Dear J.T. & Dale: I had my annual performance review and was surprised, shocked and floored by this comment: “It is imperative special attention is put on the way some messages are delivered and how it comes across. The tone can sound demanding and harsh.” When I asked for an explanation, my manager stated, “You know what this is about,” and he refused to discuss it. I have not received any reprimands or warnings. Nothing. — Angelo Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Why are some companies requesting a job applicant’s Social Security number, date of birth and driver’s license number (and, in some cases, copies of these)? This is happening upon completing an application for potential employment, before an interview has been scheduled, much less an offer extended. — Jean Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just heard about a great job that might be opening up in my company. Should I wait until it is officially posted to talk to the manager who’ll be doing the hiring? — Dustin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was working in HR before I was displaced due to the economic downturn almost two years ago. I have been doing temporary work or living on unemployment. My situation has become nearly desperate, although during this interim I have gotten out of debt, and my fiancee and I bought a house. Recently, however, my fiancee has become completely frustrated with my lack of direction, and thinks I should go back to school or just take a crappy job simply to be doing something. What can I do to build a network? I’m even willing to do volunteer work. I’m in a horrible rut, and I feel alone. — Chris Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m department head of a small state agency. Recently, our HR manager approached me to confide I should be aware two of my peers are actively trying to get me fired. Their plan is one of them will take over my (very successful) department and my salary could be used to enhance raises for the coming year. She thought I should “watch my back.” Since then, I was given a one-day suspension because of missing documentation in a report. I believe I am being forced out. How would you recommend I deal with this? — Paulette Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What do you think about family members as references? (My last employers have gone out of business.) — Trey Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just started a new job and feel invisible. I know folks are busy and I’m just an entry-level person, but I want to grow my career. However, nobody will give me the time of day. — Mimi Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I applied for a job via a company website, and the day after, rang the company to check that they’d received my application. They told me the HR lady was busy and would call me back. The next day, after not receiving any contact, I phoned again. The receptionist told me the HR lady was busy and that the job was “on hold.” A few days later, the same job showed up on a recruitment agency’s website. Would it be annoying if I phoned the company again? — Adam Read the rest of this entry »