Ask the expert: Seek frequent job feedback

Two years after starting a job, you seek an evaluation of your performance - and are horrified at the response by your employer. What can you do? DR MARIE WILSON, head of management and employment relations at the University of Auckland Business School and a veteran of 20 years in corporate management and small business, offers some helpful ideas.

I have a neurological disorder and applied to do the Mainstream Programme, run by the State Services Commission, which gets jobs for those who have disabilities. I took a job with a government department as a personal assistant, though it is actually public relations I want to get into.

Although the whole job is supposed to be supported and structured with performance reviews and the like written in, none of that happened for me because of restructuring. I ended up doing menial stuff like moving boxes.

The day of my two-year anniversary came around and my boss called me into her office and said a number of derogatory things, such as that she had wanted to get rid of me for ages, and she wouldn't give me a very good reference ... so I've had a poor experience with the programme.

It's not going to get me anywhere, and I'm worried that I won't be able to go through the programme again, which is the best springboard I've got to where I want to be. What should I do? I'm in my mid-20s and a graduate.

A: I take it you aren't with this government department any more?

First, given the aims of the programme, I think you should discuss your experience with the programme director for Mainstream. He or she would be interested in your experiences and may be able to assist you with a more positive placement.

Second, I'm not completely sure why you see the Mainstream Programme as your only springboard, particularly if you want to be in public relations.

As a young graduate, you must have some abilities in this area to showcase as well. If you've done degree work in this area, you may wish to contact the institution that you graduated from to see what career support and placement they provide, and talk to former lecturers to see if they have contacts that may be able to offer you access into PR organisations.

You may be able to network through the professional association as well.

The bad news is that breaking into this field can be difficult, and you may be looking at personal assistant work at first.

Next time, don't wait two years for feedback. You can ask for structure and performance targets in your work. They are a reasonable employment expectation.

You can also check with your manager, often at first, less often as you master your job, on what is expected and how you are doing.

The best performers seek regular feedback on job specifics.

* E-mail your questions for Dr Marie Wilson to answer.