Outgrown your Job Description? How to Get the Recognition You Deserve
So, you have been in your new position for a while now, you are settling in nicely but it seems that you are handling duties that go well above and beyond your original job description. The problem is that nobody – especially your boss- has seemed to notice or acknowledge all this extra effort. You are now simmering with resentment and you are determined to gain some of the recognition you deserve, preferably with a new title and a raise. But what is the best way to go about doing so? Some advice:
Make a List – Before you do anything else make a list of all the extra responsibilities you have taken on and all the time that you are putting in on these new projects. Perhaps you have begun orientating new employees and that is taking up a certain amount of your time every week now. Calculate how much time that is exactly and note it down. You should also get down on paper the amount of time you spend performing the tasks you were originally hired to do.
Invent Your New title – Have a second look at your list of extra responsibilities. Does it look similar to that of a fellow employee who has a “higher” title than the one you have? If so, you should note that down too. If you do not see anybody else with remotely the same responsibilities as you currently have invent a title that you think might be appropriate to more accurately describe your real roll in the company.
A Word about Money – A new title is great, but with it should come a new salary structure as well. Have a look at a few job classifieds or salary comparison websites . How much more does your desired new title make you worth?
Taking it to the Top – Once all of this preparation is complete the time has to come to request a formal meeting with your boss to discuss it all. Let her know in advance what you propose to discuss so that she can allot you a reasonable amount of her time instead of fitting you in between phone calls.
In the end it is up to you, and you alone to look out for yourself at work and take the initiative to ask for the recognition you deserve. Chances are that your boss may be so busy herself she has barely had time to notice how far your job duties have expanded. Present your case in a clear, calm manner and you should stand a great chance of getting what you want.
Preparing for a Performance Review
Do you remember when you were a kid how you felt when report card time came around? If it was good you could possibly look forward to praise from your parents and possibly a little treat. A bad one however probably meant more than a little trouble so there were butterflies in your stomach as you handed that envelope over to Mom and Dad.
A performance review at work can bring all of those memories and feelings flooding back. A good review could set your career on fire, a bad one who knows? So it’s just like being back in high school all over again.
In the case of performance reviews though there are certain things you can do to make sure that you are prepared for your workplace review and you are ready to handle whatever comes of it.
Self-evaluation is a good tool. Critique your recent job performance as honestly as you can. Are you really putting in 100% or have you been slacking off recently? If you are honest with yourself about the way you have been working then you will probably be better equipped to handle any criticism your boss might throw your way during the review.
What Not to Say at Work
By the time we reach adulthood most of us have figured out what not to say in our personal lives. Unless you are truly insensitive (or a glutton for punishment) you know that “yes that skirt does make you look fat” and “actually I think you are losing your hair” are just not wise words to speak aloud if you want to maintain peace and harmony.
People tend to be less careful about what they say in the workplace and fail to understand how much of an impact saying the wrong thing might have on their relationships. Here a few of the worst conversational faux pas that you can make at work
“It’s not my job” – If someone is approaching you with an issue they obviously have a reason. Sure it may not be your job to cover reception while the regular girl goes to the dentist but will it really kill you to do so? Using this phrase indicates to those who hear it that you are not a team player and this is a bad rep to get in any job.
How to Have a Truly Great First Day
So, after all your hard work and determination, you have finally landed that great new job and your first day is right around the corner. Keep in mind that first impressions are important – make a bad one and could take time to gain the trust and respect of your new co- workers and managers. Here a few tips for making the best possible impact on your first day at your new job:
