Dear J.T. & Dale: We live in a cold state and want to move. My husband is going to lose his job and has been looking in warmer areas, with zero success. I landed a good job here, but it won’t pay the bills. Should my husband focus on finding a job in town, or should we both start looking for new jobs in the new location? — Trina Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently went through a series of interviews and thought I had the job till I got a voice mail stating that while I was wonderful, the department had decided to go with someone they’d “worked with previously.” She also said that perhaps I was a little overqualified. OK, I’m out of college less than a year — how could I be overqualified? During the interviews, I did stress I like to work hard and feel a sense of accomplishment. Did I overdo it? — Michelle Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have gone through career assessment counseling three different times, and while the results are consistent, I still hate my work. How can I get some help finding a career where I am making a contribution and am valued for that contribution? — Judd Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Why are some companies requesting a job applicant’s Social Security number, date of birth and driver’s license number (and, in some cases, copies of these)? This is happening upon completing an application for potential employment, before an interview has been scheduled, much less an offer extended. — Jean Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just heard about a great job that might be opening up in my company. Should I wait until it is officially posted to talk to the manager who’ll be doing the hiring? — Dustin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was working in HR before I was displaced due to the economic downturn almost two years ago. I have been doing temporary work or living on unemployment. My situation has become nearly desperate, although during this interim I have gotten out of debt, and my fiancee and I bought a house. Recently, however, my fiancee has become completely frustrated with my lack of direction, and thinks I should go back to school or just take a crappy job simply to be doing something. What can I do to build a network? I’m even willing to do volunteer work. I’m in a horrible rut, and I feel alone. — Chris Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What do you think about family members as references? (My last employers have gone out of business.) — Trey Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I applied for a job via a company website, and the day after, rang the company to check that they’d received my application. They told me the HR lady was busy and would call me back. The next day, after not receiving any contact, I phoned again. The receptionist told me the HR lady was busy and that the job was “on hold.” A few days later, the same job showed up on a recruitment agency’s website. Would it be annoying if I phoned the company again? — Adam Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a 47-year-old homemaker and mother. I have begun applying for entry-level positions. I honestly do not have the best work history, having worked as an administrative assistant, a real estate title examiner, court clerk and have sold advertising. What can I do to gain the notice of a potential employer? — Olivia Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a question regarding applications for employment for my 17-year-old son. Do you think it is detrimental his educational background is from the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, where he earned his GED? It’s a program for troubled youth and is an intensive military camp for six months. — Donna Read the rest of this entry »