Ask a Manager
WEBHere are some past letters that I’m making new again, rather than leaving them to wilt in the archives. 1. My colleague is allergic to me because of my cats. I’m a brand new manager in a public services environment. I have two cats, who are not particularly hairy, and I wash my clothes – and myself – in the usual customary manner for ...
how to write the perfect out-of-office message — Ask a Manager
WEBJun 25, 2019 — Here’s how to do it — and how not do it. 1. Cover the basics. Your message should explain that you’re out, when you’ll be back, and how reachable you are (if at all). In many cases, something like this is all you need: I’m out of the office until July 5. I won’t be checking email during that time, but will get back to you as soon as ...
8 workplace rights you might not know you have — Ask a Manager
WEBOct 29, 2012 — Here are eight of the most important workplace rights you might not realize you have. 1. Your employer can’t withhold your paycheck for poor performance. No matter how poorly you perform, your employer can’t dock your salary.
what do application deadlines really mean? — Ask a Manager
WEBApr 6, 2017 — If you’re thinking that seems unfair, an application deadline isn’t meant to communicate “you will have exactly the same shot as everyone else as long as you apply before this date.”. Generally, it really just means “we don’t think we’ll want to keep reviewing applications after this date, although who knows, maybe we will, and ...
here’s a real-life example of a fantastic cover letter
WEBApr 9, 2019 — Here’s the letter, with identifying details changed. Dear Hiring Manager, It’s with great enthusiasm that I am applying to be your next Intergalactic Service Intern. I know that my background and expertise would serve the Mars Agency well and leave a lasting impression in your client management department. I’ve worked in some level of ...
what’s the deal with write-ups? - Ask a Manager
WEBFeb 20, 2019 — It’s basically a formal warning, framed in a punitive, infantilizing way. Most employers do use formal warnings of some kind, but employers that call them “write-ups” tend to be the ones that infantilize their employees. So let’s talk about written warnings in general, and then we’ll talk about “write-ups” specifically.
how do I recover from a huge, fireable mistake at work?
WEBNov 6, 2014 — Make it clear that you understand what a huge mistake this was, what the potential impact could be, and how serious the situation is. Say that you’re mortified that it happened. Explain — briefly, and not defensively — where you went wrong and what steps you’re taking to avoid it ever happening again. Then see what your manager says.
when should you go to HR — and when should you not? - Ask a …
WEBSep 22, 2021 — That’s 100 percent true! But that doesn’t mean that HR is inherently untrustworthy or that you should expect them to be adversarial if you go to them with a problem. It just means that HR’s function is to serve the needs of the company. In many cases, serving the needs of the company also means serving the needs of …
I'm burned out and overworked and my bosses keep piling more …
WEBJan 13, 2020 — But you’ve got to really stick to it. Phrases that you need to be using on an ongoing basis are things like: – “Yep, I can shift that, but it means X won’t get done.”. – “Just to make sure you know, X hasn’t happened in three weeks, and I won’t be able to get it to in the foreseeable future.
how can you convince your employer to hire additional staff?
WEBNov 26, 2013 — 3. Put this all on a single page, two maximum, ideally in bullet points. Make it easy to skim and digest. Don’t assume anyone will read a long memo. This is the business case for making the new hire. 4. Then go and talk to your boss about it. If you have a reasonable boss and you’ve laid out a compelling case, you have a decent chance of ...