What does my boss expect from me?

BE READY TO TAKE ON A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT ROLE! HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

September 13, 2021

BECOMING A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

September 13, 2021

Many of us daydream about the day that we create something that impresses everyone that we get applause from the office, a pat on the back from the boss, and well, that’s about it. The boss expectations are your priority right now, and today,

That dream of being a star in the office just collided with a meteor.

We’ve all been in that situation before. Head scratching, palms clutching on to that report like it was your lifeline (and sometimes it is) while heading to your boss, hoping that he likes what you make and approves your work this time.

But it doesn’t happen. You hand it in, it gets flipped page by page quicker than you could say, “oh man,” and you know it’s going down the bin, and so are you if you don’t follow these tips.

Your boss hands you back the report, sighs in exasperation, and tells you to crunch the numbers, reread the graphs, or whatever data you need to make the numbers for.

Let’s go back, shall we? You were applying for the post, got a new shirt for the interview, chin up, head high, and walked into that office not knowing what to do and what to say.

You have had the same burning question since then, even after years of working here.

“What does my boss expect from me!?”

Here are some things to get you going.

Communication is key.

This is never really stressed out enough, but talking to your boss about your work and what he needs is just starting with what you should communicate to them.

Ask your teammates what we can work on, what best we can do about it, and the job gets easier and more efficient. As John Powell said (and I can attest to this)

“Communication works for those who work at it.”

As a part of a team that relies on communicating with each other, you will have to be proficient in using these things:

Creating emails and knowing how they are appropriately used (duh, cc and bcc isn’t the SAME
Using communication apps to talk with the team effectively (It may be as simple as using Facebook messenger, or as encrypted as telegram, or as complex as updating and joining team calls at Microsoft Teams or RingCentral)
Project Management Tools (such as Trello, BitFenix) to effectively assign and manage the work you need to do.
Calendar and Scheduling Tools – Google, Apple, and MS Teams are the bread and butter of most workplaces, but they may differ from where you work.

Depending on the job you apply to, this list can go on or go on less. Being knowledgeable enough in these things will give you an edge in the work field.

Knowing these tools will give you a BIG advantage, but your boss didn’t just hire you (or will hire you) for the things you can do and what you are, and how you interact with the people in the workplace.

Trust me. You do not want to be this guy.

Here are several tips that will help you – This will ensure that you get hired (Yay!) and not fired (yay.)

1. Initiate.

You really can’t finish something if you don’t start it. (thanks, captain obvious.) In the workplace, your boss expects you to have the initiative in projects and reports. They don’t just need just a “YES” man. The boss needs a “DO” man.

2. “That’s not my job!”

You probably already know what you have to do (it’s in the job description) when you apply (or if you’re going to). But that doesn’t mean that it stops there. Sometimes you might be given work outside your scope, or you notice something that requires you to step out of your job description.

2.1 UGH MORE WORK

No. You should see this as part of your commitment to the company. This is also an opportunity to learn new things and be more involved in the team’s coming and going. Sticking your neck out for the group gives your boss a chance to view you as a more considerable asset to the company (and that helps your career in the long run)

3. Be organized.

Like my superb numbering skills (2.1 to 3 lol), I learn to sort things orderly. Be sure to know where everything is located, create folders for classification, and submit only what is necessary.

4. Late is absent. (BOSS PAEXTEND!)

Yes. Late is absent. On-time is late, and early is on time. May it be in submission, in logging in for work, or anything that deals with deadlines, you should always be punctual. Proper work ethics is one value that an employer values in his employees.

Want to learn more about the things you need to know about what your boss expects from you? Or enjoy a job that equips you with the best skills possible? Click here to apply!