Dear J.T. & Dale: I heard more contract jobs (a.k.a. temporary) are popping up. What’s the best way to approach a temporary agency for a job? — Manny Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently lost my job. I’m now working a part-time job that does not pay enough to maintain my expenses. I’d like to do clerical work from home to earn extra money. With all the scams today, could you point me to some sites that could help? — Debbie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I applied for a job in my field and received a response that included a lengthy questionnaire and a requirement to obtain my own credit report using a service they prefer. I’m supposed to get the report, then provide the company with the access number so they can look at it. I already know my credit score, and I did not feel comfortable giving the required credit-card info. (The report is free during the “trial period” but still requires a credit card to register.) Is there any way around this? — Joe Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m having the roughest hiring experience of my 26 years of life! I’ve worked wherever I could land a job as an administrative assistant: One employer moved its headquarters, and twice I got caught in layoffs. I’m now a freelance writer at a fashion/music label. This job was supposed to be temporary while I looked for an AA job, but I’ve been here 19 months. Now I’m hearing that not being an AA for so long is working against me. I’m more than equipped to take on the AA jobs that are abundantly floating around online, but I get no consideration for any of them. Where have I gone wrong? — Tara Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just got a new job that I love. It took me a year to find it. Along the way, I had several interviews, but no offers, which I thought was just bad luck. Then my new boss shared with me one of my references had said terrible things about me. I was shocked! I thought she’d be my strongest reference. My new boss said the other references were fine and chose to believe me instead of her. How do you make sure your references won’t do this to you? And should I stop associating with her? Should I confront her? — Lane Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was working at a nonprofit as a grant writer. I enjoyed it and fit in. Then a friend offered me a job at a nonprofit that paid more money. I took the job, despite some flags, because, hey, it was more money. After four months, I’ve realized it was a bad decision. I don’t fit in with the culture at all. What do I tell prospective employers about my fast desertion? Is it OK to say I’m not a good fit, or am I just stuck for a while? — Shannon Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been unemployed for five months. During those five months, I’ve had 13 face-to-face interviews, three long phone interviews and 15 phone screens, but no offers. I’ve been told I interview well, and have had coaching in a job club. Is the economy still that bad? — Paul Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve worked in the security field for 25 years, and have a BA with an emphasis on security. My last employer laid me off after 12 years. (I did repair on ATM machines and did money transport.) I’m having trouble getting my experience taken seriously. I’m over 50. Could it be age discrimination? How do I get an organization to give me a chance? — Ron Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: We often get questions about whether to negotiate salary when being offered a new job, and we always urge people to give it a try. If nothing else, we suggest a low-risk strategy of saying, “Thank you, I accept the job offer…but I wonder if there’s any room on salary?” If it’s “no,” then you move on to being delighted. However, you might just get an extra few grand a year, all for less than a minute of negotiation. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been working for a small company since the fall. I know there is not a lot of growth in the company, so I want to start looking for other jobs. How can I do that when I have a full-time job? — Emily Read the rest of this entry »