New Job in HP

celticsinner

I started a new job in HP today as Tech Support Analyst for CPL. It was induction today. What a load of b***x. 17 people started altogether today. All I can say is that I felt like an Irish delegate for the EU in Masstricht. I was the only Irish person there. To make it worse their was groups of the same Nationality speaking in their native tongue. Personally I think its damn ignorant to do that. The only thong we had in common was that we all spoke English and I think its ignorance to speak in your native tongue in other peoples company.

ntlbell

What's your point?

celticsinner

the POINT is its damn ignorant and extremely arrogant. The POINT I'm trying to make is if you came into an Irish pub (for example), invited by an English speaking friend of yours, and u did not speak any English, and everybody chatted around you how would you feel. It's an arrogance I've noticed amongst a lot of European people as I have been in most European countries. (Obviously you fit into the above category! yes, no, maybe, yeah).

ntlbell

celticsinner wrote: »

the POINT is its damn ignorant and extremely arrogant. The POINT I'm trying to make is if you came into an Irish pub (for example), invited by an English speaking friend of yours, and u did not speak any English, and everybody chatted around you how would you feel. It's an arrogance I've noticed amongst a lot of European people as I have been in most European countries. (Obviously you fit into the above category! yes, no, maybe, yeah).

You're not friends.

It's not a pub.

It's your job.

Maybe they don't have great English? maybe since you were the only Irish one they were all Europeans did you talk to them? did you tell them you were Irish and would they mind speaking English.

Eh......have you just arrived in Ireland? It's always like that. I think it's rude as well - when I was working in France, the French made it VERY clear what language I was expected to speak, but it seems to be the norm here to chat on in whatever language you feel like.

srdb20

Ah your just freaking out because you think there talking about you, come on admit it?????:D:D:D

Ah no seriously i think foreign nationals just find it easier to speak in there native language and so thats what they do.

I wouldn't take to much offence TBH. I dont think there intentionally doing it.

And even if they are just relax and think of the aul saying --- WATER OFF A DUCKS BACK.

Agent Smith

celticsinner wrote: »

I started a new job in HP today as Tech Support Analyst for CPL. It was induction today. What a load of b***x. 17 people started altogether today. All I can say is that I felt like an Irish delegate for the EU in Masstricht. I was the only Irish person there. To make it worse their was groups of the same Nationality speaking in their native tongue. Personally I think its damn ignorant to do that. The only thong we had in common was that we all spoke English and I think its ignorance to speak in your native tongue in other peoples company.

You dont seem happy working for cpl do you...

its not the worst. you have 2 days of training, then thats it.
you object to people not speaking english? What deskk you goining to work for?

AARRRGH

While I agree it's rude, it was their first day and they were probably nervous. Their priority was probably to make friends rather than please the Irish guy.

Give it a chance...

the_syco

dublindude wrote: »

Their priority was probably to make friends rather than please the Irish guy.

Agreed 100%.

In my induction day, one of the people had only arrived in Ireland 3 days prior. A few had only been there 2 or 3 weeks. You see, they probably won't be on your desk. Most likely, they'll be on other desks, speaking their own language.

Gran Hermano

celticsinner wrote: »

The only thong we had in common

Sounds like you all got on great if it got to the stage where you were comparing
underwear

If you're too narrow minded and find working with different nationalities such a chore
this is clearly not the job or career for you. Some people, myself included,
find working in a culturally diverse workplace enjoyable and can help
ensure a varied and interesting working day.

And OP, smart move posting on a public board how much you dislike working as a CPL
contractor for HP - as you were the only Irish person who started that day it shouldn't
be too hard for any of the relevant parties to identify you and see what a 'team-player'
you are.

srdb20

Although the above is true, i cant see CPL going to those extremes, so OP i think your safe from the ever watchful eye of CPL.

I remember when i started in HP i had a ball for the first few months and made loads of new friends who i still see regularly.... I thinks its a great job to start off a career in IT.

But it all depends on what desk you get assigned to,,,,

All in all just relax and try to enjoy it, untill it slowly starts crushing your soul!:D

celticsinner

I have to withdraw my statment I made yesterday. It was my first new job in nine years, and I felt extremely intimidated. I guess it was not what I expected. Also the line of work I was previously in was as totally different as you can get from this one.

To Gran Hermano. Believe it or not CPL is not the end all of jobs. Yes it is a public advertisement page therefore you can freely express what you like. And it would be aqainst the law if CPL did read these comments and act on them or treat you in a differnet way as a result. Did you ever hear of freedom of expression. Here is a webpage you can use to get an understanding of epmloyment laws : http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/employment/employment-rights-and-conditions/employment-rights-and-duties/employment_law_update

But thank you for your feedback all the same

Wook

celticsinner wrote: »

I have to withdraw my statment I made yesterday. It was my first new job in nine years, and I felt extremely intimidated. I guess it was not what I expected. Also the line of work I was previously in was as totally different as you can get from this one.

To Gran Hermano. Believe it or not CPL is not the end all of jobs. Yes it is a public advertisement page therefore you can freely express what you like. And it would be aqainst the law if CPL did read these comments and act on them or treat you in a differnet way as a result. Did you ever hear of freedom of expression. Here is a webpage you can use to get an understanding of epmloyment laws : http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/employment/employment-rights-and-conditions/employment-rights-and-duties/employment_law_update

But thank you for your feedback all the same

still , great impression you made there

Gran Hermano

Maybe I was the only poster who noticed a regular poster on this forum
post under their name@CPL account as opposed to their normal account
the same day you started this thread.

If you think 'freedom of expression' and that link you quoted would save you
from an employer who may not take kindly to a new hire speaking badly
of his colleagues on his first day you have a lot to learn. And as for
employment law in Ireland, in reality they can terminate your contract a lot
easier than you may realise especially in your first year and one can do so
in such a manner as to easily work around the little protection you do have.

I'm glad to hearyou say "Believe it or not CPL is not the end all of jobs."
but I'd have thought as someone in a new company and a new line of work
you'd have realised your faux-pas.

feylya

Are CPL still using DNA on the machines? Monitoring everything you do.

srdb20

TBH if his contract was terminated it wouldn't be the worst thing to ever happen to the OP, there are great jobs out there even for some people starting off, sure CPL is alright as a springboard but thats really it, in as far as placements in Hewlett Packard go.

6 Months to a year a would be moving on out of there!!!!
again the above is just my opinion.

axer

Been there done that. Worked in belfield on the thames water helpdesk via CPL. Lasted 6 months before packing it in to go back to college. The other staff on the desk were as nice as could be but the atmosphere in the place was terrible for some reason. I think partly because of the life sucking of cpl.

OP: they have every right to speak whatever language they want. More than likely they were hired to work on a helpdesk because of their abilities to speak their native tongue.

Einstein

ur first day and your already surfing the web doin nothing.
U sound like a model employee. I wish you worked for me.

feylya

axer wrote: »

Been there done that. Worked in belfield on the thames water helpdesk via CPL. Lasted 6 months before packing it in to go back to college. The other staff on the desk were as nice as could be but the atmosphere in the place was terrible for some reason. I think partly because of the life sucking of cpl.

Ah, I had some great laughs on the Thames desk.

OP: they have every right to speak whatever language they want. More than likely they were hired to work on a helpdesk because of their abilities to speak their native tongue.

It's pretty rude though. Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean it's appropriate or polite. I think in a work environment, people should make an effort to speak in the language of the country. In my last job, people would always speak French right next to the boss knowing she couldn't understand. Just comes across as pretty rude, because the person always thinks you're talking about them.

Having said that

It's an arrogance I've noticed amongst a lot of European people as I have been in most European countries.

this makes no sense....... people have every right to speak their own language in their OWN country and expect you to speak it as well.

Agent Smith

fey, yes, they are



and this forum is monitored. i know of 2 teamleaders that read here (Hi!).

the_syco

agent smith wrote: »

and this forum is monitored. i know of 2 teamleaders that read here (Hi!).

Ehhh... I is working o/

rowlandbrowner

Had some good times in hp myself on the tw desk, It’s a great place to work socially. I won’t say anything about the hierarchy in case I’m ever google’d by perspective employers.

It’s a very diverse place to work so be prepared to hear people speaking their native language, also bare in mind the non-English speaking desk’s don’t require applicants to be able to speak English (obviously) so don’t expect everyone who works there to be able to speak it, besides as most people have already said they can speak whatever language they want, they don’t have any professional or social obligation to speak your language.

TripleAce

celticsinner wrote: »

I started a new job in HP today as Tech Support Analyst for CPL. It was induction today. What a load of b***x. 17 people started altogether today. All I can say is that I felt like an Irish delegate for the EU in Masstricht. I was the only Irish person there. To make it worse their was groups of the same Nationality speaking in their native tongue. Personally I think its damn ignorant to do that. The only thong we had in common was that we all spoke English and I think its ignorance to speak in your native tongue in other peoples company.

With this attitude you will go nowhere….first day in the new job and you are already moaning. Unfortunately companies nowadays are full of moaners who will never be happy with anything and can’t do anything else than complain complain complain and come up with problems problems problems without actually ever proposing a solution…… and their favourite hobby is to gossip behind the back of collegues or managers and blaming them for having better positions/salaries that on their opinion they are not deserved. I suggest you go flipping burgers in McDonald for a while and then when you go back to an office job you will appreciate more.

It’s a very diverse place to work so be prepared to hear people speaking their native language, also bare in mind the non-English speaking desk’s don’t require applicants to be able to speak English (obviously) so don’t expect everyone who works there to be able to speak it, besides as most people have already said they can speak whatever language they want, they don’t have any professional or social obligation to speak your language.

Don't you think the fact they're living in Ireland means they should have the courtesy to learn some English? I've worked abroad loads and people were very quick to tell me off if they overheard me speaking English on the job.

Agent Smith

What I like about working here is the Diversity of people here! My TL's (team leader's)Have all been Irish & Most of my team is Irish, but its made me make the Extra Effort to Meet more people. I've gone drinking with french, Polish, Palestinian's, Scots. My ex coach was Nigerian (you have to meet him to understand)

To you dislike working somewhere because of the diffrent Nationalities that are here,
Thats Just stupid.

rowlandbrowner

[quote=[Deleted User];55579033]Don't you think the fact they're living in Ireland means they should have the courtesy to learn some English?[/quote]

of course not, if living in a English speaking country while having little or no English has any negative effect it will be on the person themselves, not you. It's none of your business and certainly not a "courtesy" they have to pay to you are anyone else.

agent smith wrote: »

What I like about working here is the Diversity of people here!.

and one of the things I miss about that place.

Very well. I believe if you live in a country, you should learn the language out of respect for the locals. I sure as hell wouldn't have worked anywhere and been too rude to learn the local language. It IS my business if I'm stuck in a queue behind someone who hasn't bothered to learn enough English to get by, which seems to happen all the time. It IS my business if there's an emergency and someone can't understand what they are supposed to do (in case of fire, for example), putting everyone's life in danger. I suppose if some people think that's acceptable, it's their business but I certainly don't.

Most people I've encountered seem to share my attitude. I was in Sweden there for 3 days and everytime I went into a shop and asked for something, they asked me in a snotty tone when I was going to learn Swedish. Once I explained I was just visiting they apologised but I'd definitely been given a hard time if I lived there without learning any. I felt embarrassed as it was.

Dord

agent smith wrote: »

What I like about working here is the Diversity of people here! My TL's (team leader's)Have all been Irish & Most of my team is Irish, but its made me make the Extra Effort to Meet more people. I've gone drinking with french, Polish, Palestinian's, Scots. My ex coach was Nigerian (you have to meet him to understand)

To you dislike working somewhere because of the diffrent Nationalities that are here,
Thats Just stupid.

I agree. I work in a company (not CPL) with a wide variety of different nationalities and I think that's one of the great things about the company.

axer

[quote=[Deleted User];55580234]Very well. I believe if you live in a country, you should learn the language out of respect for the locals. I sure as hell wouldn't have worked anywhere and been too rude to learn the local language. It IS my business if I'm stuck in a queue behind someone who hasn't bothered to learn enough English to get by, which seems to happen all the time. It IS my business if there's an emergency and someone can't understand what they are supposed to do (in case of fire, for example), putting everyone's life in danger. I suppose if some people think that's acceptable, it's their business but I certainly don't.

Most people I've encountered seem to share my attitude. I was in Sweden there for 3 days and everytime I went into a shop and asked for something, they asked me in a snotty tone when I was going to learn Swedish. Once I explained I was just visiting they apologised but I'd definitely been given a hard time if I lived there without learning any. I felt embarrassed as it was.[/quote]So whilst visiting - what were you going to do if there was an emergency (in case of fire, for example) putting everyone's life in danger? Do you think it was acceptable for you to put swedish people's lives in danger? :rolleyes:

I hope you didn't hold up the queue either because you didn't bother to learn enough swedish to get by :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Yes, I did hold up the queue, and people got annoyed. They were forgiving when I explained I was visiting but if I'd lived there they wouldnt have been happy. I can't believe people think it's OK to live in a country and not learn the language. You should go abroad and see how far you get without learning the language. It's really ignorant, IMO. Someone once shouted at me in a supermarket in Spain for speaking English to a friend. That's OTT, but if I hadn't been ABLE to speak Spanish, for example, at checkout, while living there? I think he'd have been totally right to be annoyed. Why should everyone else be inconvenienced because I haven't bothered to learn the language of the country? It comes across as totally rude and disrespectful.

axer

[quote=[Deleted User];55585911]Yes, I did hold up the queue, and people got annoyed. They were forgiving when I explained I was visiting but if I'd lived there they wouldnt have been happy.[/quote]But your still holding up the queue either way. Your still putting lives "at risk" in the case of an emergency.

[quote=[Deleted User];55585911]I can't believe people think it's OK to live in a country and not learn the language. You should go abroad and see how far you get without learning the language. It's really ignorant, IMO.[/quote]I do live abroad and I am far from fluent in the language but I am learning by being forced to use it.

[quote=[Deleted User];55585911]Someone once shouted at me in a supermarket in Spain for speaking English to a friend. That's OTT, but if I hadn't been ABLE to speak Spanish, for example, at checkout, while living there? I think he'd have been totally right to be annoyed. Why should everyone else be inconvenienced because I haven't bothered to learn the language of the country? It comes across as totally rude and disrespectful.[/quote]I disagree. Whats the difference between a person living in the country and tourist with regards holding up queues and being "a danger" to the natives? Either way this country needs people that speak other languages e.g. in the case of HP, they would have had to open a centre elsewhere if they did not have people that could speak natively in different languages.

emerald-eagle

srdb20 wrote: »

Although the above is true, i cant see CPL going to those extremes, so OP i think your safe from the ever watchful eye of CPL.

I remember when i started in HP i had a ball for the first few months and made loads of new friends who i still see regularly.... I thinks its a great job to start off a career in IT.

But it all depends on what desk you get assigned to,,,,

All in all just relax and try to enjoy it, untill it slowly starts crushing your soul!:D

Hi there,
Just wondering if you know what the Dutch Support Desks are like to work for? I have a Dutch friend who might be interested but only if it leads to something. Are there any real prospects for advancement? I heard somwhere that HP/CPL will pay for you to do the A+ and N+ certs - is this true?

As I understand it, you are employed by CPL but working for HP. Is this the equivalent of temping in the Admin world or is the job contract for a permanent job? Can you get a reference out of HP if you leave in the future? Do you have the same employment terms, conditions & entitlements as regular HP employees?

Sorry for all the questions but just trying to get a feel for whether or not I should recommend it to him. If you're not familiar with the Dutch Desks, would you mind asking some of your Dutch colleagues what they think. Or, if any of them are on the boards, they can PM me in either Dutch or English

tks a mil - EE

the_syco

emerald-eagle wrote: »

Are there any real prospects for advancement?

Yes. Most of my managers, their managers, etc, started off on the phones.

emerald-eagle wrote: »

I heard somwhere that HP/CPL will pay for you to do the A+ and N+ certs - is this true?

Yes, along with MCSE's etc.

emerald-eagle wrote: »

As I understand it, you are employed by CPL but working for HP. Is this the equivalent of temping in the Admin world or is the job contract for a permanent job?

You have a conract with CPL, me thinks, and it's permanent AFAIK

emerald-eagle wrote: »

Can you get a reference out of HP if you leave in the future?

No idea. Never looked into it. Someone else may be able to answer that,

emerald-eagle wrote: »

Do you have the same employment terms, conditions & entitlements as regular HP employees?

No idea what HP employees terms are.

emerald-eagle

Yes, along with MCSE's etc.


Thanks Syco. So at the very least you could come out of there with a few qualifications which is never a bad thing

mickman

celticsinner wrote: »

the POINT is its damn ignorant and extremely arrogant. The POINT I'm trying to make is if you came into an Irish pub (for example), invited by an English speaking friend of yours, and u did not speak any English, and everybody chatted around you how would you feel. It's an arrogance I've noticed amongst a lot of European people as I have been in most European countries. (Obviously you fit into the above category! yes, no, maybe, yeah).

when ur abroad in holidays in spain, do you speak english in the pub or spanish? english of course

grow up man

gbee

I can't really comment, the Irish used to speak Irish for privacy but it's not all that common.

Your job will be hell for you ~ I hate most Tech Support call centres for the same reason.

Dr.Sanchez

He should be happy, at least he has a fu*king job!

bobbi

I worked there and yes I know in the past things written on boards have come to the attention of management so it will not do you any favors if they see this.

The first day can be pretty scary. Ideally they should speak English but the easier thing was to speak in their native language.

CPL has good opportunities for advancement and you do learn quite a lot. I have to say it’s a very social place and I made some great friends I still talk to two years on.

the_syco

When do they join? There's a BBQ coming up

Magenta

This thread is 2 years old.... I wonder if the OP ever got found out for his comments...

bobbi

ha ha feel silly now for replying to a two year old thread

Sue Rocks

lol guess we all should have know that a "new job" thread wouldnt be current

emerald-eagle

bobbi wrote: »

ha ha feel silly now for replying to a two year old thread

Actually those jobs are ongoing and are still being advertised, at least for people who speak other European languages - see http://www.cpl.ie/jobs/keywords/dutch/ so, in that sense at least, it's still current;)

Sue Rocks

Does Irish count as another European language??

emerald-eagle

Sue Rocks wrote: »

Does Irish count as another European language??

It should!

Sue Rocks

then im a shoe in!! wahooo

emerald-eagle

Sue Rocks wrote: »

then im a shoe in!! wahooo

Congratulations! Now, if nly Gibberish counted, I'd be in there with first class honours