Hi friends of J.T. & Dale Talk Jobs!

With the job loss rates steadily increasing, I thought I’d take a moment to put out a list of some additional resources (besides our own site of course!) that can help with job search. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m starting a company but need to keep my current job for the benefits. I have a great relationship with my boss, and I think I should be honest with him about my plans, but my wife thinks I’m crazy. Opinions? — Wallace

Dale: Tell your boss about your new business and he’ll say he’s happy for you … but, without his intending it, his opinion of you will start to shift. You are no longer his beloved employee but, rather, a soon-to-be former employee. Unbidden, suspicions will arise. Will you sneak company time for your outside endeavors? Will you set a precedent and encourage others to seek self-employment? If you succeed, will you steal away co-workers? Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My boss is sleeping with my co-worker. Should I tell HR? — Kendall

J.T.: My first question is, Why do you want to tell HR? Is it simply because there is a “no dating” policy at your company and you don’t like that rules are being broken? Or is there something you stand to gain?

Dale: Let me take a shot at answering. Kendall probably thinks that by telling HR, he’s doing them a favor — he’ll be a “good citizen,” maybe a hero. And who knows, if they fire the boss, he could be the one they turn to and promote. Nice fantasy. BUT, Kendall, here’s an important secret of organizational life: HR doesn’t want to know. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: A co-worker who just got a promotion got drunk one night and confessed that he lied about his education on his resume. Should I tell? — Kim Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have recurring ovarian cancer. To look at me, you would not know I am sick. I’ve also been very fortunate not to have any noticeable effects from the chemo. I’ve only missed three workdays since March ‘07 due to the illness. I will shortly be unemployed and will be seeking a new position. How/when do I tell a prospective employer about my cancer? — Meredith Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: Time for our monthly recommendations of career resources. Recently, I have been taken with a book called “The Back of the Napkin,” by Dan Roam. It’s about communicating ideas visually, particularly with drawings, as if jotting ideas on the back of a napkin. Read the rest of this entry »

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’ve been at my current job for a year, but this fall my hours will be cut to part time, and I want to look for something new. At my previous job, I was “let go,” mainly because of a lack of experience. How should I manage my references? — Roni Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently went on an interview at a large corporation. When I went to the restroom to freshen up, a couple of ladies were in there, and I noticed that one left without washing her hands. It was evident from passing the stall that she had [done serious business in there]. To my surprise and horror, she turned out to be my interviewer. She put out her hand to shake, but instead of shaking, I put my hands behind my back and nodded hello. She looked insulted. What should I have done? By the way, I didn’t get the job. — Janice 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 »