LETTER OF THE MONTH

J.T.: We love to hear from readers who share what they’ve learned while in the job market. Today we hear from Beth, who turned around unwelcome news about an interview situation. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I accepted a job with a CPA firm and the environment was unbearable; plus, they changed the waiting period on my medical benefits from 30 to 60 days, after I started. I resigned after three months, relocated, and now I’m looking for employment. What is the best way to job search? I have registered with a temp agency, but want to remain available to search for full time. — Marian Read the rest of this entry »

Dale: Time for our monthly recommendations of career resources. Recently, I have been taken with a book called “The Back of the Napkin,” by Dan Roam. It’s about communicating ideas visually, particularly with drawings, as if jotting ideas on the back of a napkin. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Two years ago, my family and I relocated to the Southeast. We are eager to return to the Northeast. Will it hamper my job search if I use my current address on my resume? I have family in the area where I’ll be moving to, and could “borrow” their address for my resume. — Brad Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have more than 30 years of accounting experience but do not have a degree. I’ve taken continuing ed classes on a regular basis, but every time I am interviewed, they ask me about my education. How should I write it on my resume? — Colleen Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ll be a senior in college this coming year, and I am scared to graduate. My parents, who couldn’t afford college, keep telling me how lucky I am. If I hear, “Don’t worry, you can be anything you want because you’ve got an education,” one more time, I think I’ll be sick. I have no idea what I want to do, the economy is terrible and I’ve got student loans that will kick in when I’m done. I’m stressing out! — Nate Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been at my current job for a year, but this fall my hours will be cut to part time, and I want to look for something new. At my previous job, I was “let go,” mainly because of a lack of experience. How should I manage my references? — Roni Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently went on an interview at a large corporation. When I went to the restroom to freshen up, a couple of ladies were in there, and I noticed that one left without washing her hands. It was evident from passing the stall that she had [done serious business in there]. To my surprise and horror, she turned out to be my interviewer. She put out her hand to shake, but instead of shaking, I put my hands behind my back and nodded hello. She looked insulted. What should I have done? By the way, I didn’t get the job. — Janice Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am currently in my first year as a teacher. Many of the things I was assured would happen during the year did not transpire. On top of that, my position is being eliminated for next year, so I had to start looking for a new job, both in this district and in others. I was one of two final candidates for a job in my current district. When asked by the principal during the final interview if I would say “yes” right away if offered the job, I hesitated. The next day, I found out I didn’t get it. I was crushed. Should I have handled it differently? — Carolyn Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have a secret: I don’t really work an eight-hour day, even though my company pays me for one. I can get away with spending hours on the Internet. I tried not to do this, but my job is just too boring. I’m worried my boss will eventually figure out how much time I spend on personal stuff (like checking my Facebook account) and I’ll get fired. Any suggestions? — Dominic Read the rest of this entry »