Dear J.T. & Dale: A year ago, I applied for a job with Company X and interviewed with the general manager, but was not offered the job. However, soon after, I got a similar position with a rival, Company Y. My field is very specialized, and there are basically only these two companies. My boss and colleagues used to work at the other company. Call me paranoid, but I’m worried about what to do if I happen to meet X’s general manager in the presence of my boss or colleagues (our offices are nearby). My boss doesn’t know I ever applied at X before Y. Should I mention it to them — jokingly, perhaps? — Kate Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I applied for a job in my field and received a response that included a lengthy questionnaire and a requirement to obtain my own credit report using a service they prefer. I’m supposed to get the report, then provide the company with the access number so they can look at it. I already know my credit score, and I did not feel comfortable giving the required credit-card info. (The report is free during the “trial period” but still requires a credit card to register.) Is there any way around this? — Joe Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m having the roughest hiring experience of my 26 years of life! I’ve worked wherever I could land a job as an administrative assistant: One employer moved its headquarters, and twice I got caught in layoffs. I’m now a freelance writer at a fashion/music label. This job was supposed to be temporary while I looked for an AA job, but I’ve been here 19 months. Now I’m hearing that not being an AA for so long is working against me. I’m more than equipped to take on the AA jobs that are abundantly floating around online, but I get no consideration for any of them. Where have I gone wrong? — Tara Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m going to be graduating college in a few months. My parents are all over me about finding a job. They are making me miserable. This is my last semester with my friends, and I just want to enjoy what I can before it’s over. Do you have any suggestions for what I can do to make my parents happy without robbing me of my final days of freedom? — Tyler Read the rest of this entry »

J.T.: Occasionally we get a response to one of our columns that’s so good we want to share it. The latest one was a comment on our suggestions to someone who’d been passed over for promotion. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just got a new job that I love. It took me a year to find it. Along the way, I had several interviews, but no offers, which I thought was just bad luck. Then my new boss shared with me one of my references had said terrible things about me. I was shocked! I thought she’d be my strongest reference. My new boss said the other references were fine and chose to believe me instead of her. How do you make sure your references won’t do this to you? And should I stop associating with her? Should I confront her? — Lane Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was working at a nonprofit as a grant writer. I enjoyed it and fit in. Then a friend offered me a job at a nonprofit that paid more money. I took the job, despite some flags, because, hey, it was more money. After four months, I’ve realized it was a bad decision. I don’t fit in with the culture at all. What do I tell prospective employers about my fast desertion? Is it OK to say I’m not a good fit, or am I just stuck for a while? — Shannon Read the rest of this entry »

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 »