Work worries

I recently got a new job as a PA for a CEO. I like it so far. However the receptionist is getting on my nerves big time. She always seems to do the jobs IM meant to do, JUST before I get a chance to do them - to try and make me look bad I'm fairly...

certain. I go to make the boss a coffee and she sings out Oh its okay I've already done that, and he likes mine cause I don't make it too strong like you. She makes little remarks like commenting on how I do things, and how if it was her doing it, she would do it such and such a way. She will come up and tell me how to do my job, or how I should have to stay back just like her because she 'puts in such an extra effort.' Um no, it's not my problem that I'm organised enough to get my work done on time and she is flustered and has to stay back an hour. I don't get paid any overtime yet she somehow manages to make it look like she is the saint for 'working so hard.' I'm sick of her trying to trample over me and possibly take my job. I do help her when I can but it's not my responsibility to baby her if shes not finished. The boss thinks shes the greatest and she has been there a while. I don't know how to deal with her - be super nice, keep doing what I'm doing, or be a b*tch to her?

Your boss likes her - big mistake to mess with her.

Instead of getting upset when she offers you her 'advice', why don't you try and make peace with her...if she said you make your coffee too strong, ask her to show you how she does it...sometimes if you give people a little credit, they're more likely to appreciate you in the end.

Well in a case like this, she is being proactive and so the best approach (in my opinion) would be to beat her at her own game. Sometimes to put someone into place, you have to rise above them and put in an extra effort. It sounds to me like she is trying to steer approval away from you and towards her.

There are two things I would consider in this situation... I would either talk to the boss and make sure that roles are assigned and that she does not impede on your work, or I would beat her at her own game. She should have more respect and so why not give her the ultimate reason and beat her to the coffee machine, etc. You don't have to be a b*tch to her. Just step over her and be perfectly polite in doing so .

Congratulations on your new job

Unfortunately if you do want to continue working there, I suggest you do not relaliate and become b-itchy towards her.

If the receptionist is employed at the firm a lot longer then you, She may have built a solid working relationship with other work colleagues and you don't want your boss hearing negative feedbacks from them about you not fitting in.

Remember your still on your 3 months probation period before you are officially a permanent full-time employee of this firm so don't jeopardise your chances.

Hang in there, be nice, as we work to live and not live to work. Once you pass your probation and she is still giving you the sh-ts then take action. Talk to her about her her work ethics or find another job or ask to be transfer to another department.

PS: your the PA to the CEO so really you are the TOP admin person in the firm she's only a receptionist, that is like at the bottom of the organisation chart.

Don't be a btch her, if she is already on your case you will only increase that even more. She will have reason to while now you occasionally help her out as well. She says the boss likes her coffee better but is that really true? Did you hear it coming from his mouth? People tend to fabricate a lot of 'facts' to make their statements stick. I'm not calling her a liar, but opinions are very subjective.

Roles within a company are important to stick to and if she is doing more of what she shouldn't do and less of what she should be doing she is the one not functioning within her role.

This is what you can do you can talk to her or talk to the boss and explain to him whats going on.