I've just been fired from my job as a receptionist / office assistant in a psychology firm.?

Question

I was there for 3 months and didn't pass the probationary period. I am in my 30's and have been temping as an Admin Assistant for the past 5. I thought this job would be good as it is close to where I live, like 5 minutes walk away.

The reasons the owner/ senior clinical psychologist gave me were:
(A) Pleased with my admin / business skills - but felt my 'front-line' skills weren't up to scratch.
(B) Other psychologists (there were 5) felt that they were 'walking on eggshells' when speaking to me (they are not employees by the way, they actually all pay to rent office space and admin duties, although they were work for the same company, so it's kind of like owning their own business. I find this comment remarkable as I was dealing with a lot of angry, stressed out people. Also, I picked up and used efficiently "ZEDMED", & was given only a week's worth of training by my predecessor, who left due to family reasons. I feel the squinty-eyed, old guy who owns the company had very bad management skills, although I can take what he says on board.
C) He stated that there were some complaints during the past 3 months.

Obviously, I feel like **** right now, as I have bills to pay. I know I have a good typing speed (78 wpm), have Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point but, what can I say re: this job?

Two years ago, I wanted to spend more time with my daughter, so I worked part-time as a retail Assistant at David Jones & only left because the pay is not good, so how can my front-line skills be bad?

I will admit to feeling frustrated in my job at times, but that was due to the lack of support ie - no other person to ask questions to a lot of the time & discrepancies re: MediCare bulk billing (they bulk billed people who had a health care concession card), etc. Last week, a rather rude customer accused me of not greeting them when they entered the waiting room, although I was on the phone at the time, using a headset and I did turn around & say 'hello' to them.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

You were only there 3 months- you do not need to put it on your resume. Especially in this economy, no one questions a lapse in employment.



Some people are naturals when working with the public...others, well...not so much. You really need to evaluate if your personality is conducive to working with the public.



Some companies expect very high standards from their 'front line' employees, and others are more lack. Unfortunately, you have no idea which way they tend to go until you get in there, and receive an evaluation.



Leave the position off your resume and look for a new job. Perhaps a 'behind the scenes' position where you only deal with a few people, or one department as opposed to hundreds of people with questionable psychological issues! ;)

Answer 2

Just by reading your post your problem is with your attitude, if you type with attitude I a can only imagine how you are in person. It is not what you say but how you say it, inflection says it all. My guess is your frustration showed in your comments or greetings to the customer, and to those that come in to make a living. An angry tinge is the voice is very discernible to all that come in contact with you.

Answer 3

Dealing with the public is stressful. Not everyone can handle it. Suggest you find something else more suitable to your talents.