''After a week, I felt like I had been working here much longer.''
Sometimes a new opportunity presents itself from an unexpected angle. That happened to Annemieke Adrichem (57), who heard about a vacancy for receptionist at HeadFirst Group through her daughter - a working student in the HR department. At first she hesitated. "I had never worked in an office environment before and thought I was not handy enough with computers," Annemieke explains. "In addition, I wondered if I should take on such a big change at 57." Nevertheless, after a positive job interview, she decided to take on the challenge. She has now been working at HeadFirst Group for more than three months and feels right at home.
A versatile background and a big step
Annemieke has a diverse work background, from owning her own flower store to 26 years in a catering butcher shop and working as a family helper. Still, she wondered if she wanted to do this for the next 10 years. "A career switch at 57 seemed exciting, but after my conversation with Klaske (Manager Executive Office) I realized that this was an opportunity to challenge myself."
The versatile role of receptionist within HeadFirst Group
As a receptionist at HeadFirst Group, Annemieke has a versatile and dynamic position. She receives guests, manages registrations and agendas, coordinates lunches, supervises technicians and takes care of the mail. She also arranges the issue of pool cars and supports colleagues where necessary. "People come to the front desk for everything from a band-aid or a pen to help with parking. What I like about my job is the social side; I like helping people and creating a positive atmosphere."
Annemieke is part of team Facility & Events and experiences the cooperation as very pleasant. "From day one I felt welcome. Everyone is friendly and approachable, and we work well together. It's a social team where colleagues are there for each other. After a week it felt like I had been working here much longer."
A valuable onboarding process
A new job also means a new system, a new way of working and new colleagues. To make this go smoothly, HeadFirst Group offers an extensive onboarding process. Annemieke has experienced this as particularly valuable.
During the onboarding, Annemieke got a good picture of HeadFirst Group as an organization. "A lot of attention was paid to the company culture and core values, such as the importance that everyone can be themselves. I really notice that in practice," she says. "In addition, I found the trainings, such as the one on safety and the Yellow Belt training, very valuable. Especially the thinking in solutions and improvements I take into my work."
In addition to the content of the onboarding, the program also helped her make social contacts quickly. "I was in a fun group right away, which made me feel comfortable quickly and get to know colleagues from day one.'"
A warm organization
What Annemieke appreciates most about HeadFirst Group is the open and social work environment. "Everyone is friendly and approachable. It really feels like a warm bath." For anyone considering applying for a job at HeadFirst Group, Annemieke has a clear message: "Just do it! I took the step and never regretted it for a moment."
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