Ask the Employment Specialist: Getting feedback on the job

Dear Employment Specialist,

I was hired 2 months ago as an accounting clerk. I had been looking for work for at least a year and finally, through a friend, I found a job opportunity and passed the interview and started right away.

After two months, I have no idea how I am doing or if my managers likes my work. I have not received any feedback and am worried about my job. I cannot sleep at night. Please could you tell me what I should do.

Signed, 
Scared of being fired

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Dear Scared of being fired,

Sounds as if you are  quite nervous about your job. I can understand why. According to Denise Bissonnette (2004), 78 percent of employees lose their jobs in the first three months! Just curious if you have a performance review policy at your company and how long your probation is?

I find that taking initiative in an appropriate respectful manner goes a long way. When you start a new job, I recommend approaching your manager after a couple of weeks and asking, in a calm and clear way, for feedback.  Start out on a positive note, telling the manager how much you enjoy working there, and how you enjoy the team and the work. Find out how the manager plans to assess your performance, and whether there is a formal review during the probation period.

Ideally, it is worthwhile to clarify the performance evaluation process after getting a job offer, before starting working. But if you didn’t, you can still approach the manager, while respecting his or her time (“I know you are swamped, but I was wondering if you have a couple of minutes to spare just to check in with you when it’s a good time for you”), and asking for feedback.

Next, find out whether the manager has any suggestions as to what needs improvement, or if there is anything more you can do to contribute to the company. Act on what the Manager recommends. For example, if the manager says that you need to brush up on your typing, tell them about your specific plans to improve; you may consider coming in every morning about 30 minutes before work to practice.  It may be useful to work out an arrangement with the manager for a brief performance review every month – a 5 minute check-in to make sure that you are both on the same page. This will reduce the chances of any surprises, and reassure the manager that you would like to do the best job possible,  make a solid contribution to the team, as well as continue to learn and grow.

Of course, this approach isn’t a rigid formula that works for everyone all the time. Effectively receiving constructive criticism from an authority figure such as a Manager is a complex and a critical life skill. The strategy for asking a manager for a performance review is best determined on a case by case, with careful consideration to the background of the employee, their personality, the workplace culture and other factors.

You will find some useful tips about seeking feedback from your manager in this article. 

I wish you lots of success with approaching your manager, receiving constructive feedback and building the kind of trust between a new employee and his or her supervisor that is needed for a successful work experience.

Regards,
Joanna

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References:

Bissonnette, D. (2004). 30 ways to shine as a new employee. A Milt Wright & Associates: USA