Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a 47-year-old homemaker and mother. I have begun applying for entry-level positions. I honestly do not have the best work history, having worked as an administrative assistant, a real estate title examiner, court clerk and have sold advertising. What can I do to gain the notice of a potential employer? — Olivia Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: Every month or so, we offer up our suggestions for the best resources for careers or management. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What do you think about the concept of unpaid internships? It has always been a pet peeve of mine. It’s a two-sided problem, where as long as students accept unpaid internships, companies can get away with offering them. The way companies get around this being illegal is that they say the compensation is school credit. I say BAH! Am I being unreasonable? — Marissa Read the rest of this entry »

J.T.: Time for our annual highlights column, where we pull together the recent advice we believe will be most useful in the new year.

Dale: We hope your personal economy will be up in 2010, and we’ll be here to help. Meanwhile, for immediate advice, you can always go to JTandDale.com or CAREEREALISM.com. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a 58-year-old female who just read your article about coping with negative workplace surroundings. I have a similar dilemma; however, mine is different in that the surroundings are fun-loving, nonprofessional and noisy — jokes, talking over cubicle walls, laughing, etc. I seem to be the “official grouch” because I have proper office protocol and professionalism. I’ve been here long enough to be making decent money, and I want to keep this job till retirement. Can you offer some suggestions? — Annie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was laid off recently after almost 20 years as a project manager. I’m not sure how to answer the question about what my career goals are. I’m at a point in life where I just want a job to carry me to retirement. I’ve already been on the corporate ladder, trying to reach the top, and it’s too stressful. Plus, I’m a single mother with an elderly mother to take care of, so I already have two ladders I’m climbing. — Victoria Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been having trouble getting interviews, even though I am highly qualified for the positions I’m applying for. I’m attaching my resume and cover letter, hoping you can tell me what I’m doing wrong. — Tate Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My daughter graduated from college last year and, due to the economy, has found it difficult to find a job. On top of this, her credit has gone down the tubes. She’s had numerous interviews, but so far, nothing. Is her credit affecting her ability to get hired? Can employers do credit checks without permission? — Margie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a former business owner who’s now searching for employment. I’m stuck in a conundrum: When I apply for lower-level positions, I’m overqualified; when I apply for higher-level positions, I’m underqualified. Suggestions? — Nolan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 53 years old and am considering retiring from my current job at 55. I do not, however, intend to retire from the work force. When should I begin my job search? Begin too soon and I risk being offered a job before I am ready to retire from my current job. Wait too long, and I risk not having something lined up. — Bob Read the rest of this entry »