Dear J.T. & Dale: I am nearing 30 and starting to look at what actually interests me when it comes to a career. I would like to use my business degree to start my own company. However, for someone who has never been part of a small business, I am nervous and clueless. I do have an idea of what I would like to do — open an online clothing business for young women’s fashions, something along the lines of LuLus.com. Where do I start? — Tracy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m tired of being nice! I’ve been told attitude and personality are the keys to networking your way to a new job. Well, I’ve been syrupy sweet at every event, bought coffee and complimented to the high heavens. I’ve got nothing to show for six months of nonstop brown-nosing. — Angela Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 47 years old, and I’m going into my third year with a bank. I recently applied for a center manager position after our manager left for another opportunity. I have since been told, due to my minimal experience, I would not be chosen. Also, I have been told by co-workers it’s futile to try. Political indicators tell me it’s all in who you know, rather than hard work and work ethic. Should I give up on moving up in the banking world? — Karen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Today, I read two “employment trends” reports from two different online sites. One claims jobs are on the rise; the other says we are in the 11th straight month of decline. What should I believe? Are we rebounding or not? As a job seeker who has been out of work for eight months, I want to believe things are getting better, but the lack of job postings in my field tell me otherwise. How can anyone make sense of all the conflicting reports? — Troy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I had an interview two weeks ago for a city recreation position. I was told I was overqualified but “in the running,” with a dozen more applicants to interview. She called today and offered me the job (woo hoo!), but at $23,000, which is the lower side of the pay range. Is it bad business to counter offer at $24,000? — Kim Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a friend who was terminated after 17 years for allegedly scratching the back of a fellow employee (through his clothes). I don’t have the details. If someone is terminated under a cloud, how should he or she deal with the inevitable “Why did you leave your former job?” — Henry Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 55 years old and I’ve been working for a construction company for 25 years. The recession has hit us hard, and I don’t think the company can survive. I’ve been thinking, “Where do I go from here?” I don’t think I want to work in the industry any longer, but I haven’t even thought about looking for a job, or doing a resume, for 25 years. — Craig Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Does a “temporary” job hurt your career? I am currently unemployed and need to pay the bills until I find a permanent job. My concern is I will be committing career suicide if I take something temporary. I know a few individuals who hold doctorates in engineering who used to work for large Fortune 200 companies and who were laid off and took jobs like driving a bus or stocking shelves. They think they have been unable to get a job in their professions because of these temporary jobs. — Pat Read the rest of this entry »