Dear J.T. & Dale: A good friend of mine is struggling with how to approach re-entering the work force. She left work to care for her husband, who had cancer and eventually died. One of her friends has suggested that she include the reason for her absence in her cover letter. I disagree, and believe she should wait to bring it up in an interview, although she has some concerns about becoming emotional during such an explanation. What are your thoughts? - Bill

J.T.: To start, I would list on her resume Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m looking for a sanity check. In May 2007, I was lucky enough to get an excellent job right out of college. But recently, I’ve begun to feel enormously frustrated. My co-workers give me very little respect. It crushes me when I’m treated like the office idiot. I’ve been looking for ways out, but never seem to get very far. I read every book or blog posting that says “job” and “happiness” in the title. Am I going crazy? — Shana Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: One of my co-workers has a habit of humming. She sings in a choir at church, but to be quite honest, she doesn’t hum well. It’s very distracting. Any advice on a pleasant way of telling her to keep her humming under wraps? — Justin

J.T.: That would drive me nuts, too. I worked with a woman who talked to herself under her breath. I misinterpreted it as her muttering about me. One day it got me so wound up that I asked her to tell me what I’d done wrong. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m starting a company but need to keep my current job for the benefits. I have a great relationship with my boss, and I think I should be honest with him about my plans, but my wife thinks I’m crazy. Opinions? — Wallace

Dale: Tell your boss about your new business and he’ll say he’s happy for you … but, without his intending it, his opinion of you will start to shift. You are no longer his beloved employee but, rather, a soon-to-be former employee. Unbidden, suspicions will arise. Will you sneak company time for your outside endeavors? Will you set a precedent and encourage others to seek self-employment? If you succeed, will you steal away co-workers? Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: A co-worker who just got a promotion got drunk one night and confessed that he lied about his education on his resume. Should I tell? — Kim Read the rest of this entry »

LETTER OF THE MONTH

J.T.: We love to hear from readers who share what they’ve learned while in the job market. Today we hear from Beth, who turned around unwelcome news about an interview situation. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently went on an interview at a large corporation. When I went to the restroom to freshen up, a couple of ladies were in there, and I noticed that one left without washing her hands. It was evident from passing the stall that she had [done serious business in there]. To my surprise and horror, she turned out to be my interviewer. She put out her hand to shake, but instead of shaking, I put my hands behind my back and nodded hello. She looked insulted. What should I have done? By the way, I didn’t get the job. — Janice Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a secret: I don’t really work an eight-hour day, even though my company pays me for one. I can get away with spending hours on the Internet. I tried not to do this, but my job is just too boring. I’m worried my boss will eventually figure out how much time I spend on personal stuff (like checking my Facebook account) and I’ll get fired. Any suggestions? — Dominic Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently made a decision during the interviewing process that obviously killed my chances of being hired. I arrived for my job interview 10 minutes early and checked in. I was told that the managers were in a meeting. I waited 15 minutes and reminded the receptionist that I was still there. She apologized and said they would be with me shortly. I waited another 15 minutes, then went to the receptionist, thanked her for her time and left. I have experienced many different managers in my career — those who are constantly running around with their hair on fire usually cannot manage themselves, never mind others. What do you think? — Greg Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I worked for three months with a major festival. As the job was ending, I started to develop health problems. I was in and out of hospitals. The next year rolled around and I worked the festival again. I have just finished my fourth year with them. I’ve learned to manage my health problem, and I’ve been looking for a full-time job. On interviews, they often ask me what I did in between the festivals. How should I handle this? — Britney Read the rest of this entry »