Dear J.T. & Dale: Lately, I’ve heard people talking about blogging as a way to advance their careers. They can’t be serious, can they? —Andrew Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Almost all interviewers will ask during an interview, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Is there a good answer to such a bad question? — Trish Read the rest of this entry »

JT: Dale and I were brainstorming recently on ways we could help our job-seeking readers combat the negative thinking that can result from looking for work when there’s a high unemployment rate and floundering economy. That’s when Dale said to me, “Why don’t we just ask readers to share their own success stories?” So, we reached out to a few folks and the idea was given a big ‘thumbs up.’ We will be posting new stories regularly, so if you have one you’d like to share, please let us know.

DALE: This week’s success story comes from Wendy Jones of Albuquerque. Let’s get right to her summary of her search, in her own words: Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was terminated from my previous job as a store manager. I had my brother call my previous employer to see what they’d say about me. It isn’t what they said, but how they said it: “He was terminated for performance,” and then with a snotty attitude, “No, he isn’t eligible for rehire.” What can I do? I was not terminated for performance but because my supervisor wanted me involved in unscrupulous dealings and I refused. Got any advice? — Jack Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My husband’s employer, a giant national corporation, moved their local offices and now he would like to find a job closer to our residence. The company has agreements with all their recruiters and placement companies that restricts them from talking with employees about job possibilities elsewhere. We are advised the only way out is to quit, then seek the help of the recruiters. I had cancer and cannot afford to be without insurance, so we are stuck. I equate this with being held hostage. — Jessica Read the rest of this entry »

A tidal wave of requests for career advice have hit our column recently regarding how to get an interview. Readers are applying to hundreds of jobs, but the phone isn’t ringing with offers to meet. “What am I doing wrong?” they all ask.

While each situation is different and there’s no magic solution to the problem, I can tell you that in my coaching practice, we see two common mistakes to job search that lower a person’s chances of getting interviews.

Here’s the truth: most job seekers work harder, not smarter. So, this podcast explains how to change your approach for a better return on the time and energy you spend looking for your next job. Enjoy!

Adventures In Job Search 04-16-08 - How to Get Interviews

Dear J.T. & Dale: I love where I work — or I would, except for the fact that my job is being ruined by a nasty co-worker. She is rude and condescending to me and everyone else. Other employees avoid our department because of her. There have been complaints, but our manager refuses to do anything about her. (She’s been with the company for seven years.) I have tried everything. Is there a solution, or should I move on? — Vicki Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My daughter-in-law was recently fired after 18 months, we believe because her employer didn’t want to pay her for a maternity leave. She is due in six months and is now interviewing. Any suggestions? — Carol Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I moved to a new town and, ever since, my career has been in a freefall. I got a good job and messed up on it, and ever since, I can’t get anything right. I’ve had three jobs in the past year and have failed at all of them. My resume and my self-confidence are a mess. I’m afraid to try again. — Jade Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: Several years ago it seemed one could get a half-time job (once known as job-sharing). This would be very nice for someone in my position (55 years old) and also wanting to enjoy her grandkids, traveling, gardening, etc. My dilemma is this — the folks working at the temp agencies are so young that they’ve never heard of job-sharing. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’d like to work at a medical office, scheduling patients for their appointments. This is an entry-level-type job and would pose no problem in and of itself, but everyone seems to want full-time help. — Chris Read the rest of this entry »