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Future

Hi, I have just started my new job, it's going well. I'm getting accustomed to a much more laid back style of management.

The position is more entry level than my previous but the change of industry is right for me.

My previous line manager was very good at motivating and allowing me to carry out work without dictating or being vague.
My new manager is quite vague in his instructions and prefers to email me rather than talk about work. Colleagues sometimes feel confused or have conflicting ideas in my office as an effect.

I only received the written contract in my 1st week, (it may have been beneficial if this was signed before starting) and would like some advice.

* The job description is open ended- "In addition to the duties which this job normally entails you may from time to time be required to undertake additional or other duties to meet the needs of the business"

Realistically this sounds acceptable but I am I right to be tentative?

* A performance bonus scheme is mentioned but not specified in figures or tasks- a figure was agreed over the phone as part of the verbal job offer but no obejectives have been set.

Should I request to clarify this in writing before I sign?

*Overtime is only paid if prior authorisation is given by a director - " You are also required to work such additional hours as may be necessary to meet the needs of the Company's business."

I have heard that time in lieu is usually given instead and that frequent weekend work is required.

I am enjoying the new prospects and work, I am proud to have got where I am. Thank you for all your advice in the past when I was job hunting.

Randy

quote="Future"

* The job description is open ended- "In addition to the duties which this job normally entails you may from time to time be required to undertake additional or other duties to meet the needs of the business"

Translation, of course, is "other duties as assigned".

Realistically this sounds acceptable but I am I right to be tentative?

Yep. It means that at no point are you ever justified in saying, "That's not my job."

* A performance bonus scheme is mentioned but not specified in figures or tasks- a figure was agreed over the phone as part of the verbal job offer but no obejectives have been set.

Should I request to clarify this in writing before I sign?

Absolutely.

*Overtime is only paid if prior authorisation is given by a director - " You are also required to work such additional hours as may be necessary to meet the needs of the Company's business."

I have heard that time in lieu is usually given instead and that frequent weekend work is required.

Oh, that so sucks it ain't funny. It's a great way to have you work 40 straight hours (using hyperbole here) and then instead of letting you work the rest of the week and make overtime, they send you home for the rest of the week.

Future · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 9:49 pm Post subject:

Thanks for replying Randy.

My job scope is on one page. I need to work out a way of clarifying the duties and work around the meet the needs of the business issue... any ideas on how I can negotiate?

Will definitely ask for the bonus scheme to be confirmed in writing before proceeding.

I will probably be working away from home next weekend, maybe for the full two days. I will ask about overtime but have my doubts. Company culture and current employee assertiveness.
During my first interview, my manager did clearly say that overtime and time in lieu are given, so I shall refer to this... scary when at the same time I want to make a good, willing impression in my first month. Perhaps it is a test of my assertiveness.

Randy · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 4:20 am Post subject:

quote="Future"

I need to work out a way of clarifying the duties and work around the meet the needs of the business issue... any ideas on how I can negotiate?

Here in the states about the only people who can get away with saying "not my job" are those who work under union contracts. For the rest it's employment "at will" and it's a given that "other duties as assigned" are simply part of being someone's slave, I mean, employee. In all my experience, however, it rarely becomes that serious of a matter. Companies generally make sure they have the staff and personell necessary to cover the major duties and requirements.

Most resistance comes from the possibility of the extremes involved. The guy with the four-year degree, for example, worries that he'll be asked to clean toilets and the guy making minimum wage resents the possibility of being asked to fill in for someone who makes three times what he does because he knows his pay won't change one little bit.

I clearly resent the whole "other duties as assigned," no dobut about it. At the same time, however, and as I said, it's rare that employees get shifted about to such an extreme that it should be "deal breaker". Actually, out of over fifty employers, I quit one over this very thing. Owner of business wanted me to mow his yard--at his home, not the company. Sure I was going to stay on payroll and get paid for doing it, on company time, but for me that was demanding entirely too much. So I left.

But I certainly wouldn't let this stand in the way of what otherwise would be a good opportunity. I'm not very tactful (by choice), but you certainly could do no harm to your chances by asking something along the lines of, "Could you give me an example of what some of these other assignments might be?" Lets them know you're actually paying attention and really are interested in knowing as much as possible going into the thing.

Perhaps it is a test of my assertiveness.

It might very well be. I've tried every psychological ploy out there from deference and timidity to bold as a damned lion. The whole employment process is indeed a game, no doubt about that. But if nothing else, it is absolutely a "business" proposition so asking about these things is vital, as far as I'm concerned.

Future · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject:

I feel better for reading this. I think "Could you give me an example of what some of these other assignments might be?" is a very positive question to ask from both perspectives in terms of my job duties.

A "business" proposition it is and I shall ask and ask again if necessary.

Thanks and regards,

Future

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