October 2009

coworkers are having an affair – should I say something?

A reader writes: Our office is rife with gossip regarding a married man in our office and young single co-worker. The man has a brand new baby at home and knowing that he is having an affair behind his wife’s back is rather upsetting to some of us on moral and character grounds, but also […]

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employer won’t give job references

A reader writes: I have recently been on two interviews with a company. “When can you start” and “will this salary be acceptable” have been discussed. My issue is that my former employer of 12 years has a strict reference policy that only allows them to confirm dates of employment and salary. I provided additional […]

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what can’t you not do, part 2

I once wrote an article in Maxim called “The Best Damn Pick-Up Guide Ever.” It was quite bad, filled with terrible advice and embarrassing animal metaphors (required by my editor). And if a young man ever approaches you in a bar by “accidentally” hitting you with a pool cue, he might be following my advice […]

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job seekers: stop sharing an email account with your spouse

Are you one of those people who shares an email address with your spouse (like JohnAndAngela@email.com)? I don’t understand why people do this at all. (Email accounts are free, after all, and even if you don’t care about privacy, maybe your friends who are emailing you do.) But if you’re job seeking, you really should […]

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how to deal with inappropriate, annoying coworker

A reader writes: An acquaintance recommended me to his boss who, after several interviews, brought me on board. I really enjoy my job and my colleagues and I have received a lot of positive feedback from my boss. However, I am starting to have concerns about how well I am dealing with my (now) co-worker […]

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5 reasons to turn down a job offer

In this economy, it’s easy to feel like you should jump at any job offer that comes along. But doing that can land you in a job that will make you miserable and could even harm you professionally. Here are five reasons to consider turning down a job offer. 1. Your gut. Unless your gut […]

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taking notes in an interview

A reader writes: I have an interview next Friday. Is it weird or considered rude to take notes? When I’m interviewing, I am desperately trying to stay alert, listen, take mental notes, and think of my response to the dreaded behavioral questions (I HATE those!) at the same time. I am pretty darn organized — […]

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should I correct my boss’s awful grammar?

A reader writes: I have a senior manager who has dreadful grammar. He mispronounces well-known company names that are also clients. He rarely enunciates the plural of words (which makes his usual team greeting “hey you guy!” irritating and confusing). He sends emails with multiple and repetitious grammatical errors. I’m itching to correct him but […]

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restaurant’s ridiculous sick leave policy

A reader writes: I work at a small family-owned/operated restaurant. It’s managed by the owners, who seem to have some really strange rules. If we are sick, it is our responsibility to find someone to cover our shift. If we cannot find someone to cover our shift, we are to a) show up to work […]

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should I send flowers after a job interview?

A reader writes: I was just wondering if you think it’s a good idea to send flowers after an interview for a thank you. It’s a nice thought, but no — it’s too much. I know it can feel differently, but an employer is not doing you a favor by interviewing you. They are hoping […]

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