Career Advice - Is My Boss Happy With My Work?

Tips For Determining Where You Stand At Your New Job

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

I was recently hired at a new job and I'm really enjoying it so far. The only problem is, I have no idea if my bosses are happy with my job performance so far and rarely ever get feedback. It's frustrating because I don't know what areas I need to improve on. How can I figure out where I stand with my job performance?

Sincerely,

Office Newbie

Dear Office Newbie,

How can new hires keep on top of where they stand?

Most people can tell if they're doing a good job because they get positive feedback and/or things run smoothly. However, there are companies where feedback is not a normal part of the process or else feedback is measured and monthly or bi-monthly or annually.

If you're not sure, ask. "How am I doing?" is a great way to start.

Is it a good idea to solicit informal feedback very early on?

If you try to solicit feedback too soon and too often, you may be viewed as an OCD candidate for treatment. Be careful that you're truly asking to see how you're doing, and not just fishing for compliments, which is how it may seem to others -- especially if every time you ask, things are fine.

How do you find out what yardstick you're really being measured against?

It depends what your company goals are and your immediate bosses goals are. Be aware, talk to people, and ask!

Does it matter what your dotted-line higher-ups think of you?

Absolutely. The better impression you make all around, the more you'll be considered for jobs upstairs.

Reasons to believe you're stuck in a dead end job:

1. You've not gotten a raise in three years.

2. You've gotten no praise or recognition in your job.

3. Other people who were hired at your level or below, have been promoted and you haven't.

4. You haven't taken on any new responsibilities in the last two years at your job.

5. It's been a year at your job, and your boss still doesn't know your name.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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