Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently made a decision during the interviewing process that obviously killed my chances of being hired. I arrived for my job interview 10 minutes early and checked in. I was told that the managers were in a meeting. I waited 15 minutes and reminded the receptionist that I was still there. She apologized and said they would be with me shortly. I waited another 15 minutes, then went to the receptionist, thanked her for her time and left. I have experienced many different managers in my career — those who are constantly running around with their hair on fire usually cannot manage themselves, never mind others. What do you think? — Greg Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m 26 years old, and there is a company in my city that I would give anything to work for. They just posted a job that I know I could do. The problem is that I’m sure thousands of people are going to apply. Sadly, neither myself nor any of my friends and family knows someone who works there, which means a personal introduction is out. And they stress in the job posting “no phone calls.” So, how do I make myself stand out? — Colin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 60 years old and have been retired for six months. I’m seriously thinking of going to work part-time. My experience is as an admin assistant. I don’t necessarily want to go back to that line of work. Would it be a good idea to sign with a temp agency? The other thing I’m interested in is working for a nonprofit organization, but I would need to earn a small salary. — Connie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I worked for three months with a major festival. As the job was ending, I started to develop health problems. I was in and out of hospitals. The next year rolled around and I worked the festival again. I have just finished my fourth year with them. I’ve learned to manage my health problem, and I’ve been looking for a full-time job. On interviews, they often ask me what I did in between the festivals. How should I handle this? — Britney Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am blessed to have two jobs I love — one full time in academia, and one part time in a corporation. However, the grant that funds my academic job will end in about 18 months. At that point, I would like to start working full time at the corporation. They offered me a full-time position before, which I declined. My question: Is it too soon to mention the possibility of coming on board full time? — Greg Read the rest of this entry »

Hi, J.T. & Dale! For the past month, I’ve been looking for work. Temp agencies call me about a job, I tell them that I’m interested, they either e-mail or fax my resume, and I follow up by calling them back — and they tell me they haven’t heard from their clients and say they will call me back, but they don’t. I get so frustrated. — Deborah Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: We love to pass along the insights of those who are exiting the job market because they’ve landed terrific new employment.

J.T.: We recently heard from Brad DeYoung, an operations manager, who took the time to assemble a list of advice for other job hunters, and we’re pleased to pass along Brad’s wisdom: Read the rest of this entry »

Not sure what to say about your termination from a job?

Listen to this short podcast (NOTE: All you need to do is click the link and the audio will start automatically, no special software is needed to hear it.), that outlines the steps you should take to successfully answer the interview question, “Why were you let go?” Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been hearing a lot about the need for workers to develop their personal brand in order to get ahead professionally. I just graduated from college and have never really worked in a professional environment … so how can I possibly “brand” myself? — Seth Read the rest of this entry »

JT: Many of you may not know that besides writing our column together, Dale also writes a column called the “Corporate Curmudgeon” which is carried in many well-known papers across the US. It’s actually how I came to know and respect Dale for his work. (It’s funny, readers often think we don’t like each other because of the way we banter in the column, but truthfully, I am very lucky to have such a great partner and we get along quite well - or so I believe? Hmm…maybe I should ask him.)

Given how many e-mails we’ve been getting lately from readers who feel they are being discriminated in their job search, I thought a recent column by Dale on the subject might inspire you all. Read this article to learn how an older, recovering alcoholic with a job-jumping past job was taught an innovative way to present himself to employers….CLICK HERE