most about the role is how varied it is, no two days are the same and I’m always learning and getting to work on new things. I also like that I’m encouraged and supported to do things outside of my comfort zone, for example, within the first couple of months I was asked to present something I’d worked on in one of our team meetings. Some of my objectives for this year are to deliver tactical campaigns, social media content plans and external events.