About JCPenney
JC Penney is an American department store chain. It has over 630 locations in 49 states of the United States. JC Penney sells items like furnishing, cosmetics, apparel, cookware, appliances, jewelry, shoes, and many more. It was founded in 1902 by James Cash Penney. JCPenney operates as a holding company with multiple subsidiaries under it which include, JCPenney Portraits, JCPenney Optical, Crescent Corset, JCPenney Corp Inc, and JCPenney Styling Salon. Here, let’s know How long is the orientation at JCPenney?
JCPenney Work Environment:
JCPenney is a great place to work. It’s the perfect place to start a career in the retail industry, especially for high schoolers or college students to earn a little extra money on the side. The company makes its employees feel included and valued as part of the corporate family. The brand name J.C. Penney serves up to the name by giving employees the deserving experience of being selected as a candidate, worthy enough for the job. As the committee of hiring at J.C. Penney works day and night to filter the candidates out to the cream. The work environment is like no other high-standard company giving out the best opportunity to every candidate, by making an ambiance that brings out the best in each candidate.
Employees can wear casual clothing. The company provides them with T-shirts, but employees are free to wear any matching bottoms. As long as the outfit looks professional, employees are free to wear any bottoms. Their outfits must not have any holes or rips. The overall dress code is business casual. Employees must give the impression of a professional space but also make the customers feel welcome with a friendly front.
Hiring Process
The hiring process at JCPenney is quite an elaborate one. The steps include:
- Applications form: In this step, candidates can submit their applications with all the necessary information. They will be checked on their availability, skills, employment history, background, references, and many more factors.
- Screening Process: This process helps the company understand if candidates can solve and analyze problems and make logical deductions. It aids the company to get to know the candidates better. This step allows the managers to assess the skills of the applicants and check if they fit the role.
- Interviews: This involves an interview taken by a hiring manager and an employee of the same level you are applying for. This stage mainly focuses on more detailed questions and discussing work experiences. The candidate will be questioned about their resume and special skills. They will also be asked behavioral-type questions. Candidates are requested to prepare for such questions with stories or anecdotes prepared.
Interview formats usually start with 1 on 1 basis. The following interviews follow a panel and group interview format. The company values the candidate’s skills but also wants to understand how they perform in a group. Group interviews are organized to check if more than one individual is fit for the company. It helps the company understand how each individual can contribute in different ways to the corporate family. The number of interviews depends on the nature of the job position.
Orientation
The orientation at JC Penney is 2 and a half hours long. It’s usually done in groups ranging from 3 to 12 people. This process familiarizes the employees with the activities carried out in stores. It prepares employees for the tasks related to their job. The duration, however, depends on the job position. Some orientations go up to 10 hours long. The process also includes an assessment test.
This orientation period positively affects the employee’s future employment period. It helps them understand how the company functions and how the people interact. The orientation process ensures the employees learn the skills they need. Moreover, it is paid, along with the training period.
What does JCPenney look for in employees?
JCPenney looks for employees who can appeal to customers in the best way possible. They must have immaculate social skills and be able to sell the company’s image as a good one as well as the products. They must follow a proper code of conduct with proper manners and be able to maintain a genuine conversation between customers.
Your work history, educational background, and background check are also important for the job. Having prior experience in the retail industry will give you an edge on the job. Employees must maintain a certain discipline and follow the instructions of their superiors. Having prior experience especially at the entry level is not compulsory but it will help. The main thing to keep in mind is to have an open mind and a welcoming personality. Being an extroverted person will help communicate with the customers and give the right impression of the JCPenney workforce.
Employees will be trained to be well-versed with the products and services provided. This holds good for all employees at different levels because every employee performs a variety of tasks. So, knowing a little extra beyond your job position is always beneficial.
Employee Feedback
Employees say that JCPenney is a great company to work for. The company offers a variety of benefits and perks. The work environment is very friendly and the management is very approachable. The employees are provided a fair wage for the work they do. The overall work culture is built on teamwork, innovation, and productivity. So, with the support of all employees and the management, JCPenney is a great place to work.
Conclusion
Overall, JC Penney is a great company to work for. They equally value their employees and customers and make the professional space feel comfortable and inviting for everyone. Most employees have given good reviews about the workspace and recommend it to others. Most employees look forward to working there. The overall positive environment helps them work efficiently and provide customers with high-quality service. It allows you to familiarize yourself with the industry and allows you to mingle with customers and help others.
