Entry-Level & New Jobs
The Situation
You are asked to join a meeting unexpectedly during your first few weeks on the job. You were told it’s “just a quick check-in,” but the room feels serious.
From the introduction, you learn that something didn’t go as expected on a recent task or assignment. No one is blaming you directly, but there are questions about training, communication, and follow-up.
Your supervisor is present. Someone involved in training or onboarding is listening.
Another team member may be in the room. You were involved in the task, but you don’t yet know which step or instruction is being questioned.
You are expected to respond professionally, even though you are still learning.
Sounding unsure is understandable, but silence may be misread.
Your Task
Respond immediately and respectfully.
You do not have all the details, but you are still required to respond.
Avoid blaming others or underselling yourself.
Questions
“Can you explain what you understood the task to be?”
“What instructions were you given?”
“When did you complete this assignment?”
“Did you feel prepared to handle it?”
“Was anything unclear at the time?”
“Who did you ask if you had questions?”
“Did you follow the steps as trained?”
“Was this your first time doing this?”
“Did you receive feedback before submitting it?”
“Were deadlines clearly explained?”
“Are you saying you did what you were told?”
“Why might this not have gone as expected?”
“What would have helped you do this better?”
“What would you do differently next time?”
“How should this be handled now?”
“Is there anything you want to clarify?”
“What support would help you learn faster?”
“Do you feel comfortable asking questions?”
“Is there anything we should review in training?”
“Is there something we should be aware of?”
