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 »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a 23-year-old guy who needs a decent job. I have completed my associate’s degree in computer technology at a tech college and have taken computer classes at a local junior college. How do I find jobs that pay a decent wage? (I am currently working part time at Target. I live in town of about 650,000 people, so a lot of BIG corporations are not located here.) — Jake Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently quit my job as an human-resources generalist with an aerospace company. I really liked the job and my co-workers, with the exception of my boss. As much as I tried, I could not work with the manager’s style, and I quit. I have had one interview, and when I told the interviewer that the environment was not right for me, she asked why. I felt like a deer in headlights and gave an answer I knew was not right. What do you advise? — C.P. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have about 25 years of solid work experience. The problem I am having is all of the companies I worked for have declared bankruptcy or been bought. The company names, locations and people have changed. I address these “buyouts” in my resume but I never realized that when a verification is attempted, the past “employers” simply might decline to verify. Suggestions? — Gregory Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: When filling out a job application and you’re currently employed, what is the proper response to the question: May we contact your present employer? — Paula 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.