Co-Workers Are Incompatible
Q: I am a health care professional with many years of experience. I started a new position and have contact with a medical director only one day a week - we have now worked together only seven times.
This director (who was not involved in my hiring and is in fact my co-worker) has complained about my physical appearance, my mannerisms and my competency. The top bosses have asked me to “take care of the problem in an honorable way.” To satisfy this man, I bought more businesslike clothing, though what I was wearing is standard for my profession, I restyled my hair though everyone liked my original style, I started wearing makeup though I’m allergic to it, and I made an appointment to see a counselor at my expense.
I think he complains about me because I stepped on his toes by not agreeing with him on how things should be done or because he wants to receive the credit alone for the program’s success. What can I do?
A: It’s smart to listen seriously to complaints, but you’ve gone too far in kowtowing to satisfy this apparently arrogant credit hog. Tell your bosses that there are major differences of opinion between you and this director, so they will understand what most likely caused his complaining, and ask them to clarify your status to him. If they refuse to do so, you may want to look for another job, where your experience and ability will be valued. And for Pete’s sake, stop wearing makeup if you’re allergic to it!
Don’t put your salary on resume
Q: After 19 years with the government as a family relocation specialist, I found out that my job was going to be outsourced. I have my salary on my resume, but companies seem stunned by it. If I take it off, what do I say about my salary expectations? My job search has not been easy.
A: Never put your salary on a resume. When interviewers ask about your salary requirements, give a nonanswer like, “I expect the salary to be commensurate with the job.” If you say a specific amount, you may lose ground on your ability to negotiate. And to expand your job search, you may want to consider the travel business as well as corporate relocation.
Self-reviews can be used to self-promote
Q: We have been instructed to create our own reviews and turn them in to our immediate supervisors. I think we’re doing their jobs. Regardless of what we put down and how hard we work, we get the same low raises. They even add unjustified comments to have an excuse for not giving a higher salary increase. Why should we work hard when we get the same amount each time? Don’t these companies know that we know what they’re doing?
A: On the positive side, this type of process gives employees a chance to list accomplishments that may otherwise be overlooked. But I understand your frustration over raises that seem to be the same no matter what you do from year to year. Unfortunately, this is one of those situations where you can’t fight city hall, no matter how tedious and apparently meaningless the process is.
Company can call you whatever it wants
Q: For two and a half years, I’ve worked as a coordinator and vendor manager, but my title is senior level administrative assistant. I wanted to change it to include “human resources,” but the company says it can’t because I’m not in the HR department. Is the company’s position legally sound?
A: No company is legally required to give you the job title you prefer. And it makes sense that since you’re not in the HR department, you should not have HR in your job title, though you may want to suggest a job title that more closely describes your responsibilities.