Dear J.T. and Dale: I am currently in a position I hate, working for an employer I dislike. I want to look for a new job while I have a job, but I have a challenge: My company uses some sort of service that notifies them as soon as someone posts a resume on a big job site using the company name. So how do I go about looking for a job when my current job will be in immediate jeopardy? — Bo Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I’ve been out of college for a year and a half and am in my second job. I have four college internships on my resume, with bullets for specific duties under each. I can’t fit my work experience because of the internships. Should I remove them? How long after entering the workforce are internships even applicable? — Kyle Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I have been unemployed for the past year. Now, my husband is also unemployed. Needless to say, we’re looking as hard as we can in our respective fields and you know how brutal it is out there. Our families are concerned and try to give us suggestions when they find them. My mother recently mentioned she heard of companies allowing employees to work without pay for a trial period, say four weeks, so they can still draw unemployment. She suggested I try it. I mulled the idea over, but I find it neither prudent nor ethical. Is that even legal? — Cheryl Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I sold my business and signed a five-year non-compete. There is one year left. The company is going through bankruptcy. Can I re-open now with 11 months left on my non-compete? — Josh Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I have an MBA in operations management, along with a strong technical education in logistics and transportation with the Army. However, I only have five years experience with a company, and 10 years concurrent experience with the Army Reserve. The first problem is most employers see the Army as “guns and tanks,” and not managerial or business operations. I feel I have to constantly overcome an appearance of too much education and not enough functional experience. Also, as I’m currently laid off, I want to approach potential interviews having made constructive use of my time while unemployed. I feel like I might unbalance the education versus experience equation even more if I take additional courses. — Will Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I graduated last summer with an AA degree in web design from a technical school. After several months of job searching, I became very frustrated with the fact companies want a bachelor’s degree, even though I have the same knowledge, or even more, when it comes to websites. What can I do? — Paul Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I’m a manager at a mid-size company and have been successful in leadership positions. My frustration is with a co-manager whose teams are in constant crisis. He has frequently stated he hates his job, yet he continues to stay. This has been going on for three years. My team and I have made up for his shortcomings, but I’ve decided to no longer be his solution. My company acknowledges his team is not doing well, but they fail to hold him accountable. I have spoken with my boss on numerous occasions, but to no avail. Is it time to leave? — Paul Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I recently graduated from a masters program at a prestigious university only to find my job prospects dismal. The years between my undergrad and graduate programs gave me useful tools, and much of my graduate studies are directly relevant to my career. Yet, entry-level positions go to candidates fresh out of their undergraduate programs, while my applications to higher-level jobs produce only a yawning silence. — Gabriel Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I work for a family-owned business. The owner has four daughters and no sons. None of the daughters are interested in the business. I can see he is grooming me for the job, yet has said on multiple occasions he wants to keep the business “in the family.” This summer, at a barbecue at his house, his wife dropped a hint it would make their lives easier if I married one of their daughters — talk about awkward! I really love the job, but my girlfriend now hates me working there. What should I do? — John Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I took a job as a sales assistant a few months ago. Yesterday, I was laid off because they are restructuring. Do I note that information on my resume or cover letter? What do I say? How do I explain it if I make it to interviews? — Nellie Read the rest of this entry »