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 »

Dale: It’s time for our suggestions of valuable career resources, and OK, I know it seems self-indulgent to suggest something I wrote, but I recently did an interview that I want to make available to our readers. It’s an interview with Tony Little … yeah, the guy with the blond ponytail you see on infomercials. He is the ultimate example of someone creating a personal brand. Turns out that Little’s a quiet and thoughtful man who figured out how to make himself unique. It’s terrific information that you can read at jtanddale.com.

J.T.: And here’s an idea that’s useful for everyone, but especially for those of an age who might be wondering, “What the tarnation can I do?” Try getting in touch with the other generations on the job. Many people think and act their age; yet, I also know lots of mature employees who work exceptionally well with the younger generations and have no problems finding work as a result. Here’s a link to a free, online test that let’s you see how well you relate to the generations in today’s workplace: www.generationalprofile.com. (This link is also on the Career Resources page of our Web site/blog, www.jtanddale.com.) If you learn to better connect with the other generations in the workforce (there are four!), you just might tap into a way to make yourself eligible for more job opportunities.

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 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: I like my job and my boss. The problem is that I know my boss has a substance-abuse problem. In my opinion, he is an alcoholic, and while I’m not certain, I think he uses drugs, too. I hate watching him slowly kill himself. Not to mention, he has embarrassed himself on more than one occasion in front of employees and clients. Great jobs close to home don’t come easily here. What should I do? – Gretchen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: One of our team members who’s a step above me management-wise is particularly difficult to work with. He feels the need to constantly belittle everyone. Several of us have approached the manager with our complaints. The manager takes things into “consideration,” yet nothing is ever done. - Emma Read the rest of this entry »