October 2008

protecting references from overload

A reader writes: I am always on a job prowl and, thus, in need of references. I read that it’s good to give references the job descriptions and updates so they can be prepared to give a good reference. However, as I am doing a wide sweeping job search, I am reluctant to email them […]

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don’t stalk the hiring manager

When you’re searching for a job, enthusiasm is a good thing. But some job applicants cross the line from enthusiastic and proactive to obnoxiously aggressive — and in doing so, kill their chances at a job offer. You have crossed the line if you are doing any of the following: * Checking in on the […]

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screaming boss

A reader writes: I have a question about a manager at work. I work in the pharmacy department of the store, but the other night I witnessed a front store manager being extremely rude and disrespectful to a front store employee in front of customers and other staff. The employee just wanted to go on […]

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can after-hours event be required?

A reader writes: Our company has a quarterly all-hands meeting that informs the employees of the financial status, what’s coming up, etc. There is a happy hour afterward at a different location than the meeting, usually at a local bar/restaurant. Can a manager require employees to attend an “after hours” function once a quarter? Yes. […]

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on balls and lack thereof

I’m not one to spend a lot of time agonizing about the gender politics of being a woman in a position of authority. Sure, I’m aware that certain things I do will come across to some people as “bitchy” when a man doing or saying the same things would come across as assertive. Oh well. […]

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should I report an ethics violation?

A reader writes: I work at a field office of a national nonprofit intermediary that provides financial and technical assistance to local community organizations. A week ago a coworker of mine told me that a representative from a community organization that we are funding had recently approached him with some disturbing news. Apparently, this organization […]

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should I apply for the junior or senior position?

A reader writes: I am applying for jobs after a short gap due to personal reasons. At one company I am interested in, there are 2 positions open – a senior position (two years of experience required in “finance or accounting or related experience”) and a junior position (no experience required). I have the “related […]

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stupid candidate behavior: not checking email

Here’s a thought: If you’re applying for jobs, you might want to check your email on a somewhat regular basis. In the last week, I’ve had three candidates say they didn’t know that we emailed them some questions about their applications, because “my Internet has been down for a week” and other variations of this. […]

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is employer required to offer paid time off?

A reader writes: I have recently been hired to work full time (8:30 to 5:30) at a very small law firm in a small, southern town. There are only five employees total at the firm. Besides the two attorneys, I am the only full-time employee at the firm. Upon being hired and starting the job, […]

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asking for feedback after you’re rejected for a job

So you thought the position was a perfect fit for you, your interview seemed to go well, but in the end, you didn’t get the job. You could speculate about why, but if you’re really curious, why not try to actually find out, by asking for some feedback from the hiring manager? Here’s how to […]

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