February 2008

how can I get out of being a reference?

A reader writes: I know you tackled the reference for someone when you can’t give a good reference, but I really felt that this might be something you’ve come across and you could provide a bit of insight. I am a teacher for a local college. I teach part time to professionals upgrading their skills. […]

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reader stumps me

A reader writes: I have read all of the articles about what to say in an interview when you are asked about being fired, but none of these answers fit. The problem is that most answers are based on explaining why the job wasn’t a good fit or the reorganization of the company resulted in […]

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company won’t give references

A reader writes: I retired early from my last job, because of the new technology and, therefore, they were doing a reduction in force. I took several years off to update my skills and to do some renovating of my home myself. Now I feel qualified to work as a administrative assistant but the company […]

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should you confess a DWI to prospective employer?

A reader writes: I am a college student in my junior year, double majoring in Marketing and Management. In November, I was accepted for an internship at the corporate headquarters of a major retailer for this summer. I passed the drug screening and background test. However, in late December, I got a DWI while out […]

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management and the Democratic primary

It’s been frequently observed that there are few policy differences between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, but here’s something that is a major difference between the two: management. Ironically, it’s Clinton who was originally heralded as a manager extraordinaire, to the point that she was derided for being too focused on mundane details of managing […]

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coworker makes higher salary

Sorry for the silence. I’ve been fighting a horrific flu but am slowly returning to life again. A reader writes: I am an Executive Assistant for the CEO of digital printing firm. I worked in this position since 2005. I also worked as his assistant when he was SVP of another firm for 4 years […]

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explaining a firing when interviewing

A reader writes: A few months ago, I was asked to resign from a management position. I’ve begun consulting on my own, but still find it difficult to explain how and why I left that last job. I’m not without fault in being asked to resign, but I believe that my boss long hoped I […]

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can manager prevent me from transferring?

A reader writes: I’m one of three analysts at a very large corporation with over 40,000 employees. I’ve worked there for almost two grueling years. Our director is a work fiend who has amazing mood swings, is practically never satisfied, and has little regard for our personal lives. Our manager is a good guy but […]

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recovering from nervous rambling in interviews

A reader writes: I enjoyed — and got some great suggestions from — your post on talking too much during an interview. Do you have any ideas on what to do if the damage has already been done? An obviously nervous, but exceptionally well-qualified candidate, who doesn’t interview well but gets the job done and […]

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remorselessness over lying on the job?

A reader writes: I was terminated from my former employer after I falsely confirmed to a mortgage company that someone still worked for us who didn’t. I was not telling the truth, but this didn’t present any material damage to the company image as it is perceived in the public eye. Three days later, the […]

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