Dear J.T. & Dale: I am blessed to have two jobs I love — one full time in academia, and one part time in a corporation. However, the grant that funds my academic job will end in about 18 months. At that point, I would like to start working full time at the corporation. They offered me a full-time position before, which I declined. My question: Is it too soon to mention the possibility of coming on board full time? — Greg Read the rest of this entry »

Not sure what to say about your termination from a job?

Listen to this short podcast (NOTE: All you need to do is click the link and the audio will start automatically, no special software is needed to hear it.), that outlines the steps you should take to successfully answer the interview question, “Why were you let go?” Read the rest of this entry »

JT: Many of you may not know that besides writing our column together, Dale also writes a column called the “Corporate Curmudgeon” which is carried in many well-known papers across the US. It’s actually how I came to know and respect Dale for his work. (It’s funny, readers often think we don’t like each other because of the way we banter in the column, but truthfully, I am very lucky to have such a great partner and we get along quite well - or so I believe? Hmm…maybe I should ask him.)

Given how many e-mails we’ve been getting lately from readers who feel they are being discriminated in their job search, I thought a recent column by Dale on the subject might inspire you all. Read this article to learn how an older, recovering alcoholic with a job-jumping past job was taught an innovative way to present himself to employers….CLICK HERE

Last week, a young professionals network I volunteer for, www.catapultseacoast.org, asked me if I had a quiz to help people determine how prepared they are to find career success and satisfaction. I do have such a quiz, but it occurred to me that I had never offered this to our readers. So, here it is!

The CAREEREALISM Career-readiness Quiz is available to take on-line for FREE. You don’t have to give your e-mail address or sign up for a thing - just answer the 24 questions with an honest ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and at the end you’ll get your score.

Times have changed in America. If you want to stay employable, you must, I repeat, you MUST, be up-to-date on how to market yourself effectively. And that begins with a lot of self-knowledge and focus that many people don’t take the time to acquire. When it comes to your career development and job search, are you working smarter or harder?!? This test will let you know where you rank in your ability to find a new, satisfying career.

Enjoy!

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been actively searching for a job for five months now, and can’t figure out why I get interviews but no offers. I have even contemplated the idea that I can’t get hired because I happen to be a very attractive, younger-looking 32-year-old. Am I crazy for even thinking that? — Jade Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a long-term agent with a big insurance company. I am 67 years old. A few years ago, the company placed more emphasis on financial products. These I have not embraced very well. They gave me a “job in jeopardy” warning last week. These are some of my thoughts:

1. Buy my job … yuck … by purchasing annuities.

2. Quit and try to get a part-time job somewhere.

3. Drastically cut back on my expenses and retire.

What’s your take? — Allen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: For the past four years I was a subcontractor helping to manage a plant. I worked around the clock, sometimes six days a week. I was having an ugly unemployment battle with a disgruntled ex-employee who had his mother and wife call and make false allegations. Since then I have been banned from the plant property, and I lost a job because I’m not allowed to return to the premises. Does a citizen have any workers’ rights? Should I seek legal counsel? — Pete Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My son is 24 years old and hates his job. He’s looking to change careers — his third in the two years since graduating from college. I think he is crazy to leave his current job until he knows what he wants to do next. What would you suggest? — Janice Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Lately, I’ve heard people talking about blogging as a way to advance their careers. They can’t be serious, can they? —Andrew Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Almost all interviewers will ask during an interview, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Is there a good answer to such a bad question? — Trish Read the rest of this entry »