Mastering the Art (and Science) of Thank-You Letters
By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Laura Labovich
After interviews, job seekers typically send nondescript, cookie-cutter thank-you notes: “It was a pleasure meeting you and I appreciate the time you spent speaking with me. I know that I can add significant value to your team,” but, these letters are often disregarded and turn out to be a waste of time. Read more
Dealing With Dumb Decisions
‘JT & Dale Talk Jobs’ is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.
Dear J.T. & Dale: I recently read your comments about “micromanagers.” I work for one. During the cold winter months, while traveling within the metro area, he ordered me to leave the motor vehicle unattended with the motor running. I once had a battery removed from my own vehicle, and the thought of a whole vehicle being stolen is too real for me to ignore. Would I be on safe ground to say “no” without being accused of insubordination? — Damon Read more
Employee Reported Me – How Do I React?
‘JT & Dale Talk Jobs’ is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.
Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a manager with a staff of seven. The other day our general manager pulled me aside and started asking odd questions. Apparently an employee had called our corporate office anonymously and reported I am doing my job improperly, even committing fraud. My GM knows I am not like that, but she has to do her job, and now that I’ve been warned and written up, I am one strike away from being let go. Should I confront this “anonymous” employee, or let it slide? — Bill Read more
T.A.P. Q#456 – Like the Company, But Not My Job
Dear Experts,
I recently started a new job at a company I really respect and enjoy being affiliated with. However, I don’t like my current role in the company.
I want to stay involved in this company, but my desire is to switch positions. I’m not concerned about money at this point, I simply want to own responsibilities I enjoy carrying out.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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T.A.P. Q#455 – Stuck in the Middle: Have Experience But No Degree
Dear Experts,
I am not sure what to do. I have extensive experience as an executive assistant, along with two years of managerial experience. I am currently unemployed.
I have been applying to executive/administrative assistant jobs, in NYC, only to get rejection e-mails basically saying I’m overqualified. (At least my resume is actually being reviewed.)
I am stuck in the middle. The jobs that are “above” the ones I have applied to, all require a bachelor’s degree. I have only completed some college-no degree.
How do I get around this? I can’t even get in the door for an interview.
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T.A.P. Q#454 – Resume: How Do I Display Location for Viral Internships?
Dear Experts,
I’ve had several telecommuting internships, and I’m wondering what the best way to put those on my resume is. It probably would look a little weird to have two internships listed on my resume in two states nowhere near each other, while I live in a third state.
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T.A.P. Q#453 – My Boss is a Jerk
Dear Experts,
How do I cope with a boss who is mean to me?
Other than his negative energy, I love my job. My co-workers are great and the money is sufficient for my lifestyle. My boss just doesn’t understand common courtesy and how to treat others with respect. The guy is a on power trip!
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How to Be More Likeable: 10 Things to Do Today
By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, G.L. Hoffman
To a large measure, your likeability will lead to success or failure. It often trumps skill levels in surveys of HR people who are asked to name the most important characteristic of job candidates and employees. Other than “don’t be an jerk,” what can you do to increase your own likeability? Is it really possible to change? Or, do you believe your likeability has been set by some cosmic forces, and if people don’t like you as you are, so what? BTW, being rich or good looking is not on the list.
Here are 10 characteristics of likeable people, who can pass the no-jerk test, or the always reliable would-you-fly-across-the-country-with-them test. Read more
4 Steps for Taking Your Networking to the Next Level
By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Heather Huhman
While being on the job search is a daunting task for most, and it is important to enjoy the process. After all, having a positive attitude can make a world of difference!
Instead of spending all your time and energy on mainstream job boards, get off your bottom and meet new people! While I don’t recommend giving up on job boards altogether, I definitely feel networking is the best way to use your time wisely during your job search. For example, one great analogy I love to use is the person who goes to the gym for an hour but doesn’t even break a sweat. This isn’t working out. Sure, you drove to the gym and stayed there for an hour, but did you truly leverage your abilities? Similarly, when on the job hunt, it’s important “sweat” a little – work hard and use your time strategically to obtain your dream job. Read more
Will an MBA Boost My Career?
‘JT & Dale Talk Jobs’ is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.
Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 28 years old, working in a mid-size company and responsible for IT processes. I want to go from being a computer scientist to a CIO [Chief Information Officer, the head technology person in a company]. I’m wondering whether it is useful to go for an MBA. An MBA would be a clear statement. How much time can be saved by having one? — Chris Read more
