Dear J.T. & Dale: I was told that I was being terminated for using a bad word that was overheard by a patient. Yet the supervisor could not give me any specifics of who, what, where and when. I honestly believe that I was cut to reduce overhead since they had expanded and constantly reminded us of the money invested. I was the second-highest-paid employee there, and my job duties easily could be split and done by other people (which is what happened after I was let go). My assumption is that they used an excuse, because they know I would have asked for a severance package. I don’t want to use the reason they gave me on any future job applications because it’s not true. Would it be OK to put what I believe is the real reason? — Randy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What is your opinion about using the “resume blasting” services that claim to send your resume directly to thousands of recruiters?— Jay Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: When I was terminated from my job, I was not given a reason other than it was a “corporate decision.” I was never asked to give my side of the story. I want to be honest during my interviews and also on employment applications. How would you recommend that I handle this? — Mary Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I am attaching a copy of my resume. I have fully and honestly listed all employment, all successes and all the technical alphabet soup that applies to my work, education and training. I send out a lot of resumes, and I follow up, but I haven’t been getting results. — Sidelined Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a 23-year-old guy who needs a decent job. I have completed my associate’s degree in computer technology at a tech college and have taken computer classes at a local junior college. How do I find jobs that pay a decent wage? (I am currently working part time at Target. I live in town of about 650,000 people, so a lot of BIG corporations are not located here.) — Jake Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently quit my job as an human-resources generalist with an aerospace company. I really liked the job and my co-workers, with the exception of my boss. As much as I tried, I could not work with the manager’s style, and I quit. I have had one interview, and when I told the interviewer that the environment was not right for me, she asked why. I felt like a deer in headlights and gave an answer I knew was not right. What do you advise? — C.P. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have about 25 years of solid work experience. The problem I am having is all of the companies I worked for have declared bankruptcy or been bought. The company names, locations and people have changed. I address these “buyouts” in my resume but I never realized that when a verification is attempted, the past “employers” simply might decline to verify. Suggestions? — Gregory Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: When filling out a job application and you’re currently employed, what is the proper response to the question: May we contact your present employer? — Paula Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: It’s time for our suggestions of valuable career resources, and OK, I know it seems self-indulgent to suggest something I wrote, but I recently did an interview that I want to make available to our readers. It’s an interview with Tony Little … yeah, the guy with the blond ponytail you see on infomercials. He is the ultimate example of someone creating a personal brand. Turns out that Little’s a quiet and thoughtful man who figured out how to make himself unique. It’s terrific information that you can read at jtanddale.com.

J.T.: And here’s an idea that’s useful for everyone, but especially for those of an age who might be wondering, “What the tarnation can I do?” Try getting in touch with the other generations on the job. Many people think and act their age; yet, I also know lots of mature employees who work exceptionally well with the younger generations and have no problems finding work as a result. Here’s a link to a free, online test that let’s you see how well you relate to the generations in today’s workplace: www.generationalprofile.com. (This link is also on the Career Resources page of our Web site/blog, www.jtanddale.com.) If you learn to better connect with the other generations in the workforce (there are four!), you just might tap into a way to make yourself eligible for more job opportunities.

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 »