Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been unemployed for five months. During those five months, I’ve had 13 face-to-face interviews, three long phone interviews and 15 phone screens, but no offers. I’ve been told I interview well, and have had coaching in a job club. Is the economy still that bad? — Paul Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve worked in the security field for 25 years, and have a BA with an emphasis on security. My last employer laid me off after 12 years. (I did repair on ATM machines and did money transport.) I’m having trouble getting my experience taken seriously. I’m over 50. Could it be age discrimination? How do I get an organization to give me a chance? — Ron Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was an English major in college and became an English teacher. I took a few years off to have my children, and came back three years ago. The job was hard to get, with more than 1,000 applicants for each position, so I feel gratified, but I’m also extremely frustrated with teaching. I’ve been looking into occupational therapy, but it would mean leaving my job and going back to school for two years, and would cost $55,000. Does it make sense for a 38-year-old to do that? — Dana Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: We often get questions about whether to negotiate salary when being offered a new job, and we always urge people to give it a try. If nothing else, we suggest a low-risk strategy of saying, “Thank you, I accept the job offer…but I wonder if there’s any room on salary?” If it’s “no,” then you move on to being delighted. However, you might just get an extra few grand a year, all for less than a minute of negotiation. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been working for a small company since the fall. I know there is not a lot of growth in the company, so I want to start looking for other jobs. How can I do that when I have a full-time job? — Emily Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Our new CEO has lots of ideas and has energized the company. However, at one of our “town hall” meetings, he referred to people in the trenches as the “lower-level staff.” Soon after this, we learned he does not like to see his leaders commingle — that is, directors should rub elbows with directors, managers with managers, etc. We would appreciate your comments. — Justin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I heard my company had a good last quarter. My annual review is coming up. How do I ask for a raise, now that the company is in a position to give one? — Laura Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Last year, I lost my job. I was glad. I hated my work. I’d always wanted to get into non-profit work and do something meaningful, so I networked like crazy and begged a lot of good friends and colleagues to help me. People went to bat for me, and I landed a coveted non-profit job. Here’s the challenge: I hate the job and now realize I’m not suited for non-profits’ lack of funds and slow rate of change. My concern is by leaving, I’ll lose the respect of all those people who put their names and reputations on the line for me. Advice? — Kellen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a really neat job with a start-up company. The company is run virtually, so I work from home. I love working from home, but occasionally I’ve been away doing something in my house like laundry or fixing a snack, and my manager has tried calling me. When I call back, he jokes about me taking a nap. I know he’s kidding, but…on the other hand, I’m entitled to get up and take a break, just like people at regular offices, right? — Erin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I made a huge mistake. I saw an online article that really burned me up. I was so angered I clicked on the e-mail link and sent a nasty note…really nasty. I hit “Send” and then realized it had my automated signature, including my name and contact info. Do you think this person can harm my career? I’m thinking about apologizing, but I’m still really angry about what was written. — Kenneth Read the rest of this entry »