Dear J.T. & Dale: What are your thoughts on “dumbing down” a resume to get a job? I’ve read that it’s the only way to get called for jobs that I’m overqualified for. I worked hard for my advanced degrees and senior positions, but I’m seeing evidence that it is placing me out of the market. — Russell Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: How do I tell a company that eight hours is my max? I have a life outside of work, and I want to live it. Is there a way, in an interview, to tactfully share that I will not work more than eight hours a day? — Katie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: A contract house recently contacted me regarding a job opportunity, having found my resume on the Internet. They sent me for an interview, which went great, and the interviewer told me I would be contacted within three days by the contract house. Five days later I called the contract house and was told the interviewer was not responding to them. I have since called back repeatedly. (They did say on one call that I was one of three finalists.) Finally, I tried to contact the interviewer myself. She told me to go through the contract house and not call her directly. Is this how business is done? — Fergie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a full-time job, but I also work a part-time bartending job that’s not what I want to do, and it’s 40 minutes away. I would like to do something from home. I see ads saying you can make millions from home, but I don’t believe them. Can you point me in the right direction? — Craig Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was the executive assistant to our CEO until he announced his retirement and the company announced that an internal employee would replace him. I have not been fired, but have been replaced in my position. My company assures me that they will find me something else, but honestly, positions of my level do not come along very often. I go into work every day with no assignments, reduced to offering my help to co-workers. It’s humiliating. I’ve been told I should be happy that I have a paycheck, but I want to work. I feel that they are letting me stew until I leave. — Barb Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have struggled for years to get a mainstream job, finally taking one where I work from 3 p.m. to midnight. I hate the job, but love the hours. Now I want to look for a job that will better suit my cultural studies degree but that has nighttime hours. Am I looking for a needle in a haystack? — Andy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I will be completely honest about myself and my situation. First off, I’m what doctors call obese (flabby is more appropriate, but I am working on getting unflabby). Next, I have numerous medical conditions that allow me to walk short distances, but a wheelchair is often necessary. Then there is the fact that I have not worked as a paid person in my field (accounting/financial services), ever. I have eight years of volunteer work and internships. And, last but not least, I am fast approaching 50. How can a person like me find a career? — Cynthia Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My friend lost his job and can’t find another. Ten years ago, while he was on disability for a back injury, he did a plumbing job for a neighbor. His ex-wife turned him in. Therefore, he has a felony on his record. Is this why he isn’t getting hired? — Georgia Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m about to purchase a home 100 miles away from where I presently work. Should I tell my current boss that I plan on moving as soon as I find a job in my new city, or should I just wait until I find a new job? (If I tell my boss in advance, I think I could get a good reference from him, maybe even a letter of recommendation that I can use in my job search.) — Mary Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I graduated from college last spring and was hired as a para-educator (teacher’s assistant) at a middle school. My position is considered part time, so I do not receive any pay over the summer. Friends say that I should collect unemployment over the summer if I can’t find temporary work, but I’m worried that the school district will frown upon this and that my position could potentially be in danger. Thoughts? — June Read the rest of this entry »