Strategies for Dealing With a Boss That Doesn't Like You

Do you suspect you're dealing with a boss that doesn't like you? Look, as an entry-level new hire, it’s common to have to do some busy work. Data entry. Organizing files. Work where you’re not sure why your boss has assigned it. Most everyone does some busy work, no matter how high up in the office hierarchy they are. You deal with it with your head down and then move on to the more meaningful work on your plate.

But if all you’re doing is completing menial entry-level tasks assigned to you by your boss? This type of work isn’t promotion-worthy and can leave you feeling stuck at your job. How do you handle this situation?

Being honest with your boss (and yourself!) takes guts, but it’s necessary for your well-being in addition to your chances of moving from menial to meaningful. Check out our tips on how to deal with a boss who wants to keep you down.

Find Your Supporters Beyond Your Boss

Even though your boss may not appear to be in your corner, it’s important to find people within the organization who can vouch for your successes, especially at meetings where your boss is present. The more people you can get on your side, in particular on your team or in your department, the better.

Build strategic bonds with others who can lift you up and help dig you out from under your boss. These people might not even be on your team, and that's OK just as long as they'll support you when your boss gets on your case.

How do you create internal advocates? Show how you can help other employees with their projects and learn more about their work. That way, you’ll create advocates for yourself within the organization who can speak to your abilities and work ethic. You also could try to switch to that department eventually, depending on company needs.

Build Trust With Your Boss

Trust isn’t built overnight, but there are things you can work into your everyday interactions with your boss to start developing a trusting relationship that will lead to more opportunities.

Solid communication can help when dealing with a boss that doesn't like you. Give them project updates on a regular basis and let them know about your recent accomplishments. This can help your manager gain confidence in your abilities and tone down their controlling behavior.

It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t promote yourself. In many ways, demonstrating your accomplishments to your boss (and coworkers) in a humble manner can establish you as someone who would be able to take on more significant projects.

Confront Your Boss

If none of this works, it’s time to confront the elephant in the room. Straight talk is hard—especially when it’s with a boss who has been regularly assigning you menial tasks. But approaching him or her honestly about how you would like to take on more meaningful work—and what kind of work that would be—can cut out the politics and passiveness (and will make you feel better by just being honest).

Prepare talking points around specific concerns (and what specifically you object to), and find the appropriate time to bring them up. This might be during your recurring one-to-one meeting. If you don’t have one, find some time when your boss is free and schedule a meeting. Sometimes managers don’t realize you have a particular skill set and give the work you want to someone else. Advocate for yourself and let them know you would love the opportunity to show them what you can do.

Look for Another Job

The reality is, in many industries entry-level jobs do include a lot of busy work. If there isn’t room to grow into a position with more significant work, how long will you actually want to hang around in a dead-end job? Don't wait. Make a free profile on Monster to get a head start on your next (better) job today.