Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a friend who never seems to land a job. Curiously, she takes her husband with her on interviews. Many people besides myself have advised her this could be the problem. She doesn’t think so. She thinks it’s just swell that her husband likes to check out places where she’s applying. (He waits in the lobby.) She said he wants to make sure males in the area know she’s married. I told her this raises red flags, but she doesn’t think so. How about a professional opinion? – Nancy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I wrote to you previously seeking advice on a career change. Your reply appeared recently and while I thank you, I’m still not sure how I can make my dream a reality. I have no credentials as far as coaching. In order for me to do as you suggest and start an evening program, would I not need some kind of documentation? – Emmit Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I work for a health insurance company. My benefits package is nice, my salary is $50,000 and my boss is flexible and understanding. But I have been keeping a secret for three years. I’m miserable. I really want to work in the nonprofit sector. I get more enjoyment from my volunteer activities than I do from my job. Should I get over it and suffer it out for the sake of my family? – Stella Read the rest of this entry »

J.T.: It’s time to report on new career resources. And I’m pleased to have persuaded Dale to talk about a generous offer of his, giving away two versions of a charming and helpful job-search book. 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 in the late ‘90s. – Garrison Dale: Ah, the late ‘90s. Seems like such a simple time. These days, we worry about the president’s troop levels going up or down; back then, it was just the president’s pants.

J.T.: But back to Garrison’s future.

Dale: Yes. He’s attempting a difficult career maneuver: moving into a new career within a new field, while going from temp to full-time. That’s skating onto the ice and opening with a triple axel.

J.T.: He could get down to a double by altering his resume. There’s no need to list temporary work as a separate entity. The reality is we’re all temporary workers. No one stays at a job for more than a few years these days. So, Garrison, there’s no need to point out they are temporary simply because they didn’t offer full-time benefits. You were at each of those jobs full-time and for a nice stretch.

Dale: However, because you have neither communications nor nonprofit experience, you’re going to have to set aside a traditional search and network in, finding someone who’s willing to take a chance on you, or else split the career move in two.

J.T.: If it’s the latter, I’d start by finding a company that will let you do public relation communications for them. Then, once you are on board and settled in, you can volunteer to run the company’s relationships with nonprofits. Throughout time, you’ll have a network of contacts in the nonprofit world. At the same time, you’ll have the added perspective of having been on the private-sector side, recognizing what it’s like to be the corporate donor.

Dale: The end result is that you’ll be doubly valuable and thus doubly likely to get an assignment that’s as permanent as they get.

Dear J.T. & Dale: You recently talked about employers asking potential employees to state salary requirements before being interviewed. My problem is that my salary requirements might change depending on benefits and schedule. Is it OK to give a range? – Flynn Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: As you can see from my resume, I have a lot of experience. However, I can’t seem to get a call for an interview. I was laid off in February, and I’m still looking for a job. What am I missing? – Misty Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Must you include every career job you’ve ever had on your resume? I have been doing so, with dates of employment listed. I am wondering if this could be hindering the callbacks I get based on the fact that I have been in the work world for more than 20 years. – Dan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a friend who is about 300 pounds overweight. He has an OK resume, but he never gets a callback once a prospective employer sees him. He’s looking into gastric bypass surgery, but what can he do until then? Tough question for tough times. – Jeff Read the rest of this entry »