ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 25, 1996 TAG: 9608230117
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Working it Out
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
Q. We work on commission and depend on the phone. One co-worker won't give phone messages to those of us she doesn't like. There are calls! We look incompetent, lose sales, and lose clients. Can we get her to shape up?
A. Before placing blame, make sure your charges are accurate. Ask your clients to get the name of any person taking messages. All sales personnel who share this problem should be keeping records of failed messages, as reported by clients.
When clients tell you they called and it's a call you don't have a phone message for, ask who took the call. Compare notes with others in the sales department. When you've solid evidence, meet with your sales manager. Don't engage in analyzing why you've been sabotaged, just provide the documentation that shows you have been. The potential loss of revenue to the company should prompt action.
If the situation isn't remedied by your manager or if you can't collect sufficient evidence, invest in a pager. These give your clients immediate access to you.
In the meanwhile, improve relationships with the sabotage artist. Be polite, to a fault. Thank the person whenever messages do get across. The messages may be given out selectively to those your call-taker feels appreciates her. Apparently, she feels only a few do. That is something you can probably remedy quickly.
Q. There very few companies in my field of work. I've worked for seven of them so far. I like the work I do, but my bosses have been impossible. Whenever I can't stand my boss I move on. I'm on the market again because of a jerk boss. How can I make sure that I make a better decision accepting a job this time?
A. Interviews aren't only to select the best job candidate, they're also opportunities for candidates to determine if an organization and supervisor fit their working style.
Because you're in a specialized field, network with colleagues. Ask about their work environments and bosses. You've access to inside information, use it.
Additionally, list areas which caused disruption in your past work relationships. From that list, construct a few questions which would give you insight into a prospective supervisor. When an employer ends an interview by asking if you have questions, ask them.
Finally, don't discount your expectations or communication style as a contributing factor in the problem. You've left several organizations for similar reasons; recognize that a common factor beyond bad bosses is you.
Talk with a counselor to examine your expectations, communication skills, and assertiveness style. A counselor will help you identify areas needing change or help you prevent employment with someone who'll be a problem for you. Either way, your long-term employment prospects will benefit.
Q. I've even been told I'm overqualified for the positions I've applied for. There aren't any positions at my level of qualification. Even if there were, I don't want that kind of stress anymore. How can I overcome the "overqualified" barrier?
A. Some employers pass on "overqualified" applicants fearing candidates would soon be bored and leave. Other employers view highly qualified applicants as competitors and fear for their own jobs.
Knowing the source of an employer's concerns allows you to address that concern head-on in a winning manner.
In your cover letters, focus on your desire to have a satisfying job which still allows you the energy to address other interests. Explain how you would be a productive employee. Make clear your commitment to stay for the long-run. Detail, in a few sentences, how your earlier work experience makes you especially suited for the job.
Keep your letters on the positive side. Don't provide red-flags such as "I want a job with no stress." Employers will misread your intentions.
As letters and resumes are going out, make appointments with those who hire for jobs you'd like. Ask for advice on how to break out of the "overqualified" label and into your targeted job market. You'll get good advice specific to your job interests and you may impress an employee enough to get a job offer.
Whether changing careers, going for a first job, or seeking work after a downsizing, a major element of success is persistence. Apply for several jobs a week, each and every week, until an attractive offer is given.
Camille Wright Miller, an organizational behavior sociologist who works in Lexington, answers questions from our readers about workplace issues. Please send them to her in care of The Roanoke Times, Business News Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010.
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