Dear J.T. & Dale: I was told that I was being terminated for using a bad word that was overheard by a patient. Yet the supervisor could not give me any specifics of who, what, where and when. I honestly believe that I was cut to reduce overhead since they had expanded and constantly reminded us of the money invested. I was the second-highest-paid employee there, and my job duties easily could be split and done by other people (which is what happened after I was let go). My assumption is that they used an excuse, because they know I would have asked for a severance package. I don’t want to use the reason they gave me on any future job applications because it’s not true. Would it be OK to put what I believe is the real reason? — Randy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: When I was terminated from my job, I was not given a reason other than it was a “corporate decision.” I was never asked to give my side of the story. I want to be honest during my interviews and also on employment applications. How would you recommend that I handle this? — Mary Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently quit my job as an human-resources generalist with an aerospace company. I really liked the job and my co-workers, with the exception of my boss. As much as I tried, I could not work with the manager’s style, and I quit. I have had one interview, and when I told the interviewer that the environment was not right for me, she asked why. I felt like a deer in headlights and gave an answer I knew was not right. What do you advise? — C.P. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: When filling out a job application and you’re currently employed, what is the proper response to the question: May we contact your present employer? — Paula Read the rest of this entry »

Happy New Year! If you are visiting our site to read Dale’s interview with Tony Little, you can find it on our ‘Career Resources’ page. It’s also available by clicking here: http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2007/12/02/mastering_the_art_of_differentiation/

Dear J.T. & Dale: To make a long story short: I am legally deaf, 40 pounds overweight and have an accent that belongs in a category of its own. I worked in a plastics factory for two years and quit because management and co-workers kept making fun of me. I asked them not to, which only made it worse. I didn’t take it to the labor board because I didn’t want them to get in trouble. Now, how do I answer the “Why did you quit?” question without bad-mouthing my previous place of employment?

– Robin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What are your thoughts in regard to personality tests in the work environment. Where I work the tests are being used to some degree to determine promotions. We were amazed at what a short and simple test got correct, but at the same time concerned with what statistical testing got wrong.

- James Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: Eight years ago, I took my current job with every intention of staying until retirement. I was recently informed my job would be relocating to the company’s home base. I was told the relocation would be some time in the next six months, but I should be ready to relocate with two weeks’ notice. This is becoming stressful, so I am thinking of asking my employer to give me a definite date. Would this be an unwarranted request? – R.L. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently left a well-paying job after five years with the company. The problem was with the two girls I had to work with. They would feed off each other and make it difficult for me. My supervisor said her hands were tied. I told her if nothing could be done, I would have to look for a position elsewhere. She said, “I hate to see you leave, but I understand and feel free to use my name as a reference.” You can imagine how I felt. Well, I left the company. I do not like the job I took. The man who hired me is always miserable. I was told I need to shrug it off, and if I can’t it would be best to find another job, because this is the way he is and he will never change. What should I say in future interviews as to why I left and why I’m looking? – Evelyn Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My friend got arrested for DUI. My question to you is, should he tell his boss? His lawyer says not to, as he has only been charged with a DUI, not convicted. However, I am of the feeling that being up-front is the best way to go instead of her finding out from someone else. (He was arrested in a county far from our workplace, so it will not be listed in the local paper.) – Elaine Read the rest of this entry »