Elizabeth Franklin (![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} dear_lizzy) wrote,@ 2006-04-18 22:35:00 |
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Dear Lizzy,
I've been trying to get a new job, but I have a couple of problems. The first is that my last several jobs ended badly because I lost my temper and got in arguments with management. On applications, you have to say why you ended previous jobs. What do I say? The second is that when I read the job descriptions, the list of duties scares me. I don't know if I can do all that! Help!
Overwhelmed
Dear Overwhelmed,
First off, while you have to be honest on applications, you don't have to reveal all the gory details. State that there were personality conflicts, or that the job was not a good match for you. Never, EVER use name-calling. This, incidentally, also applies to on-the-job behavior.
If you have a problem with the management, state your problem - while you can still talk about it calmly - and either give them a solutin, or ask for one. Give them at least 15-20 seconds to respond. If they don't, know what solution you would like, and suggest a specific mode of behavior that would help you.
For example,
"I feel lost when you give me multiple things to do. When you assign me further duties, I'd like you to tell me their relative priority to what I'm already doing."
or
"I don't feel that it is appropriate for you to make disparaging remarks about me in front of my co-workers. If you have an issue with the quality of my work, I would appreciate it if you would tell me directly, preferably in your office."
When you make these statements, stand up straight, look them in the eyes, and speak calmly but firmly.
On the second point.... Remember that any job has at least two weeks of ramp-up time in which you are supposed to learn your job. Do hit the ground running, and strive to learn everything you can about your job and about the company in as short a time as possible; however, do not waste time berating yourself for not knowing everything right off. Remember to ask questions - not too many, and use books or online reference materials if you can - but don't feel like you're trapped and have no resources. Read up on the subjects you need help with in your off time.
Remember networking. If people are kindly disposed towards you, they are more likely to be happy to help you.
Finally, I suggest you use some of your unemployed time reading books on conversational skills, anger management, and improving self-esteem. Yes, self-help books are new-age-y and therefore suspect; however, many of them have a fair number of good ideas in them. Libraries generally have a fairly good selection: remember to fully exploit the resources available to you!
Keep those questions coming.... To ask a question, post a reply to my most recent post. Remember the most recent post is the one at the top.
I've been trying to get a new job, but I have a couple of problems. The first is that my last several jobs ended badly because I lost my temper and got in arguments with management. On applications, you have to say why you ended previous jobs. What do I say? The second is that when I read the job descriptions, the list of duties scares me. I don't know if I can do all that! Help!
Overwhelmed
Dear Overwhelmed,
First off, while you have to be honest on applications, you don't have to reveal all the gory details. State that there were personality conflicts, or that the job was not a good match for you. Never, EVER use name-calling. This, incidentally, also applies to on-the-job behavior.
If you have a problem with the management, state your problem - while you can still talk about it calmly - and either give them a solutin, or ask for one. Give them at least 15-20 seconds to respond. If they don't, know what solution you would like, and suggest a specific mode of behavior that would help you.
For example,
"I feel lost when you give me multiple things to do. When you assign me further duties, I'd like you to tell me their relative priority to what I'm already doing."
or
"I don't feel that it is appropriate for you to make disparaging remarks about me in front of my co-workers. If you have an issue with the quality of my work, I would appreciate it if you would tell me directly, preferably in your office."
When you make these statements, stand up straight, look them in the eyes, and speak calmly but firmly.
On the second point.... Remember that any job has at least two weeks of ramp-up time in which you are supposed to learn your job. Do hit the ground running, and strive to learn everything you can about your job and about the company in as short a time as possible; however, do not waste time berating yourself for not knowing everything right off. Remember to ask questions - not too many, and use books or online reference materials if you can - but don't feel like you're trapped and have no resources. Read up on the subjects you need help with in your off time.
Remember networking. If people are kindly disposed towards you, they are more likely to be happy to help you.
Finally, I suggest you use some of your unemployed time reading books on conversational skills, anger management, and improving self-esteem. Yes, self-help books are new-age-y and therefore suspect; however, many of them have a fair number of good ideas in them. Libraries generally have a fairly good selection: remember to fully exploit the resources available to you!
Keep those questions coming.... To ask a question, post a reply to my most recent post. Remember the most recent post is the one at the top.
