Dear J.T. & Dale: I am attempting to change careers from print journalism to marketing. After five years at newspapers and being let go in 2009, I decided to get direct marketing experience by serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America). I’ve completed my year of service and am now trying to distinguish myself in this highly competitive job market. Given my marketing experience was with a nonprofit, does that limit my job options? I would greatly appreciate your suggestions. I’ve visited my alma mater’s career center several times, but have received no usable feedback. — Tomas Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been employed for the past few years as a paralegal, so obviously I’ve been working in law firms. That should conjure up images of a professional office atmosphere, right? Not so fast. What I’m finding is a major lack of courtesy, decorum and professionalism. When working, I don’t make personal calls all day or cruise the Internet and Facebook, unlike many of those I’ve been working with (if you can call what they do “working”). I recently was let go by a large law firm within a week of making a complaint about a hostile, rude co-worker. The day I made a formal complaint, the HR director seemed understanding. A week later, she informed me “the firm” had determined I was “not a good fit” and it would be my last day. She actually said it had nothing to do with my job performance. Could you please provide some wise guidance? — Margie Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have three associate degrees, and I’m now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in accounting. When I apply for entry-level jobs such as administrative assistant, they see I’m pursuing a degree in accounting and worry I would be bored. Any suggestions? — Christina Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: My granddaughter graduated from nursing school in 2007, and several hospitals had recruiters visit the schools with various employment packages. She chose one that had a student loan repayment plan that reimbursed her $500 each month. Last year the hospital notified her that due to Medicaid cuts, the $500 would be reduced to $250 for 12 months and then end. The only thing she has in writing is an employment verification letter from when she refinanced her home. (It included wording to the effect that the hospital does not enter into any employee contract with its employees.) Any insight? — Juliette Read the rest of this entry »

J.T.: Every month, we offer our suggestions for helpful career resources, and this time I’ve been trying an iPhone app from the folks who do the “What Color is Your Parachute?” book. It’s called the “Job-Interview Tool” and covers many of the basics, from preparation to thank-you notes. And it’s FREE. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Perhaps you can talk me out of being annoyed and/or put off entirely by employment ads that ask for a salary requirement. The company has to have a salary range in mind, so if I’m outside it, my resume is immediately trashed. Why not just put a salary range in the ad? Should I just assume an employer seeking a salary requirement is rude and not worth joining, or is there some legitimate process at work? — Joe Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a contracted teacher at a school. My 10-month contract states the employer reserves the right to terminate me without cause as long as they give me 30 days notice. Can I assume I have the right to break the contract too, as long as I give 30 days notice? — Ray Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: If you were to give your best advice to the countless number of job seekers who daily comb the streets in search of the proverbial “dream job,” what would it be? Your contribution would be highly cherished. — Trish Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I currently have a bachelor’s degree in music performance, and am thinking of getting a degree in music education — either a second bachelor’s or a master’s — then applying for a teaching job at the high-school level. My concern is a master’s might be seen as “overqualified.” With the bachelor’s, I fear it would raise questions as to why I did not get the teaching degree from the start. — Michael Read the rest of this entry »

As we begin the new year, we want to take a look back at 2010 and pull together the suggestions our readers told us were most helpful. So, here’s our best advice, along with our wish 2011 will be your best career year yet. — J.T. & Dale Read the rest of this entry »