Apr 22

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was terminated from my previous job as a store manager. I had my brother call my previous employer to see what they’d say about me. It isn’t what they said, but how they said it: “He was terminated for performance,” and then with a snotty attitude, “No, he isn’t eligible for rehire.” What can I do? I was not terminated for performance but because my supervisor wanted me involved in unscrupulous dealings and I refused. Got any advice? — Jack Read the rest of this entry »

Apr 22

Dear J.T. & Dale: My husband’s employer, a giant national corporation, moved their local offices and now he would like to find a job closer to our residence. The company has agreements with all their recruiters and placement companies that restricts them from talking with employees about job possibilities elsewhere. We are advised the only way out is to quit, then seek the help of the recruiters. I had cancer and cannot afford to be without insurance, so we are stuck. I equate this with being held hostage. — Jessica Read the rest of this entry »

Apr 18

A tidal wave of requests for career advice have hit our column recently regarding how to get an interview. Readers are applying to hundreds of jobs, but the phone isn’t ringing with offers to meet. “What am I doing wrong?” they all ask.

While each situation is different and there’s no magic solution to the problem, I can tell you that in my coaching practice, we see two common mistakes to job search that lower a person’s chances of getting interviews.

Here’s the truth: most job seekers work harder, not smarter. So, this podcast explains how to change your approach for a better return on the time and energy you spend looking for your next job. Enjoy!

Adventures In Job Search 04-16-08 - How to Get Interviews

Apr 14

Dear J.T. & Dale: My daughter-in-law was recently fired after 18 months, we believe because her employer didn’t want to pay her for a maternity leave. She is due in six months and is now interviewing. Any suggestions? — Carol Read the rest of this entry »

Apr 9

Dear J.T. and Dale: I moved to a new town and, ever since, my career has been in a freefall. I got a good job and messed up on it, and ever since, I can’t get anything right. I’ve had three jobs in the past year and have failed at all of them. My resume and my self-confidence are a mess. I’m afraid to try again. — Jade Read the rest of this entry »

Apr 1

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been on interviews where the HR manager has been late up to 20 minutes. I’ve had HR managers have the wrong resume when interviewing me, and have had HR managers dressed worse than I was. I get very upset dealing with HR managers who sit behind their desks acting like they are doing me a favor by interviewing me and then say, “You’re not the fit we’re looking for.” How do I get a second interview? — Bruce Read the rest of this entry »

Mar 27

BMW or Honda? Let me start by saying that BOTH are great car brands, however, no one will dispute that they each are respected for different reasons. Yet, here’s where they are exactly the same: the marketing strategies used to promote their brands’ value enable buyers of their cars to connect with them on a personal level. Why should you care? Because today, the same kind of strategy needs to be applied to our career development. Read the rest of this entry »

Mar 17

legal-fork.jpgDear J.T. & Dale: I was fired for reasons I felt were inappropriate. I applied for unemployment, my former employer objected, I appealed, and won the appeal. I am suing for inappropriate dismissal (breach of contract). I also am applying for new jobs. Should I even apply for a position out of town until the lawsuit is over? — Kim Read the rest of this entry »

Mar 11

odd-questions.jpgDear J.T. & Dale: I have solid years of experience in accounting and after a recent move, have begun interviewing. I have found myself confronted with odd questions, such as, “If you were a vegetable what would you be and why?” (My answer was, “An olive because I could dress up in Christmas colors … or I could wear basic black and hang around with my favorite Italian dishes.”) Another question was, “What kind of car would you be?” (I answered, “A Cadillac Deville — classic, powerful, understated.”) I have no idea what my answers to such questions provide the interviewer. Can you shed any light on the subject? Incidentally, I was not hired. — Regina Read the rest of this entry »

Mar 5

Dear J.T. & Dale: My first annual performance review was more than seven months late. When we finally sat down, it was a satisfying review, and I received my increase. It’s now almost two months past my second anniversary, and this time my manager said that I was valued and that I would be receiving double the increase I received last time — although, since it’s not in the budget, it would take a while. After a few weeks, when I expressed eagerness to get the raise and to sit down and talk, she said, “There’s nothing left to talk about.” I’ve been able to maintain a professional demeanor (not been angry or demanding), but I’m flummoxed! — Kathleen Read the rest of this entry »

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