Dear J.T. & Dale: I worked for a company where the CEO was friends with most of the newer management. They’d meet at bars for cocktails and to socialize. The people not “in the loop” didn’t stand much of a chance. I was put in a new department and given a manager who ignored us. When I went in to see her after six months, she went nuts, screaming she was stressed. The next day I was terminated, and it was not up for discussion. Even though the economy is down, I have been actively looking for a job and feel confident I will succeed. My suggestion to upper-management people: Leave your friends and cocktails out of the mix. — Kristi Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: During my employment interviews, I came across a tactic that I can only describe as “good cop/bad cop.” The “good guy” smiles and asks the easy questions, while the “bad cop” sneers and asks the tough ones. I’ve been around long enough to have a thick skin, but this abuse really bothered me. — Ray Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve had two jobs during the past years with titles of “construction manager” and “general manager.” However, in both cases the work was mainly administrative, and that’s what I want to do. I’m now applying for administrative assistant jobs but not getting any response. I think it’s my previous job titles and that a computer program is tossing my resume before a human can even read it. Am I correct? — P.L. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was fired 12 years ago because my drawer came up short. This was a hard lesson I learned about trusting co-workers. How far do employers really go to check your work history? (I only list the past 10 years of work history on my resume.) — Lon Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 22 years old and have an associate’s degree in new media design. So far, I haven’t been able to find work in my field. Should I pursue my bachelor’s in new media or get an associate’s degree in another field? — Ben Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What’s the best way to handle the following? You go for weeks with no response to your job submittals. Then, you finally get one hit. All appears promising. You are informed that a decision will be made the next week. Meanwhile, you get an offer for a lesser job that wants you to decide immediately. Can you tell them you are awaiting the answer on another position? — Lamar Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a former business owner who’s now searching for employment. I’m stuck in a conundrum: When I apply for lower-level positions, I’m overqualified; when I apply for higher-level positions, I’m underqualified. Suggestions? — Nolan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I can’t let go of what my former employer did to me. I was let go unfairly, and I’m so angry that I can’t move forward. I feel like the only way I’m going to feel better is if I get my old job back and get an apology from them — but that’s not going to happen. — Kathleen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My employment history is a mix of survival jobs, retail and basic office. My liberal-arts degree has been useless. I’ve gone through skills/interests testing, but the results were far from interesting. I can’t afford the debt of school. I have no ideas or contacts except that I’d like to work in an animal-rescue sanctuary. — Linda Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am currently unemployed after deciding last June that I wanted to take time off from working. However, now I need to begin applying for a job. My question to you is, What is the best way to describe my six-month layoff to potential employers? Should I be honest and tell them that I just needed some time off from the working world? Or is there a way that I can make my time off appear like a normal, not such a big deal thing? — Luke Read the rest of this entry »