We recently heard from Amanda, a reader who had conducted a terrific job search and took the time to pass along what she learned from the experience. She not only found a job, but managed a step up in title and pay. Let’s start with part of her first message to us. Read the rest of this entry »

J.T.: Every month or so, we bring you the newest and best information about careers. This time we’ll review a survey done by the folks at Accountemps, a staffing firm specializing in accounting and finance. In a survey with executives, they asked this: “How many typos in the resume does it take for you to decide not to consider at job candidate for a position with your company?” Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was laid off months ago. As I’ve looked for work, I have had the following experiences: (A) Have not received a response saying that they received the resume. (Hellooooo?) (B) Received a postcard in the mail thanking me for attending the interview process. (What interview?) (C) Received an e-mail saying, “You do not have the required skills for the position you applied for.” (Which were exactly my skills and a carbon copy of the job I’d held for years.) I wonder if employers would like to be treated as they treat those looking for work. — Debbie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was wondering if you could offer any advice on applying for out-of-state jobs. (I have family I can stay with in the area where I’ll be applying.) — April Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My husband got laid off in November. He’s gotten only three interviews since that time. He recently had a good round of interviews, and today he was offered a job. But the salary is only half of what he was making. He wants to turn it down, but I think he should take it. His ego is so bruised that he can’t imagine doing the job knowing he’s being paid so much less than what he feels he’s worth. What can I say to persuade him? — Maureen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve heard two different viewpoints on resumes. One says to tailor EVERY resume to the job you’re applying to, while the other says to have one standard resume. What do you advise? — Keenan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a question concerning online applications. When asked for starting and ending pay numbers, is it OK to leave those fields blank, or does this have a negative impact? — Matt Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m an executive with a multinational firm in the process of closing its U.S. manufacturing facilities. In anticipation of further restructuring, I wish to seek new employment, and consider LinkedIn to be a powerful vehicle to spread the word. However, I do not wish for colleagues to catch wind of my intentions. How does one use LinkedIn to seek employment while still employed? — Jules Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Our company has been through two rounds of layoffs this year. I’ve been lucky enough to keep my job, and at this point, it seems the company is stable. My question is this: Do you think it’s OK for me to go on my annual two-week vacation? I’ve been afraid to ask for time off because of the layoffs. Should I skip it this year? I’m tired and burnt out, but don’t want to be seen as uncommitted. — Clive Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have worked in the same field for more than 17 years. I recently decided to change career tracks and go back to school to pursue a master’s degree in a completely different area. I have been searching for new employment ever since I began my classes, without success. My lack of experience in my new field is extremely detrimental to me — every position requires two years or more of experience. What can I do? — Kathy Read the rest of this entry »