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Original poster

Can we have a 'Help me do my job' thread?

66 replies

CraftMaker · 23/09/2021 22:20

The idea is that people post things such as, 'How do I do such and such in Excel?', 'What do people think of this template design?', 'Is this outfit OK for a work presentation?', etc. Basically anything that people need advice on for their job.

We had a thread like this on a Middle East Expat forum I was on and it ran for years! There are so many people on Mumsnet in a variety of professions and just people with an opinion.

Does anybody think this is a good idea?

OP posts:
DukeOfEarlGrey · 23/09/2021 22:23

I think this is a great idea! Great way to draw on combined wisdom.

Babyroobs · 23/09/2021 22:24

How do I carry on working alongside a completely lazy git who does nothing all day. It winds me up just seeing his face on the group chat.

Original poster
CraftMaker · 23/09/2021 22:30

@DukeOfEarlGrey I'm glad you think it's a good idea Grin.

@Babyroobs Is everyone else aware that he's a lazy git?

OP posts:
McDougal · 23/09/2021 22:35

How do I cope in a job with literally zero direction and a hyper critical manager (manager's manager)? At breaking point so could really do with some words of wisdom!

MustDust · 23/09/2021 22:36

What's the best 'to do' list? I feel like I should be using outlook but I like the different column styles on planner as my job is made of several tasks and queries for different managers, however I don't want to share a plan, it's just for me.

MrsFin · 23/09/2021 22:41

@MustDust

What's the best 'to do' list? I feel like I should be using outlook but I like the different column styles on planner as my job is made of several tasks and queries for different managers, however I don't want to share a plan, it's just for me.
Pen and paper is still the best.
Original poster
CraftMaker · 23/09/2021 22:44

@MustDust I recommend reading Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy for tackling your To Do list. That book was life-changing for me.

OP posts:
Original poster
CraftMaker · 23/09/2021 22:44

@McDougal How long have you worked there? Have you thought about looking around for something else?

OP posts:
Passthecake30 · 23/09/2021 22:48

How can I have a decent interview via Teams? I’ve had 2 internal ones now, omg, hideous, so embarrassing. Without the usual pauses/feedback I am a bundle of wittering nerves and can’t focus.

McDougal · 23/09/2021 23:03

@craftmaker not very long which is an issue in itself as I'd usually try to settle in more and understand the culture but this dept have a culture all of their own that doesn't fit with me. Very much on the lookout for other opportunities.

@Passthecake30 I LOVE a teams interview. Key is always prep against the job description and company's values but you can have your notes in front of you with Teams which is still sometimes frowned upon in face to face interviews. You can also still read people quite well and the potential for tech issues allows you to ask them to repeat questions which sometimes helps understanding so you can reframe your answer?

Original poster
CraftMaker · 23/09/2021 23:05

Good luck @McDougal, I hope you find something else. There is nothing worse than working in a culture that doesn't fit.

OP posts:
McDougal · 23/09/2021 23:08

Thanks @CraftMaker. I've gone from such a lovely organisation to one that touts values that fit with me but doesn't practice them so it's a tricky one. I wish we could get an opinion from someone 'on the ground' before we make that leap!

McDougal · 23/09/2021 23:10

Oh and fantastic idea for a thread @CraftMaker. This stuff is invaluable!

Passthecake30 · 23/09/2021 23:11

@McDougal thanks. I think I just need to do more prep. The last interview also came with a presentation which was also hideous, talking to a void!

McDougal · 23/09/2021 23:14

Oh I know that feeling @Passthecake30. My last one included a presentation that I was briefed on 15 mins beforehand and teams failed and I couldn't see any faces. Absolute carnage but I got the job so there's definitely positives!

Notes left, right and centre have been my solution but it still feels very odd Confused

NigellaSeed · 23/09/2021 23:29

I've come back to work after 15 months away - and because I am extremely part time with a crazy amount of annual leave, I've been back since June but I still am like I'm 3rd week in and so overwhelmed - everything's changed, all the systems, products, processes, and there's no manual so everyday I just find out something else I thought I knew is now completey wrong.

How can I get help without coming across as helpless, because I think my new team are a bit bored of me still asking questions every day.

Pucarbuile · 23/09/2021 23:36

@MustDust

What's the best 'to do' list? I feel like I should be using outlook but I like the different column styles on planner as my job is made of several tasks and queries for different managers, however I don't want to share a plan, it's just for me.
Can't you just set up a planner board, make it private and invite no one? I was literally talking about doing this myself today to try to get all my scribbled notes and to do lists off post it's and out of my head.
Original poster
CraftMaker · 24/09/2021 00:17

@NigellaSeed here are my tips:

  1. Write down absolutely everything people tell you. That way you can refer to it again.
  2. Try to seek help from different people, rather than the same people all the time.
  3. Ask in a transactional way, ie "Hi, how do I do such and such?".
  4. Don't look embarrassed or awkward when you ask for help.

You'll get there Smile.

OP posts:
Susannahmoody · 24/09/2021 01:53

I totally agree and am on board with this!

Are we allowed to discuss career management tips too? Like how I do I become an XYZ or whatever?

Original poster
CraftMaker · 24/09/2021 01:56

@Susannahmoody Yes, you're allowed Grin.

OP posts:
kagado · 24/09/2021 01:56

@MustDust

What's the best 'to do' list? I feel like I should be using outlook but I like the different column styles on planner as my job is made of several tasks and queries for different managers, however I don't want to share a plan, it's just for me.
I use a Kanban system - the one I use is Kanban Flow - browser based and free - I just read up on it and it suited my brain style - I love it.
Susannahmoody · 24/09/2021 01:57

Re. To do lists. I've heard good things about One Note. Not that I use it myself. I sometimes use Word to make lists, although more often than not it's pen and paper.

Re. Teams presentations/ interviews. Have your notes pinned up in front of you behind your laptop, I usually use the back of a chair, write buzzwords on them I. E. Continuous Improvement!!! Or just stick them around the screen.

Susannahmoody · 24/09/2021 01:58

@CraftMaker merci😊

Susannahmoody · 24/09/2021 02:00

I'm 3rd week in and so overwhelmed - everything's changed, all the systems, products, processes, and there's no manual so everyday I just find out something else I thought I knew is now completey wrong.

^^

To add to this, take screenshots of the process. No point writing down 'click here, blue box' or whatever, it's meaninglessness without a pic.

Passthecake30 · 24/09/2021 06:50

For the newbies, I had a new starter a while back, a 30 min catch up 3 times a week, no reduced to whenever needed, meant she got her queries responded to quickly and didn’t keep interrupting my day. Could you set something like that up? Less time maybe?