Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been on three separate interviews in the past month where the hiring manager asked me, “What’s your greatest weakness?” I didn’t get any of the jobs, and I think it’s because of the way I answered that question. I was completely honest and told them I have a low tolerance for ignorance and sometimes show my frustration when co-workers make stupid mistakes. Do you think I should answer this differently? — Rae Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been out of work for more than 12 months. I’ve completely lost my motivation to look for a job. I don’t go out anymore because I hate running into people and having to explain I’m still unemployed. What can someone like me do to finally get a decent job? — Harris Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What am I doing wrong? Everyone tells me to network in order to meet new contacts. I hear constantly from fellow job seekers that they’re having a lot of luck with LinkedIn. So, I reached out to more than a dozen people I thought would make good contacts, and got totally rejected. Not a single one responded to me. Here’s what I’ve been writing:

“Dear X: I’d like to connect with you and send you my resume so I could get feedback on what’s wrong with it. I’ve been searching for a job for 12 months with no luck. Will you help me?”

— Luisa Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My company just announced a “no Facebook” policy. It states that anyone found on Facebook during work hours will be terminated. Can they do this? I don’t know if accessing it via cell phone counts, and I’m afraid to ask for fear they’ll add it to the policy. What should I do? — Kayla Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I completed a job my junior year of college, and the company was so happy with my performance that they offered me a job after graduation. I’ve followed up last March and they confirmed that I would start late summer. However, this week they told me the department was making cuts, so my position was no longer available. I never bothered to look for another job because I thought I had one. What can I do to kick my job search into high gear? — Brandon Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Two years ago I got divorced and had to go back to work. I took the first job I could find. I never received a raise, and only get three days of vacation each year. My friends say I have a crummy situation and to look for a new job, but I’m not sure where my skills are at this point. Plus, I live in a small town and I’m afraid it will get back to my employer. — Emily Read the rest of this entry »