Dear J.T. & Dale: I spent in the neighborhood of 16 years in the fields of electronics and metrology (not meteorology). During this time, I filled several administrative posts while still being a technician. A couple of years ago, I decided to change careers to focus on my administrative skills (especially Microsoft Office Suite, design and photography). It’s been an uphill battle ever since. I know I cannot prove age discrimination, and my actual typing speed has diminished since my arthritis has developed, BUT WHAT THE TARNATION CAN I DO??? — Bill Read the rest of this entry »

Happy New Year! If you are visiting our site to read Dale’s interview with Tony Little, you can find it on our ‘Career Resources’ page. It’s also available by clicking here: http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2007/12/02/mastering_the_art_of_differentiation/

Dear J.T. & Dale: To make a long story short: I am legally deaf, 40 pounds overweight and have an accent that belongs in a category of its own. I worked in a plastics factory for two years and quit because management and co-workers kept making fun of me. I asked them not to, which only made it worse. I didn’t take it to the labor board because I didn’t want them to get in trouble. Now, how do I answer the “Why did you quit?” question without bad-mouthing my previous place of employment?

– Robin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I graduated with bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and chemical engineering in 1994.

I began working for my family’s small retail business. Now, 13 years later, the business is dying and I’m beginning to think about going back into my “educated” profession. I live in a town full of engineering jobs, but they all require three years’ experience.

– Kevin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ll be finishing college in ‘08, and I’m starting to think about the job market. How does one “get the job”?

– Rebecca
Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a city employee working in a technical inspection role.

I have been in this field for nine years, and I’m not going anywhere except to that dreaded brick wall at the end … oh wait, already there! I have recently divorced, lost my house and am currently going through bankruptcy because everything was in my name. I have back problems from childhood accidents and need to start over in my life with my daughter, and I can’t seem to find a better-paying job.

– Mike Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What are your thoughts in regard to personality tests in the work environment. Where I work the tests are being used to some degree to determine promotions. We were amazed at what a short and simple test got correct, but at the same time concerned with what statistical testing got wrong.

- James Read the rest of this entry »

J.T. & Dale: I can’t seem to find a permanent job. My current resume is littered with temp jobs! I left a good job in 2001 to start an Internet business that was a spectacular failure. I have been unable to find a professional job since. I would love to work for a nonprofit doing communications. I really want to move on and stop reminiscing about the good old days (i.e., the late ’90s).

- Garrison Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: After 15 years as a trial attorney, I am seeking to change careers, but I’m having difficulty getting my foot in the door. I updated my skills and then applied for jobs as a change-management analyst, corporate-compliance manager, contracts analyst, proposal writer, proposal-development coordinator and program manager, among others. – Regina Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: Eight years ago, I took my current job with every intention of staying until retirement. I was recently informed my job would be relocating to the company’s home base. I was told the relocation would be some time in the next six months, but I should be ready to relocate with two weeks’ notice. This is becoming stressful, so I am thinking of asking my employer to give me a definite date. Would this be an unwarranted request? – R.L. Read the rest of this entry »