Dear J.T. & Dale: I was working at a company in Illinois when my brother got sick and I moved to Phoenix to help out. When I resigned my old job, the company told me the doors were open to me because I had “rehire” status. However, now that my brother is better and I’ve returned home, I reapplied and HR no longer will even answer my e-mails. Don’t tell me I can come back and then leave me out in the cold. — Jess Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: The company I work for was sold, and I went to work for the new owners. Recently my hours have been reduced to nothing. It might be 10 hours one week, nine the next. I have looked for other employment, but no one is hiring. I want to apply for unemployment, but if my employers call me, I have to work. If I don’t, that’s a refusal, and unemployment would be denied anyway. Any advice? — Ned Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: You experts keep saying to “network.” Most jobs I’ve gotten by networking have turned out very badly for me. I won’t go into details, but they often ended in lack of advancement, being knifed in the back by a supervisor or other not-so-nice happenings. I have a long list of industries I’ve been in and know I have no desire to work in again — finance, insurance, retail, any type of food service, any job requiring answering phones or being on the computer all day and sales (including all the titles that try to hide that it’s a sales job). I’m questioning every tactic that career experts are offering because the advice doesn’t seem to be working in the current job market. So, now what? — Dana Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: There is one recruiter who has a lot of the high-end jobs I qualify for, but for some reason she has yet to respond to me about any of those listings. Why hasn’t she contacted me? Is it rude to call her and ask if I have been considered? — Lynne Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: When May came around last year, my wife was ill and I was worn out and felt that I needed some time to regroup, so I voluntarily resigned my position. Six months ago I was ready to look for something new but have been unable to find a position. I’ve had some interviews, but they have gotten me nowhere. I am thinking about doing a mock interview for help. Any advice would be welcomed. — Chris Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m an experienced, educated manufacturing manager who was downsized at the age of 62 in July of last year. I have been working daily through networking, Web sites and headhunters to find a new position. My wife thinks it is my age; although I don’t want to believe that, she may be correct. I do not want to retire — I am healthy, in good shape and have a lot to offer. What can I do? — Doug Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been having trouble getting interviews, even though I am highly qualified for the positions I’m applying for. I’m attaching my resume and cover letter, hoping you can tell me what I’m doing wrong. — Tate Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was recently downsized and am looking to get into the venture capital field. I am looking for an internship in that field. I have a business degree and 20 years’ sales experience. Can you provide some guidance? — John Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I started doing part-time recruiting in college for a friend, having no intention of staying in the placement industry. Once I graduated, I found that the only companies calling me were for jobs as a recruiter. I am miserable in my position and have been job hunting, but once again, the only companies calling are recruiting firms. Would it be best for me to erase my history on my resume and show just my education? — Steve Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have recently moved back to the states after two years in Italy. I’ve been living with friends while job-hunting, and I’m willing to relocate anywhere for the right job. I wish I had a recruiter/headhunter to assist me, and I’ve written to a few, but haven’t heard anything back. Are there any recruiters who would work with a middle manager like me? — Jimmy Read the rest of this entry »