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By the
Mind Tools
Content Team
(10)
10 MIN READ
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Fight the frustration when a job is not what you expected it to be.
Alix stared at her screen. Another spreadsheet. She was growing tired of
seeing them, but this was what her new job seemed to consist of: reports,
processes and administrative duties. She sighed.
But, before you march up to your manager to complain, or even quit, take a
deep breath and look at your situation calmly and objectively. Avoid any
"knee-jerk" reactions that would damage your chances of resolving the
issue amicably and positively.
It's unlikely that your organization misled you deliberately. Chances are,
misunderstandings or poor communication are to blame. There may be a
number of innocent reasons why your role doesn't match your job
description .
For example, you could be in a new role with a new job description that's a
"best estimate" of what the role entails. Also, the role, the team, or the
organization may be going through change, and the job description hasn't
yet been updated. Or, if you are working for a small organization, the
culture and understanding might be that everybody pitches in, whatever
their official role or title.
Also, be honest with yourself and examine whether it's your understanding
of the job description that was inaccurate, rather than the job description
itself.
What to Do If Your Job Description Is
Incorrect
Whatever the reason, if you're in a job you didn't expect it can be
incredibly trusting and dispiriting – but it needn't be a deal-breaker. With
the right approach, it might be something you can resolve with your
manager. Let's look at how you can make the most of the situation, and
even turn it to your advantage.
Prepare your points carefully beforehand. You'll need to show clearly how
what you do differs from what you expected to be doing.
For example, a long spell of entering data into a system might be useful
preparation for a role that will gradually become more varied and
challenging.
Note:
In most cases, a job description – unlike a contract of employment – is not
a legally binding document. You can be asked to take on other duties, if
these are reasonable. However, if what you are doing really doesn't match
your expectations, and you believe that your employer deliberately misled
you, seek legal advice.
Next, talk to other people who've performed the same role as you, and ask
how it developed for them. This can clear up any misunderstandings if
you're in an unfamilar organizational culture, or if you're working with a
manager who has a particular way of doing things.
Start with a polite and informal request for a meeting. A simple message
along the lines of, "I've been here for three months, and the job isn't quite
what I was expecting. Could we meet to discuss this?" should be fine.
Tip:
Who you speak to will depend on your organization. In most cases, your
line manager is the first person to ask. But, if you feel that he doesn't take
the problem seriously, you may need to talk to your Human Resources
team.
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Be tactful and calm, but assertive . Start by saying that you're trying to
gain a better understanding of your responsibilities and how you will
be judged a success .
Draw on your job description, and explain the discrepancies between it and
what you actually do that you identified earlier. Emphasize that you're not
being difficult or fussy, but you want to avoid any of the potential pitfalls
we describe, above.
If you have skills and experience that are being under-utilized, highlight
them, and emphasize the business benefits that your team would see if you
were given the opportunity to use them.
You'll put yourself in the best position if you can offer some constructive
ideas for resolving the situation. If you don't have a formal induction or
training plan , for example, you could suggest one that aligns you more
closely with the role that you expected, and which allows you to build
some more compelling responsibilities into your role.
If your manager shows little willingness to adjust your role, try to keep an
open mind. There may be benefits that you can enjoy at the company – the
culture, or opportunities for personal development, for example.
You could also seek an internal transfer to a more satisfying role within the
organization. But, if this isn't an option, the best solution might be for you
to look for other opportunities elsewhere. Be sure not to take this decision
lightly. Equally, take care of yourself and put your health, values and
happiness first.
However, if you've performed well in the role so far, your manager will
likely want to retain your talent, and will be understanding and receptive to
your ideas. If you can work together to salvage the situation by redesigning
your role and job description to be closer to your expectations, it could be a
"win-win " for you both.
Key Points
Many people find themselves in roles that don't deliver what their job
descriptions appear to promise.
If this happens to you, try to stay calm. Give yourself a cooling off period
in which you decide whether you can shape the role to your needs and
wishes, or if you need to ask your manager for change.
Make your case firmly, but be tactful and suggest a mutually acceptable
solution. If your manager is sympathetic and supportive, try to collaborate
on recrafting your role and job description. But you may need to consider
other opportunities as a last resort.
This site teaches you the skills you need for a happy and successful career;
and this is just one of many tools and resources that you'll find here at
Mind Tools. Subscribe to our free newsletter, or join the Mind Tools
Club and really supercharge your career!
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JustinLeslieMcgowan1971 2022-04-02 00:28:26
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