Seen my job advertised
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Discussion

PopsandBangs

Original Poster:

1,147 posts

160 months

Tuesday 15th October 2013
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Hi all, some advice on this little predicament would be very helpful! I'll try and be brief...

I took a new job nearly 4 months ago for a large company. The role is a brand new one in the company, and at the time it was explained that things would be 50% established processes, 50% see how it progresses "make it your own" etc. It was also explained that my very basic grasp of spoken german would be of benefit, dealing with the german offices etc ( i said in passing in the interview i did a level german a couple of years ago).

2 months in i had a quick performance review, where i was told that i was fitting in well (which i do,) getting the hang of things quickly in a notoriously complicated industry and company, but i needed to ramp up the work rate a bit now the training's done and get some results coming in soon. Very fair i thought.  In the last few weeks though, ive sensed a slight feeling of unease, not as much focus/criticism on/of my work. My boss hasnt really said anything to me actually outside of the usual non-work banter etc. Previously he was right on top of me if i'd missed something etc. Like all the pressure has been lifted. 

Today, i overheard him say to a colleague i also report to that "his interview was late." This, with the gut feeling ive had, made me curious, and a quick search has revealed they have, a few days ago, advertised my job with the local agencies, including the one i used!!Exactly the same advert i responded to a few months ago, however candidates must be german speaking! And the salary is slightly less!!

I know for definate that there is no other vacancy for this new role in the company, and would state with 90% confidence that this is my current job being advertised.

Obviously worried, the money is good, and whilst its not the most enjoyable job (at the moment) i really cant afford to lose it.  How would you approach this? I dont think ive done anything wrong at all, get on with everyone etc, but this is naturally causing me some concern, as i still have 2 months of probabtion.

RichwiththeS2000

443 posts

163 months

Tuesday 15th October 2013
quotequote all
I'd speak to your boss or manager, be totally honest that you've had some concerns and when you checked you spotted the position advertised again.

Ask them if they plan to replace you, and/or if there is anything you can do to improve your chances of passing probation. It could be a few small changes need making through a bit of communication that can make the world of difference.

Terminator X

20,520 posts

233 months

Tuesday 15th October 2013
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There is no such thing as "probation" as anyone can be removed from their job at will within the first 2 years. Don't jump the gun imho however may be wise to start looking around for something else so that you don't get dropped in the st?

TX.

Yazza54

20,323 posts

210 months

Tuesday 15th October 2013
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Have it out face to face, politely of course (at first anyway)

HannsG

3,135 posts

163 months

Tuesday 15th October 2013
quotequote all
Terminator X said:
There is no such thing as "probation" as anyone can be removed from their job at will within the first 2 years. TX.
Always thought it was 1 Year in the UK

mrmr96

13,736 posts

233 months

Tuesday 15th October 2013
quotequote all
HannsG said:
Terminator X said:
There is no such thing as "probation" as anyone can be removed from their job at will within the first 2 years. TX.
Always thought it was 1 Year in the UK
They changed it.

Odie

4,187 posts

211 months

Tuesday 15th October 2013
quotequote all
I think your being needlessly paranoid.

Your boss has probably (and correctly) realised that you don't need to be micromanaged and is happy that you are self disciplined enough to be on your own arse about getting the stuff done that is required, so hes cutting you a bit of slack.

A few years ago I happened across my job being advertised, at a higher pay scale. I confronted my boss about it, who spoke to HR and it was a mix up, HR had used the wrong job spec as the role had some aspects of mine in it (the basic support aspects/software knowledge) but was a different role altogether (read as HR were lazy, didn't understand the new job spec that was required and just stuck mine up instead) my boss was extremely embarrassed especially when I asked jokingly when I was getting the pay rise to bring me inline.

Is it possible that your work is looking for someone to do a similar role to yours?, but with german language skills. It might be worth mentioning that you had seen the advert to your boss but perhaps take the direction that you are willing to take german language classes if it would help the company & that you are willing to train/coach the new guy if/when required (or something like that, put a positive spin on it anyway).


trickywoo

14,138 posts

259 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
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mrmr96 said:
They changed it.
I'm pretty sure it was changed from 2 to 1 recently. If you've been employed 1 year now it's much harder to be sacked.

anonymous-user

83 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
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trickywoo said:
I'm pretty sure it was changed from 2 to 1 recently. If you've been employed 1 year now it's much harder to be sacked.
Exactly the reverse, now two years.

Engineer1

10,486 posts

238 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
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MercScot said:
trickywoo said:
I'm pretty sure it was changed from 2 to 1 recently. If you've been employed 1 year now it's much harder to be sacked.
Exactly the reverse, now two years.
One of the possibly less nice moves by the current government,

northandy

3,539 posts

250 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
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MercScot said:
Exactly the reverse, now two years.
Exactly, was 1 year, is now 2 years.

davepoth

29,395 posts

228 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
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Does the advert mention the company? if not, apply. It'll set the cat amongst the pigeons...

Perec

28,176 posts

251 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
Engineer1 said:
MercScot said:
trickywoo said:
I'm pretty sure it was changed from 2 to 1 recently. If you've been employed 1 year now it's much harder to be sacked.
Exactly the reverse, now two years.
One of the possibly less nice moves by the current government,
Really? I'd have thought it was a very nice move, given that it makes it more likely for companies to hire people.

New POD

3,851 posts

179 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
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MercScot said:
Exactly the reverse, now two years.
This is one of the reasons I choose to Freelance.

Double the hourly rate, and 1 weeks notice from either side suits me better than half the income, and 1 months notice and no redundancy should they choose.

Jasandjules

72,580 posts

258 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
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You have pretty much no rights for the first two years of your employment now. Suggest you check out the market and perhaps consider applying for other roles.

G0ldfysh

3,318 posts

286 months

Thursday 17th October 2013
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Phone the agency with the advert, ideally not the one you went in with and find out some more on the role.
If it is your job you at least know and can start planning your own escape route.
If it seems they don't need you in the role, your better making your own way than being pushed and they will manage as they seem to think they can without you.

Fergie87

340 posts

190 months

Wednesday 23rd October 2013
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So what happened then?

IanCormac

1,894 posts

222 months

Wednesday 23rd October 2013
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Why don't you just go to your boss, tell him you've seen the advert and ask him what's going on? There is no one here that will be able to answer your question, whereas in two minutes he'll either tell you that you're alright where you are, or you're not.

Lostprophet

2,549 posts

198 months

Wednesday 23rd October 2013
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I had the same situation when I worked in asset management.

My line manager handed me a pack of papers and at the bottom of the pack was a CV of someone. I gathered this chap was applying for my position. Googled my job and the spec came up. I called the company and it worked out it was defo my position.

I had only been there a short time, I was not enjoying it and the hours were silly. My boss was a bit of a bully. To be frank I hated it however the markets were bad and needed a job. What do you do? I was already looking for another role!

I gave my boss the CV and said I think this is yours. I emailed the manager and told him what I found out what they were doing. I was called into a meeting with the deputy chairman and the managing director to discuss matters.

It was fine, I got a pay out as they were being underhanded and the only thing they had on me is I did not do the long hours and I took a 3 days off when my 1 year old was in hospital with pneumonia and 2 days when I was ill with the flu. None of these things were documented however were discussed without a witness being present. One part of my job was modelling, I explained at interview that I could not do this and they agreed to train me. I was not been trained so I was unable to do part of the job.

Overall I am glad it happened. Sometimes things happen for the better! I soon realised that asset management does not suit me. I will never go back there again!

My advise is start looking for another job, if you need funds to help you through then keep quiet until they speak to you. Best of luck with your job hunt.