Manager may need a push when performance review is overdue

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Dear Joan:
I am the supervisor of a 10 person department. I have worked here for 17 years. One year ago, I got a new boss. My annual review was due in May of 1999. I have asked my manager twice if we could do it. I have been very polite in asking what I can do to help him get this done.

If I talk to the Human Resources Department, they would probably ask him to do it, but I am afraid that he will be upset with me if I do this. He has a history of being late. I know someone who worked for him and didn’t get a review for two years. She got back pay for two years. As a supervisor myself, I am having much difficulty in accepting this kind of management.  Any suggestions?

Answer:
You have a right to be concerned. Not only are you losing valuable feedback regarding your performance, you are losing potential income. Back pay still doesn’t compensate for the buying power you were denied over the past months.

I suggest that you approach your manager again and explain that you’d like a performance and salary review. Tell him that you will prepare a self-evaluation, detailing your performance since your last review, and deliver it to him at least one week prior to your meeting.

Bring your calendar with you and with pencil in hand, ask, "What day will work out best for you?" If he continues to dodge you, it’s time to go to Human Resources.

Dear Joan:
I have a second interview with a company I am EXTREMELY interested in and I really want the job. My problem is that the first interview was spent listening to the interviewer talking for an hour and a half about the position and the company. All of my typical questions (and some not so typical questions) were answered. What do I do? I don’t want to ask questions. Help!

Answer:
Be prepared for the conversation to focus on you. To prepare, write down all the details about the job that you can remember from the first interview. For each one of the qualifications that was described, come up with an example about something similar you did in a past job.

For instance, if this is a technical position, they will want to hear stories about your technical expertise. A handy way to structure your "mini-stories" is in the CAR format. CAR stands for Challenge, Approach, Results. For instance, "When I started my last job, I was the least experienced technician, but they were so short of help that they sent me into the field with very little training. I’m a fast learner, so what I decided to do was to buddy up with an experienced co-worker, who I called when I got stuck. I also took home some of the manuals to learn the unfamiliar hardware. Within three weeks I was working completely on my own." Practice these stories so you don’t have to refer to your notes, but jot down some bullet points that will help you remember, just in case.

Regarding asking questions, come prepared with a few. I suspect your first interviewer was from Human Resources. This time there is a good chance that the hiring manager will interview you. In this case, ask specific questions about the work and the manager. For instance, "What results are expected in this job during the first year?" "How would you describe your management style?" "Are there any specific problems you are hoping this person can solve?"

Finally, don’t be afraid to express your interest in this job. Too often, people don’t show enthusiasm because they are afraid of appearing too eager. The employer wants someone who is excited about the job. It won’t hurt your ability to negotiate for salary later…it will enhance it.

Dear Joan:
I am a 31 year old female. I admittedly look very young for my age. People tell me I could easily pass for late teens or early 20’s. I am currently a professional librarian working in a small public library and I’m having a lot of difficulty getting people to take me seriously because I look so young. I often hear patrons say incredulously, "You’re the librarian?" or "You look awful young to be a librarian." It’s very frustrating.

In a few weeks, I will be promoted to a new position that will frequently put me in contact with city officials and community leaders. It’s a highly visible position that involves a considerable amount of public speaking and PR work. I’m worried that my youthful appearance will pose a real problem.

I feel that I comport myself in a mature and professional manner. I was wondering if you have any suggestions for how I can increase my credibility.

Answer:
Apparently those who promoted you aren’t worried about it. Although your initial appearance may be youthful, it’s what you say, how you say it and what you do that will, in the long run, count with city officials and community leaders. Take steps to dress and look the part, speak with authority and the rest will fall into place. The next time someone tells you that you look young, smile graciously and say, "Thank you." In a few years, you’ll consider it a compliment. 

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