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I just started a new job as a receptionist and I've made a few mistakes this past week. I keep worrying that I will get fired. What do you think?

2007-06-15 11:33:56 · 13 answers · asked by beyondthelimit 5 in Business & Finance Careers & Employment Other - Careers & Employment

The mistakes had nothing to do with money. For example, I've acidently, hung up on people, transfered them to the wrong person, been confused when someone askes me a question.

2007-06-15 11:42:54 · update #1

13 answers

This is perfectly normal. I've trained so many receptionists I can't even tell you - until you learn who's who, their extensions, who handles calls when someone is out, etc., you'll make a few mistakes. Everyone expects it - they may roll their eyes a bit and refer to the "new girl at the front desk", but it shouldn't be any more serious than that.

If they fire you over this piddly stuff it's not a place you'd want to work anyway. Of course, if you're still doing this two months from now, all bets are off! :)

2007-06-15 11:54:05 · answer #1 · answered by Mel 6 · 0 0

Well naturally it would depend on the type of mistake and how bad the company suffered from it. If you brought your boss the wrong coffee then I'd say that's pretty forgivable but if you answered the phone with the wrong company name more than once, I'd say not so good.

Every company knows that the people they hire are going to make mistakes in their first couple of weeks. Most places will give you a 90 day "trial" period. In that time there are only so many days you can miss and so many things you can screw up before they say your fired.

You might actually be making these mistakes because you aren't thinking clearly. SLOW DOWN! Remember, slow is fast.

Some tips:
Always use spell check.
Always use the dictionary, if your not 100% sure what the word means, then don't use it.
Don't use big words because they make you sound smart.
Big words, if not used correctly only make you look stupid.
Takes notes of questions you have so you can ask someone later.
If your not sure of how something works, or where it goes then ask!
Don't lie, if you don't know then say you don't.

Your just probably a little tense with a new job and need to relax a little.

Good luck.

2007-06-15 11:47:27 · answer #2 · answered by CrimeLab 4 · 1 0

I think it really depends upon the types of mistakes you've made. If you keyed $6,006,006.00 instead of $6.00, then that could be a big thing if a transfer of money actually occurred. Do you see what I mean? The first week, you probably are going to be just fine if you relax, listen to your superiors, are kind to the clients, and pay attention to your work, owning up to any mistakes or anything that you have questions about. Good luck.

Edit: I used money as an example of a type of error an employer would definitely automatically fire for, under the usual circumstances, that is.

2007-06-15 11:39:01 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0 0

Everybody has a new job and goes through a first week. It'll take you some time to get used to their system especially if you were just sort of thrown into it.

Just this past week I had a sandwich maker put some other kind of meat rather than the roast beef I requested on my sandwich. He asked me to repeat my order like 5 times and was extremely flustered.

I started a new position and someone called. He obviously expected me to know who he was, but I didn't and he was rather exasperated. Oops. No one in the office said anything, though, as it was an easy request that was filled.

Once, though, I heard that an employee in a retail store in which I was employed at screamed at the cafe people on the first floor. Apparently they weren't quick enough in making his special coffee or whatever and he demanded special treatment because he was an employee. I believe he was let go shortly thereafter. Don't stress! :)

2007-06-16 16:42:07 · answer #4 · answered by Bookworm 6 · 0 0

1.Stop worrying.
2.Get good sleeps before work so you can get better attention to prevent making new mistakes.
3. Prove yourself as a good worker by doing what you supposed to do plus little bit extra (it could be anything from offering cup of coffee to a customer to staying extra 15 min)
4. Never lie to your boss.
P.S. If you worrying about losing your job, that means you care. I'm sure your boss sees it too. Hi's not going to fire you. But you have to show improvement.

2007-06-15 12:07:08 · answer #5 · answered by O K M 2 · 1 0

Like someone else said - depends on how severe the mistakes were.

Probably - if you did things like transfer to the wrong number or hang up on a few callers - you will be given another chance.

And remember, in a position like this, your ATTITUDE is REALLY important! Be positive & cheerful - and honestly try to learn from your mistakes - you'll be okay!

Best of luck & enjoy your weekend!

2007-06-15 11:42:55 · answer #6 · answered by tigglys 6 · 2 0

Well this is your first week of the job so everyone makes mistakes. Just make sure you learn from them so you can prevent making the same mistakes in the future. If you are ever confused just ask your co- workers and/ or your boss.
GOOD LUCK!

2007-06-15 11:39:01 · answer #7 · answered by Rycka Pycka 3 · 1 0

I severely doubt it. They went through the expense of getting you in there in the first place. On an economic standpoint it would make no sense for them to fire you for making a few minor mistakes your first week. They would kinda expect that I think.

2007-06-15 11:43:33 · answer #8 · answered by Mark P 1 · 1 0

If your errors were not egregious and showed total lack of common sense, I would think you are not in serious danger. Generally, there is a period of 'forgiveness' to newer employees, due to lack of understanding of the company's procedures and systems, coupled with nervousness. It never hurts to acknowledge your errors to your supervisor, apologize for them, and promise that you will continue to improve as you learn the ropes a bit better.

2007-06-15 11:39:11 · answer #9 · answered by acermill 7 · 0 0

If they are minor mistakes & you ahve learned from it, probably not. If you are continually making the same mistake over & over, then you may want to pull out the newspaper this weekend.

2007-06-15 11:40:56 · answer #10 · answered by Flying_James 4 · 0 0

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