Karren Brady gives career advice — from quitting your job to micro-managing bosses

APPRENTICE star and vice-chairperson of West Ham FC Karren Brady answers all your careers questions.

Today she helps out someone who is struggling to find a new job and an employee whose boss is intent on micro-managing her.

Q) I’m on three months’ notice in my current job and it’s proving a barrier to finding a new role.

I’ve had three interviews at other companies and not been successful – and each one has mentioned as part of their feedback that they’ve chosen someone who was able to start more quickly.

Do you think it’s worth quitting my current role now and hoping I’ll get a new position within the next three months?

I have a mortgage to pay so I’m a bit worried about the risk involved, but I also really want to move on. Emma, via email

Emma, via email

A) Notice periods are important for companies to make sure business is not affected when there is a change of personnel – from making sure the right replacement is found, to facilitating a smooth transition and handover period.

In my experience, if I find an excellent candidate, it’s worth waiting an extra month or two.

So in an interview, try to sell your skill set strongly so that you outshine the other candidates, regardless of notice period.

When discussing your notice period, say: “I have a good relationship with my manager so I am hopeful they would let me negotiate my notice period if I help to recruit and train my replacement.”

This shows you would be prepared to go above and beyond. You should also consider how much annual leave you have left – if you have enough, this could knock your notice period down.

If you decide to leave your role before accepting a job, you need to make sure your finances are able to withstand the possibility of being out of work for a few months or longer. 

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Q) I work as an administrator for a large company and two months ago my line manager left and has since been replaced by someone who has never worked here.

I got on well with my previous boss and he largely left me to manage my own workload and backed the decisions I made.

However, the new person is very different and he seems to be intent on micro-managing me, even when it’s clear I’m good at my job and get things done efficiently.

I’ve tried casually mentioning the issue, but he didn’t take my hint. I’m not sure how to address it more formally though as he’s my boss. How do you think I should handle this?

Anna, via email

A) Put yourself in your new manager’s shoes. He’s just started at a company where he likely doesn’t know anybody and isn’t familiar with the processes and systems.

The best way for him to learn is to closely work with his team who will teach him everything he needs to know, plus he’ll get to know each of you too.

So in the short term, you need to be patient and show him what you do and how you do it.

Once he grasps everyone’s responsibilities and abilities, if he is still micro-managing, you should be able to talk to him to explain how you work best.

Make sure you demonstrate your strengths and achievements while working independently and suggest ways to blend your styles – for example, a weekly catch-up where you discuss tasks and workload.

Remember, you could also learn a lot from him. Try not to compare him to your old boss and instead focus on building your new relationship.

Compiled by: Claire Frost

Karren can not answer emails personally. Content is intended as general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

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