Possible implications of a manager's subtext during an interview?

[a is b]

I am a temp who was promoted by recommendation, however, i am under a probation period. If I do well, i keep the new job, if not i go back to my old job.

I have failed to meet a deadline of a project that i agreed to turn in friday, and then today. It consists of information that I am unfamiliar with, and have asked questions about, but have never received pertinent detail. When i asked my manager's to contextualize their wording for me, they seemed frustrated, and only reiterated the same info. So, I researched, and didnt find anything.

I failed to do it correctly 3 times. On friday it was too detailed. So, I stayed until 9pm to make a new draft. I was told that draft was good on monday morning, but was then told monday afternoon, it needed review. Right before reviewing it on tuesday, they rescheduled the review to take place 30 minutes after my interviews to go from temp-to-perm. I was to interview with my manager's boss, and it was she who has been waiting on my project.

During my interview we reviewed my computer, and excel skills, then my goals. We discussed my understanding of accountability, and its importance. She emphasized accountability, and perseverance as the keys to success and promotion. Describing her work history, she mentioned how when promoted, she never received training, and did everything herself. The importance of being self-sufficient. At the end, I was told to ask for help when i need it. I was also encouraged to persevere and not give up. I was confused.

I went into the meeting to review my project. I asked questions but still didnt get answers.

I worked very hard to do it as i understood, and had my manager review it at 5, but again, said it was too detailed. I was frustrated and asked myself quietly "what am i not understanding?" as I looked over it next to her. She said i should have come to her earlier. She gave me a little more information, which helped a lot. I wrote it down, and asked how long she'd be around. i wanted to stay later and help out. But, she looked sad, or exhausted and replied "I have a few things to do, still. But if you're thinking about staying... It's ok, you can go home. I think i heard the due date was pushed back. You can work on it tomorrow."
As I left i heard her say to herself "so much work to do..."



The conversation in the interviews seems like a subtext regarding my performance.

Persevere.... in my old position to try for another promotion? or Persevere through the difficulty of this project and dont give up?

The discussion of accountability throws me off, as well as being told to go home.

If you are not meeting job expectations, would you be admitting an inability to do that job by confirming comprehension of accountability?


Thanks in advance

[mainstreetcm]

Originally Posted by a is b

The conversation in the interviews seems like a subtext regarding my performance.

Persevere.... in my old position to try for another promotion? or Persevere through the difficulty of this project and dont give up?

The discussion of accountability throws me off, as well as being told to go home.

If you are not meeting job expectations, would you be admitting an inability to do that job by confirming comprehension of accountability?

Thanks in advance

From the way you explained the scenario it seems to me the boss was just giving you a speech. One that many people hear on a constant basis and most likely had absolutely nothing to do with your performance.

Persevere, in this case would mean to not give up. You may be frustrated with your current project, however, if you give up then it wins and you lose. You obviously don't want that.

When I am not meeting expectations I feel I am accountable for my performance. If there is a lot of work to do, I'm not sure why they sent you home.

More information would be needed to really gauge what happened on this day, but I think you just need to pull your mind away from the situation, relax, and get back to it when you walk into the office the next day.

[a is b]

Thank you for your response, you were absolutely right. I got to work today, and everything was ok. Your reassurance helped a great deal!