Appraisal and up to date JD

[penfold]

I'm due to get an appraisal for the first time in a few years and I've been looking at my JD which to be honest is fairly broad. The appraisal form requires me to outline my main duties and also add any changes to the main duties. The problem I have is that my existing JD has things like provide Technical support for all aspects of computer software, systems & Network infrastructure.

 

The thing is that the way I read it, everything that I do could easily fit into that category. As I can only remember having 1 Appraisal before (and it was not long after I started so nothing had really changed) how do I fill in the section for detailing any changes to my current role? Can I put specific areas that I have become responsible for even though they will fit into the "provide tech support..." section?

 

I assume that should I be able to provide enough changes in the duties then I can ask for a new JD which can contain all the changes which eventually/hopefully will then result in me being able to ask for more money as I am able to demonstrate that I have taken on more work?

[dwhyte85]

I found in the many discussions I've had, including in a school... the best way is to prove responsibility not workload. If they assume workload, they might be happier to get an apprentice or a part time member of staff than pay you more.

[pcstru]

I'm due to get an appraisal for the first time in a few years and I've been looking at my JD which to be honest is fairly broad. The appraisal form requires me to outline my main duties and also add any changes to the main duties. The problem I have is that my existing JD has things like provide Technical support for all aspects of computer software, systems & Network infrastructure.

 

The thing is that the way I read it, everything that I do could easily fit into that category. As I can only remember having 1 Appraisal before (and it was not long after I started so nothing had really changed) how do I fill in the section for detailing any changes to my current role? Can I put specific areas that I have become responsible for even though they will fit into the "provide tech support..." section?

There is a compromise with JD's between being accurate and being too specific. If you are too specific you will be accurate but will end up changing the JD too often (we live in a fast changing world (and WE tend to live at the pointy end)).

I assume that should I be able to provide enough changes in the duties then I can ask for a new JD which can contain all the changes which eventually/hopefully will then result in me being able to ask for more money as I am able to demonstrate that I have taken on more work?

Unlikely. @dwhyte85 has it right - if you want more money you need to talk about responsibility for things or people. The best route to more money is simply to move jobs.

[penfold]

Thanks guys, I was using the term "more work" generally as I understand that you need to demonstrate that responsibilities have increased to go up the scale. My question is how do I prove I have taken on more responsibility if the duties in my JD contain such generic terms as "provide Technical support for all aspects of computer software, systems & Network infrastructure"? Pretty much every task I perform could come under this.

 

For example, (not real) say 2 years ago I was responsible for printing. Last year I am responsible for printing and email. This year I am responsible printing, email and the SAN. Each one of those could be classed under the term outlined and therefore the responsibility does not change as the weighting of systems used is not being taken into account.

 

Edit: I was under the impression that an appraisal also gave you the opportunity to make requests such as get an up to date JD so it is possible to outline objectives for the next review?

Edited April 8, 2015 by penfold

[dwhyte85]

You can ask for whatever you'd like, if you can argue why it's necessary - could happen.

 

In terms of the new duties because of new systems, you could ask to define the areas in the JD, but that goes back to the first point - they'll probably say but it comes under technical support of all systems and the network - broad terms are easier. Maybe come with your own redefined JD and reasons for the changes.

 

Suggesting you may need to look elsewhere can work, but it can also go against you too; I was in a similar situation, rather than take my word for it they brought in an external consultant to tell them, this process went on for around 4 months - this upset me greatly and was the reason I left in the end - anything not to change my pay grade.

[pcstru]

For example, (not real) say 2 years ago I was responsible for printing. Last year I am responsible for printing and email. This year I am responsible printing, email and the SAN. Each one of those could be classed under the term outlined and therefore the responsibility does not change as the weighting of systems used is not being taken into account.[/color]

I think it depends what you mean by "responsible for". I'd expect any of the technicians here to "provide technical support" to end users - either of the the "how do I" kind or looking into (say) technical issues (bounces, client connectivity etc). I expect the provisioning of the service, proactive maintenance and strategy (on specific systems life cycles) to come from the Senior Systems Bod or the NM. That Senior Systems JD uses language like "Take a lead role in management and development of", rather than "provide support for".

Edit: I was under the impression that an appraisal also gave you the opportunity to make requests such as get an up to date JD so it is possible to outline objectives for the next review?

You should have a reasonably up to date JD regardless, but an appraisal is certainly a good time to look at it and make sure it is an accurate reflection of what you are doing (and what they want/need you to do).

[penfold]

Thanks, @pcstru - the responsible for is the kind of thing I want clarified. I'm not the only one here, and I'm not the one who is responsible for everything, but I do think it would help to know what I am expected to be responsible for which is why I want a more defined JD(it doesn't have to be specific - just not as broad as it is now)

 

I've since, found another JD which is not tech related but, it does have a breakdown in the areas where the weighting is assessed. I'm going to try and use this as a template so that I don't have to specifically outline each system, but I can then hopefully outline the differences on responsibility for the various areas I am involved in.

 

Just to mention, I am not looking to leave or specifically looking to get more money (although it would be nice) I am however, looking to get a more accurate JD so I know what I am responsible for and equally other people know what I am responsible for.

[psydii]

What is the reason for the appraisal? I mean if you haven't had one for a few years, why now?

 

New HR bod?

Restructure?

New Line Manager who wants to develop his/her staff?

 

I'd be looking at what the perceived and documented expectations of you are, how you have met/exceeded them, and how they have changed. Areas that you feel could be better are where you can highlight developmental opportunities (training, changing the tech operating practice, or balance of roles/renumeration in the team). Without targets set in advance, or significant change in your duties o/ level of responsibilities or a clear disparity between your current salary and equivalent roles in the sector, I'd keep any talk about pay out of the process.

[penfold]

Although it's something we should have been doing, I'm pretty sure it's something to do with the change in HR;-) I don't expect anything to change, but I am trying to use it as an opportunity to get my JD up to date and hopefully get some training as a result of the appraisal.

 

Thanks for all the responses.