How Can I Address Lack of Training Before Facing Possible Termination?

Dear Respected HRs,

This is Abdul Irfan, MBA (Finance), but my company placed me in B2B sales. I am currently working as a sales coordinator in the chemical industry. It has been 3 months since I started working here. However, my manager hasn't trained me in anything, and he doesn't assign me any work. Every day, I approach him and ask for "any work," to which he responds, "no work, just sit and check your personal mails." He hasn't taken me to the market to learn how to deal with clients or understand the sales procedures. He expects me to handle sales without any knowledge of chemicals.

Recently, I found out that the company GM is planning to terminate a few employees, and my name is on that list. This news is very shocking to me.

Seeking Advice on Addressing Training Issues

Dear HRs, I would like to seek advice on how to address this issue with the GM, explaining that I lack adequate training and how to persuade him in a respectful manner.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,
Abdul Irfan

Despite your educational qualification in Finance, did you join the company in the sales department, or were you eventually transferred to sales?

I asked them for a job in finance, but eventually, they transferred me to sales.

Hi Abdul,

Despite your finance background, did you choose a sales role out of interest or necessity? For three months, you have seemingly been idle in the office. It is clear that companies do not hire employees to pass time. This is a standard expectation for every employee.

When you requested work from your manager, did you document it? Have you ever sent an email asking for tasks or taken the initiative to understand the products or services you are supposed to sell, and the potential market? Perhaps they wanted to assess your capabilities.

It is surprising that you have spent three months idling in the office and only realized your situation now because your name is on the termination list. If this step had not been taken, would you have continued wasting time?

This is a reality check for yourself rather than solely blaming the company or management. Learn from this experience and plan your future actions. You can either step up, start from scratch, take initiative, research, and identify your role, or consider resigning and searching for a job where you can contribute meaningfully.

As an MBA graduate, you should be capable of gathering information independently. Avoid repeating the mistake of wasting time in any future position.

Regards,
[Your Name]

It was very nice to have your suggestions and facts; I really agree and appreciate that. However, I would like to bring a few facts to your attention:

1. It was not my interest to join Sales, but there was no choice at the time, so they selected me for sales.

2. Now, I am also well aware of the products with which we are dealing.

3. I have also emailed him for work, and every time, in any matter, I will keep him in CC (mail).

4. The most important of all is that here in Saudi Arabia, the problem is our sponsorship has to be transferred to the company. Only then can we have a license and move freely, and I can go into the field without anyone's help. They are also delaying my Iqama transfer.

5. I don't know if it is fair to mention or not, but I will share this: the company I am working for is totally dominated by Jordanians, and I am the only Indian, so this might also be a reason.

I hope I'll get a good response and suggestions from respected HR professionals and my dear friends.

Thank you,

With Warm Regards,

Abdul Irfan.

Hi Abdul,

It was smart of you to communicate with your manager through emails. You can show them to HR while discussing the situation, although I am unsure how much it will help if the management is biased. As Mr. Jhuma Tiwade rightly pointed out, being in Saudi Arabia makes it a little difficult to provide guidance. Kindly discuss the issue with your HR or senior management and try to gain clarity regarding your position.

Regards,
[Your Name]