Dear Addie:
I recently accepted a job as an assistant to a start up company. They had a previous business and were moving into a new area and were winding down the old business and starting the new one. My experience is in the new business and the placement agency thought that this company would NEED my services and expertise and would look to me for advice and opinions. They said they actively promoted my expertise and let the company know they could tap into my experience.
However, when I would be in meetings about the new business, they didn't want any input from me. They just wanted me to be the assistant. Secondly, they weren't really ready to launch the new business. They were busy shutting down the old company which isn't the area of my expertise. Most of my time there was consumed with the old business and the little amount of time spent with the new business. I never had the opportunity to give opinions or advice about the new company.
After one month, the two principals told me that I wasn't working out. The woman at the placement agency said it was a lack of enthusiasm on my part. I felt angry and confused. I didn't really have any chance to show any enthusiasm. I'm just very upset about it. I feel that I was not given a chance and was treated unfairly. -Hurt and confused.
Dear Hurt and Confused:
It sounds like you were a terrific candidate that they were not ready for. I'm sure that it was their loss and not yours.
They don't know how terrific you could have been. You know you could have been a real asset.
They did not have their act together and you knew it. Your lack of enthusiasm was a normal and healthy reaction to a crazy situation. You were misled going in so of course you didn't have enthusiasm.
Know that this is not your fault. It is theirs. Count yourself lucky to not have to deal with them anymore. Look for a better fit, it's out there.
This could a blessing in disguise. Don't dwell on it. Move on and find the place where you truly fit.
Best of luck,
Addie.
I recently accepted a job as an assistant to a start up company. They had a previous business and were moving into a new area and were winding down the old business and starting the new one. My experience is in the new business and the placement agency thought that this company would NEED my services and expertise and would look to me for advice and opinions. They said they actively promoted my expertise and let the company know they could tap into my experience.
However, when I would be in meetings about the new business, they didn't want any input from me. They just wanted me to be the assistant. Secondly, they weren't really ready to launch the new business. They were busy shutting down the old company which isn't the area of my expertise. Most of my time there was consumed with the old business and the little amount of time spent with the new business. I never had the opportunity to give opinions or advice about the new company.
After one month, the two principals told me that I wasn't working out. The woman at the placement agency said it was a lack of enthusiasm on my part. I felt angry and confused. I didn't really have any chance to show any enthusiasm. I'm just very upset about it. I feel that I was not given a chance and was treated unfairly. -Hurt and confused.
Dear Hurt and Confused:
It sounds like you were a terrific candidate that they were not ready for. I'm sure that it was their loss and not yours.
They don't know how terrific you could have been. You know you could have been a real asset.
They did not have their act together and you knew it. Your lack of enthusiasm was a normal and healthy reaction to a crazy situation. You were misled going in so of course you didn't have enthusiasm.
Know that this is not your fault. It is theirs. Count yourself lucky to not have to deal with them anymore. Look for a better fit, it's out there.
This could a blessing in disguise. Don't dwell on it. Move on and find the place where you truly fit.
Best of luck,
Addie.
