I got a bad write up on the annual appraisal this year. Is it even worth staying on or should I give up and leave?
What’s your definition of a bad write up? In my career I’ve had high performing employees cry over their appraisal if everything wasn’t glowing, and I’ve had poor performing employees who receive lots of feedback on ways in which they need to improve think they received a good review.
Oftentimes, what is written and what managers say verbally and what they intend to say don’t aligned.
My point is, before you assume it was a bad write up and consider leaving, make sure that you are crystal clear about how your boss feels about the prospects of your continued employment.
Were you given a specific time-frame in which to improve? That usually means your employment is in jeopardy if you don’t, and will likely lead to termination.
Do you like your job and company and want to fight for improving and staying? If you feel at risk, then you owe it to yourself to get clarity while exploring new roles, to be on the safe side.
I ran my own business for 10 years but for a variety of reasons I had to call it a day and pack it up. How do I talk about this on my resume and in interviews? I don’t want to come across as a failure.
You ran your own business for 10 years. That statement alone is the very definition of success, not failure.
Just launching a business, with all of the different hats that you have to wear, is a high achievement. Doing it for 10 years is whole other level of accomplishment to be proud of. Lean into that. Don’t be apologetic about having to close up shop after a decade.
What you had to do and learn during those years is invaluable in any line of work that you want to pursue now. The key is to tailor your experience to each job opportunity, highlighting what is relevant for that job and company.
I’m sorry that your business closed but I feel optimistic that you can launch a new career with that experience.
Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. Hear Greg Wed. at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. Email: GoToGreg@NYPost.com. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @GregGiangrande
