"Look at Me"

While I strive to deliver a job performance above and beyond, while assisting to rebuild a company, my efforts go continuously unnoticed. My employer seems to focus on negative thoughts with all employees and as a result the entire office has suffered. I don't believe in leaving a job undone, however after several attempts of implementing new techniques to calm rough waters, it still seems nothing we do is enough. I have never in my career faced such an issue. The most identifiable problem in this situation is the employer's lack of completion & follow-through on the job/task requested to complete, sometimes even by months. My fear is if I look to find new employment, a reference check would undoubtedly prove to be poor as my work seems to be questionable. How would I go about phrasing this if asked in an interview setting?.

Considering a Change

Dear Considering a Change,

Your dilemma is a difficult one. An employer who fails to provide accurate feedback to employees is doing them and him/her self a disservice. If the employer would give an undeserved bad reference that is a further dilemma for you.

If you decide to stay with your present job, the approach I would suggest is to make a formal appointment with your employer and ask him/her to clarify the expectations of your job. Insist on getting clear and measurable tasks included in your job description so that you can have objective criteria to point to if you are criticized in the future. If your employer refuses to create a job description then I would suggest that you find other employment because you are in a very vulnerable position.

As to your concern that your current employer might give a negative reference, the best approach is to be up front with a new employer. Tell them that you left the old firm because of the employer's poor supervision, refusal to implement job descriptions and proper evaluation policies and because he/she only provided negative feedback. Offer to provide references from other firms you have worked with or from co-workers who can give a more balanced appraisal of your ability.

Good luck with your situation.

Dr. John

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