Q. The company I’m interviewing with doesn’t have a job description. They did when I applied, but now it’s basically a blank sheet — they say the job is what I make of it. But shouldn’t I know what the job is about? When I ask them, they talk about the company perks and stuff, but not the job itself. Help!
A. Run, do not walk, away from this company. They’re vague with you now, so I can’t even imagine what the job would be like. Considering they had a job description and it’s now completely changed into everything-yet-nothing, that also feels like a bait-and-switch situation. Be thankful this glaring red flag emerged sooner rather than later.
Companies should always have a job description and the ability to talk articulately about the job. If you don’t even know what the role is you’re interviewing for and ultimately potentially working in, how would they be able to determine what your annual salary increase should be? And the promotion path? This has huge implications about everything else for your career, not only the job, in this company. Thank you, next!
Q. My boss just promoted me and while I should be happy, my two colleagues who were peers are constantly making snide remarks. I manage them now. How should I handle this situation? I kinda feel bad about my promotion.
A. First, huge congrats on your promotion! That’s quite an accomplishment and sorry to hear you feel bad about it. It seems like the envious former colleagues can be attributed to that.
As for them, you may want to sit down with them individually and indicate the relationship has changed since you’re now their boss, but since you already have rapport with them, you hope having an open door can be helpful. If they’re star performers, perhaps also outline the path to promotion so they see it’s possible for them, too.
Resentment and work relationships can get tricky though and I’m glad you asked this question for our dear reader who may be experiencing something similar — when you used to eat lunch with your work besties and now you’re conducting their performance reviews. Keep your composure and professionalism — you earned that promotion!
Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach. Send your questions to hello@vickisalemi.com. For more information and to subscribe to Vicki’s newsletter, visit www.vickisalemi.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @vickisalemi./Tribune News Service