Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently lost my job after being there a year. Prior to that job, I’d been unemployed for nearly two years, went through my savings and eventually filed for bankruptcy. How negatively do employers view an applicant who has a bankruptcy on his or her credit report? What can I do to make employers see I am not a bad or lazy person? — Michael Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve recently spent four months in the interview process with one company. I went on five separate interviews, each time meeting three to five people. I was told they’d make a decision soon. Today, I called and they said I was their lead candidate but they decided to look at a few more. I was furious! Should I assume they’re “just not that into me” and walk away? — Kerry Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I hate the “What did you make at your last job?” question. I used to make a lot, but now I know I’ll never make that again. As soon as I tell the recruiter what I made, the interview is over. What can I do? — Christian Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been told companies hate it when you keep contacting them after an interview. How many follow-up contacts is too many? — Cheryl Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Yesterday I had a phone interview. The interviewer asked me two questions: (1) What was a difficult situation you’ve experienced, and how did you handle it? (2) What computer programs do you have experience with? That was it. The rest of the time, she spoke about the company and position. I spent two days preparing for this interview, and she hardly asked me any questions. In fact, she kept asking me if I had any questions. It’s driving me crazy, because I can’t tell how it went. — Nadidra Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: There is a company in town that has had the same two jobs posted for more than two years. Is that a sign it is a bad company with a lot of turnover? — Derek Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I got an unexpected call from a potential employer, and the recruiter asked if she could interview me on the spot. I was caught off guard and said, “Yes,” but as a result, I think I botched the interview, since I’ve never heard back. What should I do next time this happens? — Annette Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I heard more contract jobs (a.k.a. temporary) are popping up. What’s the best way to approach a temporary agency for a job? — Manny Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m currently working for a restaurant group that is franchising one of our concepts. As general manager at one of the current locations, I’ve been running things (without the owners), plus I’ve been doing a lot of “extra” work dealing with consultants, marketing folks and architects. My pay is not increasing, and my question is, when and how do I say, “Where’s my piece of the pie?” Anytime it sort of comes up, I get the “We have to wait till the money starts coming in.” — Reggie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently lost my job. I’m now working a part-time job that does not pay enough to maintain my expenses. I’d like to do clerical work from home to earn extra money. With all the scams today, could you point me to some sites that could help? — Debbie Read the rest of this entry »