New Job

[Rosenicola]

Hi Guys


I started a new job last Monday as Receptionist/Secretary.

Since i started, all i have been asked to do are really menial jobs such as, 'can you photocopy this, Can you fax this, and all this week, i have to spend all my day scanning documents, which is very boring.

A girl who is an Administrator gave me some MORE scanning to do today and i huffed in a friendly way and then smiled, hoping to get my point across that it was very mundane.

She came down to my desk after and said, 'why huff?, what else do u have to do, watch who hears you huff in future, blah blah....

I am so bored and have been working in this type of job for the last 9 years and i don't want to be asked to do Office Junior type duties.

Am i being unrerasonable?

[beryllium]

What was your job description when you applied?
Who interviewed you?

[squarebear]

Ask to see a copy of your contract and check it for your job duties.

[Rosenicola]

It wasn't mentioned in my contract that i'd spend all day doing the scanning. Scanning wasn't even mentioned, although basic admin was..

I was interviewed by the Director and his P.A.

I don't want cause any friction as i've only been here a week, but it's really getting on my nerves, especially after the way the administrator spoke to me as if to say, 'It's your role, like it or lump it'...

GRRRRR!!!!

[mrs_overall]

I'd guess that scanning does come under the umbrella of basic admin. Do you feel you are able to sit down with your line manager and ask her be more specific on your duties? At least then you'd have a very clear idea of what you should/should not have to do. I know I'd be bored witless doing that sort of thing all day and I'd already be looking out for another job.
Good luck.

[beryllium]

Basic admin? if you're not supposed to do the scanning who is the next dogsbody??? the office junior? or is that now your title?
The admin that told you to watch your huffing will probably be one of the ones doing your assessment at the end of your probation.
If you want to keep your job???...

[Doc_Spock]

Why on here if working.

Like they say, if you pay peanuts you get monkeys.

It is comforting though to know the level of your incompetence.

[Doc_Spock]

Sorry did not realise you have been there a whole week. MD move over.

[Doc_Spock]

How about filing your nails, that will kill half an hour.

[annie0000]

I can see why she was annoyed - it may have come over that you didn't want to do any work, not that you are seeking a bit more of a challenge. It would be better to be more upfront and just say that while you appreciate that the general admin does have to get done and that is part of your responsibilities, you are keen to take on a bit more responsibility and to develop. You may find that she is trying to break you in gently.

[LoftyLottie]

Receptionist/Secretary covers a multitude of tasks and we all have to take the rough with the smooth. Is there an office junior? If not, perhaps these 'menial' tasks have to be shared. If you are not busy with your reception or secretarial work then you should be available to help out with other tasks. Is the Administrator your senior or your line manager. She is right in her reaction to your huffing.

Having said that, did they misrepresent your tasks at your interview and have they 'glorified' the position - some companies don't seem to know the difference between a Secretary and a Dogsbody!

I would smile sweetly and carry on for a few more weeks before making any representations. If nothing changes then you can approach your immediate boss about the job and say you expected more responsibility. But you won't achieve this responsibility by acting huffily.

I consider I still do 'Office Junior' type duties quite often and I have many more years of experience at a high level than you do.

[nannon]

scanning does usually come under basic admin if thats what the company uses....
My company usually gets in a temp for a week if there is a block of scanning to me done but i do scanning and i run the administration team for my company....
She probably said what she did to warn you! you never know wo is listening and watching esp when it is a new job! if you want to keep the job it may be best to keep quite for now......

[eyeshade]

After 1 week, I think you are being a bit hasty. They are probably testing you out to see what you're like and how you cope. If a newbee of one week huffed at me, I think I would probably throw the scanner at her!! Check your job description, and if you are really in a rut, have a word with your line manager. You used answerbank as well, all in your first week. I don't think I would even have the nerve to use the website in a new job!!! Oh how things have changed.

[dannyday5821]

well, without sounding sarcastic, what did you expect...?

[ermintrude35]

..welcome to the real world love....

[society]

Look at it on the bright side ... at least you are collecting a salary. Just think of how worst it could have been.

By the way, you are not compelled to work, are you? Find another suitable means of employment.

[Rosenicola]

Thanks for the answers guys

Spoc aren't you a clever clogs? Please don't answer if you want to be a smart ar$e..

I will stick it out and see what happens..

Thanks again :-)

[Marvelman]

There is an old saying here in the Potteries that applies to your question, it is, "keep dipping your bread and take no notice".