Dear J.T. & Dale: My employer for the past 11 years is part of a large corporation. In the past 18 months, I have applied unsuccessfully for five positions within different divisions. I put off climbing the corporate ladder because I wanted to coach and attend my kids’ functions. Now they’re grown and I’m ready to move up, but there seems to be no room for someone of my age (50). — Kirk Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a 28-year-old college grad (sociology) who served briefly as a military translator and now can’t find a “real job.” (I’ve been working in restaurants.) I am writing this nearly in tears over the frustration of being denied interviews and being ignored by employers. I feel I have a lot to offer if only I could get the chance. I can’t help but think (or hope) there are employers looking for a “blank slate” like me. — Melanie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: At my last job as an assistant manager at a hair salon, the owner asked me to sign a non-compete clause. I applied for a manager position at another salon and was selected. When I told the owner about it, she threatened to sue both me and the person hiring me, so I told her I would not go. A week later, the owner told me she “accepted my resignation,” although I’d made it clear to her that I was not leaving. She said she was doing me a favor by letting me resign, rather than be fired. — Samantha Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a seasoned executive assistant. I know the economy is bad, but I’m shocked at getting ZERO responses when applying for jobs. What’s really frustrating is I can’t really call a hiring manager, since the gatekeeper to them is an executive assistant — aka, the job I want! — Amy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: Here is the situation I am now, I am 35 year old and studying for a bachelor degree in accounting. But now I’m unemployed have no experience in that field. And need money to finish it. Last year I found a job but was fired during my probation and the next one was as bank teller but was fired again during my probation and the last one as a receptionist but fired again all say that I do my work well but my communication skill is not good. What should I do? — A.L. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was offered a job with a hotel chain taking inbound calls for reservations. During training, I passed every test easily. I was told we were expected to have a sales conversion rate of at least 28 percent. Two weeks into the job, my sales conversion was 23 percent, and the company let me go. Is it fair, and is this considered being fired? Also, should I put this job on my resume? — Ella Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I hate, hate, hate my job and the owners and the managers who run the restaurant I work at. I’m about to take a 10-day vacation. I don’t want to go back. Is it really a bad move to not give any notice and just never return, no call and no-show? — Sheryl Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been self-employed in the in-home care nonmedical field for more than five years. My main clients went into a nursing home, and I am now working only four hours a week. I have taken fliers to numerous businesses and given out my business card but have had no response. Please give me some direction. — Susan Read the rest of this entry »