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chevygirl55
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« on: June 04, 2002, 01:08:20 pm » |
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I just have to vent! Yesterday's management meeting which I attended. Informed boss that our recpetionist has put in her notice and will be leaving in 8 weeks. She has been here just short of three years. She started when she was 18 years old and has done an exceptional job. When the business slowed and our accounting clerk left for another position, she learned the aspects of that job as well and has been doing double duty. She is going to be sorely missed! But that is not what I want to vent about.
In our meeting, we discussed how we were going to replace her. Ad in paper? Employment agency? I suggested we contact the local vocational school for someone (or two) who would like to co-op. We have an amazing record with recruiting good employees for our field crews this way through the school. Our controller/IT/office manager's attitude - but all we would do is train them and they would leave. My point was we have run receptionists through this office like water from a sieve. If we choose wisely, we will get an employee we will train and after graduation from JVS they will stay working with our company.
Next suggestion - our local 2 year college has several different office administration programs where they offer Associates degrees or certificates after training. I suggested working through them. Again, the controller/IT/office manager chimes in with "well we do not want a degreed person for that type of position".
We have had people in here that we have literally had to train to answer the phone. Pick it up, answer with the company name, get a name, company, phone number, etc when taking messages. And I felt so sorry for the girl who came in and was overwhelmed with the idea of answering our five line phone system. (She lasted less than 3 hours) Wouldn't someone with some training prove more valuable in the long run?
I guess as far as he is concerned, any dummy can answer the phone. I really think he would rather have someone he can intimidate rather than someone who can do the job.
I am just very aggravated!!!
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mlm668
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« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2002, 01:37:11 pm » |
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I can understand your frustration. Answering a multi-line phone is definately not for everyone. And his comment that bringing someone in to train and having them leave was uncalled for. If anything, I have seen this occur more with drafters, engineers and others in that field more than I have seen it with admins. The only way to guarantee that anyone is going to stick with a job for any length of time is to have them sign a contract (which no one is going to do with a receptionist). I realize you know all this already. Its a shame you couldn't whack this guy upside the head. My suggestion is that he answers the phones for a week or so just to get a better understanding of the job. Of course, he would never do that, but it would be nice wouldn't it. Michelle  |
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Katie G
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« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2002, 02:23:38 pm » |
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And he wonders why they can't keep a receptionist with an attitude like that! Sheesh!
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chevygirl55
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« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2002, 02:41:42 pm » |
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He is the reason several of our receptionists and two of our accounting clerks have left. This isn't my take on it. This is what they have actually stated. He is a #1 AAA jerk but in the eyes of management, it is easier to replace these low level jobs than it is to replace someone like him. So who cares if one of the admin staff changes. Right? Someday it will come back to haunt them. My only saving grace is that I don't have to work with him too often.
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radaro
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« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2002, 02:51:24 pm » |
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If he thinks any dummy can answer the phone, make him do it!
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superninjaadmin
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« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2002, 04:56:40 pm » |
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Dear Chevygirl,
I applaud your excellent suggestions to management about replacing the receptionist! Terrific ideas.
The thing that puzzles me is why is it that *you* and *he* are having this argument? Why isn't someone else from managment jumping in and supporting your wonderful ideas?
I know you are just venting here in frustration (I would be frustrated, too), perhaps you put your proposals in writing and find one or two (or more) other members of the management team who you work with to help in supporting and pushing your ideas foward?
Take care, lady! Hang in there! Let us all know how things are going with this situation.
SNA in AK
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aprilmcan
Newbie
Posts: 21
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« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2002, 07:50:52 pm » |
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Good for you for your great suggestions for how to fill the position.
I have a question. Does the "receptionist" do other duties as well? From my experience most receptionists have for duties than "just" ;-) answering the phones. It might be worth your time to write down the many things that are accomplished by the position. Then the attitude of "we don't want a degreed" person may not hold as much weight. I agree with the posting that said to put your proposal in writing. Perhaps put some numbers in (with help of your Human Resources department if available) of how long someone takes to train, the amount of wage of the person training them, wages lost to interviewing, advertising, etc. each time you have to re-hire. It's worth a shot. You may or may not change the opinion of one, but perhaps others that are listening, which would give you more backup.
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copyboy007
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« Reply #7 on: June 04, 2002, 07:58:08 pm » |
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May be good to also report skills not to expect from less qualified applicants, so they are fully aware and would not have reason to complain later.  CopyBoy007
DeskDemon Forum Board Staff |
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bethalize
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« Reply #8 on: June 04, 2002, 11:15:21 pm » |
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Who has the decision? If it's not you, you put forward your ideas and objections to other ideas - on paper or in an e-mail - and let them get on with it. If it is you that's more difficult (and I'm too tired tonight, sorry!)
Bethalize
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff
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jadegrniiz
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« Reply #9 on: June 04, 2002, 11:59:35 pm » |
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Does the job pay a significant amount of money over the basic receptionist starting salary of $7 - $9/hr? My personal opinion is that unless there is something special about the job (like big $, good benes, and/or flexible scheduling), you aren't going to have good luck finding (or, more so KEEPING) a good receptionist fresh out of school. I've never seen a receptionist stay longer than a year or two without something to hold them there.
I think your ideas are great.... and unique.... for finding new help in the office. But with a jerk manager in the hiring loop, you probably won't find a keeper.
I wish I could give you more advice, but my opinion is all I have today! Good luck!
Jadegrniiz
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff
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chevygirl55
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I have input into the hiring of the new person however, I am not responsible for the hiring of new office personnel. Our receptionist position here is a lot more than just answering the phones and handling the front desk. There are additional office support duties. Therefore, our receptionist position pay is equivalent to the Assistant compensation.
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bethalize
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Frustrating as it may be, in that case, the best way to proceed seems to be to state your arguements and make sure they are recorded and leave it at that. If you want, make sure your objections are recorded as well. And this way (1) any mess that happens is not your fault (2) if you are proved right you have a record of it to go nah-nah-na-nah-nah at the person who didn't listen to you (3) if you are wrong, it's forgotten because you didn't make a big fuss and it didn't stick in people's minds and (4) your job is only to present the facts to the manager and they make the decision, not to change their mind about something (convincing managers they are wrong - MINEFIELD!).
Make your input and retire gracefully is my advice.
Bethalize
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff
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