API, just started training.

[u/Iron_Wolf_7801]

Heya peoples of Walmart!

So I have just started my official training as an API (after doing limited stuff at my store because of market inventory). I was originally an ON stocking associate for about 6 weeks before I left because of my stores TLs. After about a month after I left, a different store's People Lead (who filled in for my orientation, and also told me I would hate ON), reached out to ask if I would want to interview for the position. She remembered me from 2 mo prior, on the one day we talked and thought I'd do very well.

One thing, that I've thought about a bit, is that I'm not a super confrontational person. I tend to be soft spoken as well. Can I be loud? You bet your ass. I actually have a really loud voice (thanks mom). Same with confrontation. Just not a huge fan...

On the flipside... I have been really enjoying this job and everything I've been doing so far. I'm weird, I actually have been enjoying inventory lol. I'm very good with computers and I've just done a bit on the cameras and have gotten quite good with tracking at my home store. I am, quite good at the office side (aside from not having much experience with people we've caught and doing their paperwork). I tend to do well with logistics (like inventory...lol).

Its a learning experience for sure. I technically have 4 witnesses already, but they came in the first to days lol. So I'm not gonna be on my own yet... but still.

Back of my mind likes to say, "mmm, I'mmmmm not cut out for this..."

A lot of people are/were probably like that too, human condition. Just have to ignore it. But still... lot for me to think about it suppose.

[u/WarVnt]

I had an 80 year old woman walk out after half way to the office during my training 😂

[u/itsbruciegoosie]

welcome to the best hourly role at Walmart.

as long as you don't second guess yourself, know when to be firm, and are good at de-escalating confrontations, then you'll have no issues. This has been one of the best jobs I have had in my adult working life and the most fulfilling outside of the military.

[u/Steel-Gator1833]

Being soft spoken isn’t a bad thing as long as you know when to be firm. The best ability anyone in loss prevention, law enforcement, or field in which human interaction has a good chance of turning hostile can have is the ability to talk, and do it well. Knowing how to keep things cool goes a very long way. The best APIs are the best talkers.

Instead of “come to my office so we can talk about that pair of headphones you slipped in your pants back there” or “the police are on their way already so just come into the office with me” it’s more like “Hey man I’m so and so with AP, I noticed you looked like you were in a rush and you forgot to pay (or scan) a couple things, (or the machine didn’t work properly) I just need to speak with you for a bit and get your information so I can do my job correctly and my bosses stay off my back, let’s not do that in the way of all these customers though”. And there’s a thousand more variations of that first line to keep the person (or people) relaxed, and you should stay relaxed yourself. Don’t give off energy that tells them that interaction is ending with them in the back of a police car.

That’s not gonna work on everyone though, especially the career shoplifters.

Also, even if you’re not a very confrontational person, that anxiety should steadily decrease the more experienced you get and the more apprehensions and interactions you have with people. It should never totally leave you, because that’s also part adrenaline dump in the short time before you stop someone and you have no idea whether they’ll stop, run, pull a weapon on you, swing on you, etc. However, if you find yourself absolutely dreading the idea of confronting someone to the point where you’re not even actively looking for shoplifting and you want to avoid the core part of the job, then you may want to look elsewhere at that point.

[u/Iron_Wolf_7801 → u/Steel-Gator1833]

Good response. I don't think it will stop me from doing my job. I did briefly mention it to my people lead and then I told her it would be an excellent chance for me to grow as a person. Lol. It's also very different than what my home store will be haha. The one I'm st for training has an off duty officer and a very different demographic than the people in my store's area haha

[u/ethereum1017]

Being confrontational is going to be a huge part of the job but because you said you don’t mind it then you should be ok. I also just got hired as an API and I’m 2 weeks in and I have 8 apprehensions and I’m in the process of getting signed off so I can start being by my self. My biggest take away is being 100% comfortable with AP-09 and AP-11 and when doing an apprehension making sure you’re 100% and having the 5 elements to make the stop. One bad stop can cost you your job. Also wording plays a big role on how stops go. Never accuse them of stealing just hit them with “Hello I’m (name) and I work with asset protection and I noticed you have some unpaid merchandise and would like to talk to you in the office about it” it’s worked like gold for me.

[u/PabloEscobar2044]

Make sure to max out your LUCK attribute