Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m tired of being nice! I’ve been told attitude and personality are the keys to networking your way to a new job. Well, I’ve been syrupy sweet at every event, bought coffee and complimented to the high heavens. I’ve got nothing to show for six months of nonstop brown-nosing. — Angela Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Today, I read two “employment trends” reports from two different online sites. One claims jobs are on the rise; the other says we are in the 11th straight month of decline. What should I believe? Are we rebounding or not? As a job seeker who has been out of work for eight months, I want to believe things are getting better, but the lack of job postings in my field tell me otherwise. How can anyone make sense of all the conflicting reports? — Troy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I had an interview two weeks ago for a city recreation position. I was told I was overqualified but “in the running,” with a dozen more applicants to interview. She called today and offered me the job (woo hoo!), but at $23,000, which is the lower side of the pay range. Is it bad business to counter offer at $24,000? — Kim Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a friend who was terminated after 17 years for allegedly scratching the back of a fellow employee (through his clothes). I don’t have the details. If someone is terminated under a cloud, how should he or she deal with the inevitable “Why did you leave your former job?” — Henry Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 55 years old and I’ve been working for a construction company for 25 years. The recession has hit us hard, and I don’t think the company can survive. I’ve been thinking, “Where do I go from here?” I don’t think I want to work in the industry any longer, but I haven’t even thought about looking for a job, or doing a resume, for 25 years. — Craig Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I served in the military for more than 20 years before retiring. I’ve been looking for a corporate job and feel like a fish out of water. I’ve talked to some fellow ex-military who are working corporate positions and are miserable. They are finding it hard to respect the people they work with. That scares me. Any suggestions? — Craig Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am attempting to change careers from print journalism to marketing. After five years at newspapers and being let go in 2009, I decided to get direct marketing experience by serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America). I’ve completed my year of service and am now trying to distinguish myself in this highly competitive job market. Given my marketing experience was with a nonprofit, does that limit my job options? I would greatly appreciate your suggestions. I’ve visited my alma mater’s career center several times, but have received no usable feedback. — Tomas Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have three associate degrees, and I’m now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in accounting. When I apply for entry-level jobs such as administrative assistant, they see I’m pursuing a degree in accounting and worry I would be bored. Any suggestions? — Christina Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Perhaps you can talk me out of being annoyed and/or put off entirely by employment ads that ask for a salary requirement. The company has to have a salary range in mind, so if I’m outside it, my resume is immediately trashed. Why not just put a salary range in the ad? Should I just assume an employer seeking a salary requirement is rude and not worth joining, or is there some legitimate process at work? — Joe Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: If you were to give your best advice to the countless number of job seekers who daily comb the streets in search of the proverbial “dream job,” what would it be? Your contribution would be highly cherished. — Trish Read the rest of this entry »