Dear J.T. & Dale: For nine months I have been job searching. Since I have been called back in for multiple interviews, hiring managers see something that they like. However, when I have asked the hiring managers for feedback, the answers range from, “I can’t release that information” to “Everything was great, we just felt that this wasn’t the right fit for you.” Any advice for me? — Gavin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was told that I was being terminated for using a bad word that was overheard by a patient. Yet the supervisor could not give me any specifics of who, what, where and when. I honestly believe that I was cut to reduce overhead since they had expanded and constantly reminded us of the money invested. I was the second-highest-paid employee there, and my job duties easily could be split and done by other people (which is what happened after I was let go). My assumption is that they used an excuse, because they know I would have asked for a severance package. I don’t want to use the reason they gave me on any future job applications because it’s not true. Would it be OK to put what I believe is the real reason? — Randy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: What is your opinion about using the “resume blasting” services that claim to send your resume directly to thousands of recruiters?— Jay Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: When I was terminated from my job, I was not given a reason other than it was a “corporate decision.” I was never asked to give my side of the story. I want to be honest during my interviews and also on employment applications. How would you recommend that I handle this? — Mary Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: I am attaching a copy of my resume. I have fully and honestly listed all employment, all successes and all the technical alphabet soup that applies to my work, education and training. I send out a lot of resumes, and I follow up, but I haven’t been getting results. — Sidelined Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: It’s time for our suggestions of valuable career resources, and OK, I know it seems self-indulgent to suggest something I wrote, but I recently did an interview that I want to make available to our readers. It’s an interview with Tony Little … yeah, the guy with the blond ponytail you see on infomercials. He is the ultimate example of someone creating a personal brand. Turns out that Little’s a quiet and thoughtful man who figured out how to make himself unique. It’s terrific information that you can read at jtanddale.com.

J.T.: And here’s an idea that’s useful for everyone, but especially for those of an age who might be wondering, “What the tarnation can I do?” Try getting in touch with the other generations on the job. Many people think and act their age; yet, I also know lots of mature employees who work exceptionally well with the younger generations and have no problems finding work as a result. Here’s a link to a free, online test that let’s you see how well you relate to the generations in today’s workplace: www.generationalprofile.com. (This link is also on the Career Resources page of our Web site/blog, www.jtanddale.com.) If you learn to better connect with the other generations in the workforce (there are four!), you just might tap into a way to make yourself eligible for more job opportunities.

Dear J.T. & Dale: I spent in the neighborhood of 16 years in the fields of electronics and metrology (not meteorology). During this time, I filled several administrative posts while still being a technician. A couple of years ago, I decided to change careers to focus on my administrative skills (especially Microsoft Office Suite, design and photography). It’s been an uphill battle ever since. I know I cannot prove age discrimination, and my actual typing speed has diminished since my arthritis has developed, BUT WHAT THE TARNATION CAN I DO??? — Bill Read the rest of this entry »

Happy New Year! If you are visiting our site to read Dale’s interview with Tony Little, you can find it on our ‘Career Resources’ page. It’s also available by clicking here: http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2007/12/02/mastering_the_art_of_differentiation/

Dear J.T. & Dale: To make a long story short: I am legally deaf, 40 pounds overweight and have an accent that belongs in a category of its own. I worked in a plastics factory for two years and quit because management and co-workers kept making fun of me. I asked them not to, which only made it worse. I didn’t take it to the labor board because I didn’t want them to get in trouble. Now, how do I answer the “Why did you quit?” question without bad-mouthing my previous place of employment?

– Robin Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I graduated with bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and chemical engineering in 1994.

I began working for my family’s small retail business. Now, 13 years later, the business is dying and I’m beginning to think about going back into my “educated” profession. I live in a town full of engineering jobs, but they all require three years’ experience.

– Kevin Read the rest of this entry »