Got a job recently but I need some advice

29 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 1,2022 at 10:05PM UTC

   You did just start. Are they grammatical errors? Try gramerrly.

2. BeaBoss979975September 3,2022 at 10:31PM UTC

   Grammarly.

3. AnonymousSeptember 1,2022 at 10:21PM UTC

   Give yourself grace

   Also did your supervisor mention those are critical errors ?

4. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 12:37AM UTC

   Noted. And no, they weren't critical errors.

5. AnonymousSeptember 1,2022 at 11:54PM UTC

   I think that errors escape most of us when we proof our own documents. Hence the need for a second pair of eyes. At least that’s the case for me.

6. JJSeptember 3,2022 at 2:54AM UTC

   Every good writer has a great editor.

7. Audrey CamposSeptember 2,2022 at 12:10AM UTC

   I am a manager who reviews work on a daily basis and I know exactly what you are referring to so I will give you my perspective on it. I have an employee who has speed, but sometimes that speed causes her to make mistakes. When I catch these mistakes, depending on the type of mistake, its usually because she is distracted and not paying attention, Sometimes I will just correct it myself and will tell her what I did. Other times, if the error is important, I will send it back to her to correct. That being said, I do not think any less of her because she makes small mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Maybe y our manager is pointing it out as a learning tool. It would be unrealistic to expect an employee to make zero mistakes. Data entry can be repetitive and numbers can get transposed very easily. When you finish the work, are you able to take a small break and walk away from it and then review it with fresh eye? Maybe get a cup of coffee and when you come back review your work. I also find that when entering data for a while and then checking it right after, you may not find the errors because you were just doing the work. Maybe picking it up later, will allow you to catch those mistakes.

8. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 12:40AM UTC

   Thank you for the advice.?

9. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 12:22PM UTC

   First, it's a new job for you and therefore new data and new processes. I am certain your boss is pointing them out as a learning tool, not to frustrate or embarrass you. There is lots of good advice on this string on how to avoid mistakes when doing data entry. Taking a break and coming back before submitting is great advice, but it's also difficult proof your own data especially if it's all similar and mundane. Maybe suggest other team members review each others work or find some way to streamline the proofing process before sending to your manager. Unless these are critical errors that cause significant business issues, I wouldn't sweat it. As a manager, I expect mistakes because we are human beings. I make mistakes and so do the people who work for me, we fix it and move on. Don't be too hard on yourself - I admire your work ethic.

10. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 1:28PM UTC

    YOU ARE DOING FINE!
    I say that because it sounds you know you are making mistakes... and as long and you are learning from them then great! I often struggle with this same thing.... turns out I have a learning disability that I didnt think would affect something like that. Consider seeing a specialist to see if there is something you can do/take to help you focus better? But also your new at this.... think about how you learn and process information best? from there figure out how you can do data entry that works for you. Im sure they trained you to do it a certain way right? but you should have some freedom in HOW you do it. I hope this makes sense and help. But again as long as you are recognizing and accepting the constructive feedback from your supervisor and pivoting to do better and improve then don't stress. It will get easier and soon you'll be a pro!

11. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 2:31PM UTC

    The first thing I would ask is whether the supervisor agrees the errors are minor or not. If they are, it's something to work on but precision will come with practice and I wouldn't stress too much. If the errors themselves are basic, like transposition of numbers, but the impact of the errors is significant, you need to figure something else out to make sure that doesn't happen.

    I know employees get upset about what they consider minor errors, but some errors have consequences and inability to get it correct can be a critical problem. Depends entirely on the position and the nature of the data.

    Ask your supervisor what the expected precision rate and timeline for reaching it are so you have a realistic perspective on where your performance stands.

12. JJSeptember 3,2022 at 2:53AM UTC

    It could be nerves. That happens to me a lot, but I am dyslexic. I am a great writer but not a good editor. I learned early to use a couple of programs to check my work (even emails) before I send them over. I see what I want to write and focus on the big ideas and miss tiny typos. Make a habit of double checking and also remember that everyone makes mistakes. Try to be gentle with yourself.

13. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 12:14PM UTC

    Yes, definitely be more gentle with yourself! Can you please share tools you use to help with your process?

14. JJSeptember 6,2022 at 5:03AM UTC

    Always Grammarly.
    I use AP style guide/ writing lab (I often have to write in AP style) and I write emails in word first and do the grammar/spellcheck.

15. Amanda KimSeptember 3,2022 at 12:17PM UTC

    Congrats on the new job!
    Sometimes we get so focused on something that we don’t realize the little mistakes and end up making more. Would it be helpful to make a check list ? Then you could use it to find mistakes and get accustomed to the process. It may be easier to catch a mistake rather than the mental stress or worry of editing an entire document.

16. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 12:30PM UTC

    Everyone makes mistakes. When we proofread our own work we often see what we think we wrote. Don't take it personally, ask for that second set of eyes for a review. It is really ok. If you think you need to.slow down, then do that. I'm in a particularly crazy busy season eight now where mass mailings are being sent out, notices from last year with this year's new dates etc. It is easy to make mistakes. Having someone check it assures me that good work product is being sent out the door. No shame in teamwork.

17. GirlBossanova934974September 3,2022 at 12:40PM UTC

    When entering data like a column of numbers, you can always use what is called a CheckSum procedure. Take for example, a column of numbers. You can use the Windows Calculator or MAC Calculator. You first sum the numbers, quickly in the Calculator. You get that one number. When you are done doing the data entry, you check the sum. If it is the same as before, there is very good certainty that you entered everything in correctly.

18. Shelby CSeptember 3,2022 at 12:41PM UTC

    The way that I prevent myself from miskeying data is I enter everything twice and see if it reconciles, but I 10-key at over 12,000 with 3 errors on a bad day. Those errors make a big difference.

    The thing that I do to proofread is read the document outloud. You can also use Grammarly. It's pretty amazing. You can also have a peer review your work prior to submission.

    I hope these tips help and congrats on the new job!

19. Deb HornerSeptember 3,2022 at 1:07PM UTC

    Some jobs are more critical than others. Some supervisors believe that criticism makes better employees. If your accounts are being harmed by these errors, then it is important to figure out why you are making errors. If you are typing documents, then ALWAYS use spell check and grammar check. If you are using excel, then calculate your data at the end of each session so it is clear what you are missing. It may be as simple as you need to trim your nails. Data entry with long nails is difficult to maintain error free status. It may be that your supervisor sees long nails and assumes that you are making errors because of it. Best wishes.

20. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 1:37PM UTC

    I like to do something , set it aside for 5-10 minutes before reviewing. The joke that you always notice a typo after you hit send, I give my eyes and brain a “break” so it doesn’t look familiar.

21. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 1:37PM UTC

    Depending on where you're entering the data you may be able to build in a formula check to catch errors. One thing that I always try to do before sending anything over that needs to be error free is step away from it completely (at least an hour) and then go in to check my work for errors.

    Don't be so hard on yourself! You're a month in and the expectation is that you will continue to improve. It speaks volumes of your character that you are only a month in, you've identified a developmental opportunity and you're asking for advice on how to improve.

    Good luck!

22. Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.September 3,2022 at 2:48PM UTC

    How timely do you need to be? And what feedback is your boss giving you for 1 or 2 errors? Sounds like you are doing fine. Take it easy on yourself, approach each task mindfully, play some music that will help you focus, and take frequent but short breaks. You got this!

23. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 3:05PM UTC

    If you are worried about it talk to your supervisor. What is the expectation? Is it normal to have a few errors? Is there a point she expects zero errors? Is there some sort of KPI? How are you measured? Being new it may take a little time so you should consider that. But the best thing to do is understand expectations and work to meet those.

24. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 7:44PM UTC

    What is KPI?

25. Dagney TaggartSeptember 3,2022 at 8:22PM UTC

    key performance indicators

26. Melodie SoeterikSeptember 3,2022 at 4:25PM UTC

    Yes this! Proof read bottom to top.

27. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMESeptember 3,2022 at 4:41PM UTC

    Congratulations! You are new to the job and it sounds like you are nervous. However, if you have a computer at home, you might want to practice your data entry skills. Here is a link that I found online that might be helpful.

    https://thepracticetest.com/data-entry/

28. AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 6:52PM UTC

    Thank you.

29. Klaudia Diana DSeptember 3,2022 at 8:18PM UTC

    That's really a few. But I get it, I also get stressed out about my own minor mistakes. I used to have an assistant who was making something like 10-20% errors which is a lot. But the worst thing was that she claimed that "typos are not errors". We did not get on well and she didn't work long with this attitude. So my advice is that you make sure your supervisor knows that you are aware of your errors and you are working on perfecting your work. Don't worry too much and good luck with your new job!