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 »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been hearing a lot about the need for workers to develop their personal brand in order to get ahead professionally. I just graduated from college and have never really worked in a professional environment … so how can I possibly “brand” myself? — Seth Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just graduated from college and have been on my new job for a month. I think I made a huge mistake! I’m really bored. I think I should look for a new job. — Kristi 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

JT: This week’s “how I did it” comes from Kathie Maxwell who was looking for a position as what she calls a “baby catcher” – that is, a midwife. Her story is a wonderful example of how a person can get better at job searching as they go.

Dale: One of the reasons that job searching is so discouraging is that every day the search goes on is another day that you did NOT find a job. So, if you let it, the job search is just a series of failures. However, if you are determined to learn and get better at searching, and use the experience to get stronger professionally, there are chances for victories every day. Read the rest of this entry »

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’ve been interviewing, and I’m experiencing random changes in the nervousness factor. I could go to interview 1 and be a total nervous wreck, and then later that afternoon go to interview 2 and bring my A game, not once feeling any nervousness at all. What is that all about? — Sarah Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I had been working as a contract project manager when, in January, another department manager offered me a better position. Both the old and new managers agreed that they would keep me in my current position and that they would hold the new position till the end of March. Then, in March, the new manager informed me that the position had been given to someone else. My question is, Do I have any legal rights to sue for the position that was offered to me? — Brian Read the rest of this entry »

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 »