Dear J.T. & Dale: My situation is a little bit unusual. I am a 59-year-old worker who has taken retirement, but is definitely not ready to retire. I really would like to stay with institutional finance, where I have 30 years experience, instead of going with an hourly retail job like so many of my contemporaries have done. Do I tell prospective employers that I plan to work for the next 10 to 12 years in the cover letter, wait for the interview, or just let that dog sleep? – James Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 30 years old and completed a bachelor’s degree in business management last October. My employer provides tuition reimbursement, and I decided to pursue an additional degree so I can meet more qualifications for positions with this employer. However, as positions open, I am continually turned down. I currently do most of the work for my boss, but when interviewed for a similar position, I was turned down because of my lack of supervisory experience. The more I receive these refusals, the more I am beginning to dislike my job and employer. – Melanie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 24 years old and currently working as a stem-cell scientist. I have been thinking about going to India for a master’s degree in biotechnology. I’ve been there before and fell in love with it. The colleges I am looking at are the best in the country, and I do not think I would be stinting my education. My biggest concern is how future employers would view such a degree. – Rex Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Recently, I took a new job that has ended up not being anything like what was described during the interview process. I have been there only five months, but I really want to leave. I was at my previous job for a little less than three years. I don’t want to look like a job-jumper. –Christine Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have degrees in graphic design and communication. Though I have freelanced regularly since college, for the better part of the past 10 years I have worked in a direct-care capacity for various nonprofits, so I have not worked on staff in graphic design. Please offer me a little insight. I am finding myself calling all the design-agency numbers in the phone book out of desperation. And accepting a job that’s not in my field would continue to move me further from my career. - John Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a 43-year-old who’s totally tired of the physical and mental strain of being a fire-sprinkler installer. The company I work for is disorganized and slow to communicate. I will not go into the different ways this employer is screwed up, but my patience has worn thin. I am presently volunteering as a baseball coach for an inner-city team. I know in my heart that working with kids is what I am meant to do. How can I turn my passion into a career? - Paul Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently sent out resumes and received three replies, two from human-resources departments and one from a recruiter. When the recruiter called, he demanded to know how much salary I wanted. When I refused to name a number, he ceased all conversation. Both HR departments also wanted me to name my salary before interviewing. Is this a new thing? - Tim Read the rest of this entry »