Dear J.T. & Dale: My job forbids current and former employees from being references — it only permits HR to verify dates of employment. If I get laid off, I will have only family and friends to use as references. I had two previous jobs, but both companies went out of business ages ago, and the people I use as references have died. Will employers be understanding? — Eric Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been an elementary-school teacher for 10 years. Due to budget cuts, I’m losing my job. Teaching is incredibly stressful, and I am ready to move on to something new. I am hardworking and enjoy organizing and planning. I need a job where I will be busy — I can’t stand trying to “look busy.” Any suggestions? — Julie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am not aware of any written or legal rules outlining severance pay, but the impression I get is that you receive two weeks’ pay for each year of service with the company. Is that how it works? — Jim 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 am a manager who regularly reads your column for insight into what employees and potential new hires are thinking. I have worked hard to build the trust of my team, but now I’ve been instructed to lay off four of them. Our HR department has given me some guidelines for doing the deed that are cold and impersonal. I’d love some advice from you guys on how I can go a bit further and minimize the negative impact on the self-esteem of my departing employees. — Carly Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: Time for our monthly suggestion of useful career resources, and this time we want to feature those angels of information, librarians.

J.T.: A recent statement from the American Library Association called them the “nation’s new career counselors.” Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: For the past 12 years I have been running a manufacturing facility. The company is closing its local operations, and I have been looking for a new position. I’ve just received an offer from a company that makes hospital supplies, at a 30 percent increase in pay. The issue is that this would be a management position on a rotating-shift basis, which I’m not sure I could get accustomed to. It goes against my principles to start at a new company, knowing that I might not stay. Any thoughts? — Nic Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I received my bachelor’s degree in accounting last summer. However, because of medical issues, I have not started working. I have not bounced back physically, and therefore, I need part-time work. I would like to be upfront with employers, especially because my frequent doctor’s appointments require flexibility, but I also worry about scaring off employers. When should I bring it up? — Elisabeth Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: When I decided to go back to professional work, I had to deal with the standard request for the date of my graduation from high school. I certainly don’t see the job relevance. This practice automatically provides the employer with the age of the applicant, who can then use whatever excuse is handy not to interview/hire the applicant. Why is it legal to ask for information that is not supposed to be considered in hiring? — John Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I worked for a company where the CEO was friends with most of the newer management. They’d meet at bars for cocktails and to socialize. The people not “in the loop” didn’t stand much of a chance. I was put in a new department and given a manager who ignored us. When I went in to see her after six months, she went nuts, screaming she was stressed. The next day I was terminated, and it was not up for discussion. Even though the economy is down, I have been actively looking for a job and feel confident I will succeed. My suggestion to upper-management people: Leave your friends and cocktails out of the mix. — Kristi Read the rest of this entry »