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 »

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 »