Dear J.T. & Dale: During my employment interviews, I came across a tactic that I can only describe as “good cop/bad cop.” The “good guy” smiles and asks the easy questions, while the “bad cop” sneers and asks the tough ones. I’ve been around long enough to have a thick skin, but this abuse really bothered me. — Ray Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve had two jobs during the past years with titles of “construction manager” and “general manager.” However, in both cases the work was mainly administrative, and that’s what I want to do. I’m now applying for administrative assistant jobs but not getting any response. I think it’s my previous job titles and that a computer program is tossing my resume before a human can even read it. Am I correct? — P.L. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was fired 12 years ago because my drawer came up short. This was a hard lesson I learned about trusting co-workers. How far do employers really go to check your work history? (I only list the past 10 years of work history on my resume.) — Lon Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 22 years old and have an associate’s degree in new media design. So far, I haven’t been able to find work in my field. Should I pursue my bachelor’s in new media or get an associate’s degree in another field? — Ben Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What’s the best way to handle the following? You go for weeks with no response to your job submittals. Then, you finally get one hit. All appears promising. You are informed that a decision will be made the next week. Meanwhile, you get an offer for a lesser job that wants you to decide immediately. Can you tell them you are awaiting the answer on another position? — Lamar Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I want to start my own company but don’t really have the know-how. Could you advise me on how I might go about getting started? — Samuel Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a former business owner who’s now searching for employment. I’m stuck in a conundrum: When I apply for lower-level positions, I’m overqualified; when I apply for higher-level positions, I’m underqualified. Suggestions? — Nolan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: In 2007, I went to work for a small company. Things were going along fine till the owner said he was going to let me go. I asked why, and all he’d say was, “Just a lot of little things.” I later learned he hired a friend of his to replace me. When I applied for unemployment, I found out he indicated I was discharged for insubordination. I challenged it and won. But now I think he must be telling prospective employers that I was fired for insubordination because, despite having eight years in data management, I can’t get interviews. — Larry Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I can’t let go of what my former employer did to me. I was let go unfairly, and I’m so angry that I can’t move forward. I feel like the only way I’m going to feel better is if I get my old job back and get an apology from them — but that’s not going to happen. — Kathleen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently landed a job at a small tech company. I like the work and the people, but the other employees are all pot smokers, sometimes lighting up at the office. Should I just say no and try to ignore it, or move on? — Gary Read the rest of this entry »