Dear J.T. & Dale: Two years ago, my family and I relocated to the Southeast. We are eager to return to the Northeast. Will it hamper my job search if I use my current address on my resume? I have family in the area where I’ll be moving to, and could “borrow” their address for my resume. — Brad Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am trying to start my own IT consulting practice, and it seems impossible to find gigs directly with companies — all the work seems to be through staffing agencies. I’ve heard that most of the direct jobs are through networking, but how do you even start? I’ve tried blogs and networking sites … they all lead to a staffing firm. ARGHHH! — A frustrated female consultant Read the rest of this entry »

DALE: Today’s adventure in job searching comes from Carol of Baton Rouge, who describes herself as as “one of the lucky ones.” Here’s her summary of what transpired…

My employer decided he wanted someone with more “credentials.” He was a jerk who could barely pay his bills. My check bounced a few times. He was impossible.

This new job fell into my lap – I know this sounds new agey, but I think it was karma. I had put the word out on the street that I was looking. I soon had two interviews. Both guys I interviewed with offered on the same day. This job felt right and has been a perfect fit. I found it in three days even knowing Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina has been a tough market for support staff. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 60 years old and have been retired for six months. I’m seriously thinking of going to work part-time. My experience is as an admin assistant. I don’t necessarily want to go back to that line of work. Would it be a good idea to sign with a temp agency? The other thing I’m interested in is working for a nonprofit organization, but I would need to earn a small salary. — Connie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I worked for three months with a major festival. As the job was ending, I started to develop health problems. I was in and out of hospitals. The next year rolled around and I worked the festival again. I have just finished my fourth year with them. I’ve learned to manage my health problem, and I’ve been looking for a full-time job. On interviews, they often ask me what I did in between the festivals. How should I handle this? — Britney Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am blessed to have two jobs I love — one full time in academia, and one part time in a corporation. However, the grant that funds my academic job will end in about 18 months. At that point, I would like to start working full time at the corporation. They offered me a full-time position before, which I declined. My question: Is it too soon to mention the possibility of coming on board full time? — Greg Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: We love to pass along the insights of those who are exiting the job market because they’ve landed terrific new employment.

J.T.: We recently heard from Brad DeYoung, an operations manager, who took the time to assemble a list of advice for other job hunters, and we’re pleased to pass along Brad’s wisdom: Read the rest of this entry »

JT: Many of you may not know that besides writing our column together, Dale also writes a column called the “Corporate Curmudgeon” which is carried in many well-known papers across the US. It’s actually how I came to know and respect Dale for his work. (It’s funny, readers often think we don’t like each other because of the way we banter in the column, but truthfully, I am very lucky to have such a great partner and we get along quite well - or so I believe? Hmm…maybe I should ask him.)

Given how many e-mails we’ve been getting lately from readers who feel they are being discriminated in their job search, I thought a recent column by Dale on the subject might inspire you all. Read this article to learn how an older, recovering alcoholic with a job-jumping past job was taught an innovative way to present himself to employers….CLICK HERE

Last week, a young professionals network I volunteer for, www.catapultseacoast.org, asked me if I had a quiz to help people determine how prepared they are to find career success and satisfaction. I do have such a quiz, but it occurred to me that I had never offered this to our readers. So, here it is!

The CAREEREALISM Career-readiness Quiz is available to take on-line for FREE. You don’t have to give your e-mail address or sign up for a thing - just answer the 24 questions with an honest ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and at the end you’ll get your score.

Times have changed in America. If you want to stay employable, you must, I repeat, you MUST, be up-to-date on how to market yourself effectively. And that begins with a lot of self-knowledge and focus that many people don’t take the time to acquire. When it comes to your career development and job search, are you working smarter or harder?!? This test will let you know where you rank in your ability to find a new, satisfying career.

Enjoy!

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a long-term agent with a big insurance company. I am 67 years old. A few years ago, the company placed more emphasis on financial products. These I have not embraced very well. They gave me a “job in jeopardy” warning last week. These are some of my thoughts:

1. Buy my job … yuck … by purchasing annuities.

2. Quit and try to get a part-time job somewhere.

3. Drastically cut back on my expenses and retire.

What’s your take? — Allen Read the rest of this entry »