Dear J.T. & Dale: At my last job as an assistant manager at a hair salon, the owner asked me to sign a non-compete clause. I applied for a manager position at another salon and was selected. When I told the owner about it, she threatened to sue both me and the person hiring me, so I told her I would not go. A week later, the owner told me she “accepted my resignation,” although I’d made it clear to her that I was not leaving. She said she was doing me a favor by letting me resign, rather than be fired. — Samantha Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I am a seasoned executive assistant. I know the economy is bad, but I’m shocked at getting ZERO responses when applying for jobs. What’s really frustrating is I can’t really call a hiring manager, since the gatekeeper to them is an executive assistant — aka, the job I want! — Amy Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. and Dale: Here is the situation I am now, I am 35 year old and studying for a bachelor degree in accounting. But now I’m unemployed have no experience in that field. And need money to finish it. Last year I found a job but was fired during my probation and the next one was as bank teller but was fired again during my probation and the last one as a receptionist but fired again all say that I do my work well but my communication skill is not good. What should I do? — A.L. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I was offered a job with a hotel chain taking inbound calls for reservations. During training, I passed every test easily. I was told we were expected to have a sales conversion rate of at least 28 percent. Two weeks into the job, my sales conversion was 23 percent, and the company let me go. Is it fair, and is this considered being fired? Also, should I put this job on my resume? — Ella Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I hate, hate, hate my job and the owners and the managers who run the restaurant I work at. I’m about to take a 10-day vacation. I don’t want to go back. Is it really a bad move to not give any notice and just never return, no call and no-show? — Sheryl Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been self-employed in the in-home care nonmedical field for more than five years. My main clients went into a nursing home, and I am now working only four hours a week. I have taken fliers to numerous businesses and given out my business card but have had no response. Please give me some direction. — Susan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I worked in a business position for 14 years. Since I’d always wanted to work with children, I started substitute teaching. I loved it and was encouraged to return to school to get a master’s degree in teaching. For more than a year I’ve been applying for positions, without much response. I do not know what is wrong. Do you think it is my resume, my lack of teaching experience or the fact I would start at a master’s pay level? — Susan Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Why do employers ask job applicants for their salary histories? I know the standard answer is to screen out those with unrealistic salary expectations. But I am uncomfortable giving out such personal information to virtual strangers. — Richard Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: Four years into my career, I finally figured out what I want: a career in marketing. What I am now doing is completely different, so do I try to make the transition within my company, or start fresh elsewhere? My boss wants me to take over his position in a few years, which is not what I want. I don’t feel comfortable approaching him about changing careers. So a new company seems like the better option. — Roland Read the rest of this entry »

Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m now in my 50s and intend to rejoin the work force following the conclusion of my military commitment. Any suggestions for civilianizing a military career in logistics? Thank you from all of us still pursuing excellence in all we do! (That’s Air Force lingo.) — Terry Read the rest of this entry »