Dear J.T. and Dale: I am attaching a copy of my resume. I have fully and honestly listed all employment, all successes and all the technical alphabet soup that applies to my work, education and training. I send out a lot of resumes, and I follow up, but I haven’t been getting results. — Sidelined Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a 23-year-old guy who needs a decent job. I have completed my associate’s degree in computer technology at a tech college and have taken computer classes at a local junior college. How do I find jobs that pay a decent wage? (I am currently working part time at Target. I live in town of about 650,000 people, so a lot of BIG corporations are not located here.) — Jake 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: I have about 25 years of solid work experience. The problem I am having is all of the companies I worked for have declared bankruptcy or been bought. The company names, locations and people have changed. I address these “buyouts” in my resume but I never realized that when a verification is attempted, the past “employers” simply might decline to verify. Suggestions? — Gregory 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 »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I spent in the neighborhood of 16 years in the fields of electronics and metrology (not meteorology). During this time, I filled several administrative posts while still being a technician. A couple of years ago, I decided to change careers to focus on my administrative skills (especially Microsoft Office Suite, design and photography). It’s been an uphill battle ever since. I know I cannot prove age discrimination, and my actual typing speed has diminished since my arthritis has developed, BUT WHAT THE TARNATION CAN I DO??? — Bill 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: I graduated with bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and chemical engineering in 1994.

I began working for my family’s small retail business. Now, 13 years later, the business is dying and I’m beginning to think about going back into my “educated” profession. I live in a town full of engineering jobs, but they all require three years’ experience.

– Kevin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a city employee working in a technical inspection role.

I have been in this field for nine years, and I’m not going anywhere except to that dreaded brick wall at the end … oh wait, already there! I have recently divorced, lost my house and am currently going through bankruptcy because everything was in my name. I have back problems from childhood accidents and need to start over in my life with my daughter, and I can’t seem to find a better-paying job.

– Mike Read the rest of this entry »