July 2011

asking hard-sell “closing” questions in job interviews

A reader writes: I read about a in a “career search expert’s” column that was sent to me by a recruitment agency that I should ask “closing” questions at the end of an interview.  So in the last two interviews I had (which were both unsuccessful), I asked the question, “Do you think that I […]

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I’m quoted in this Business Insider article about how to get a job when you’ve been unemployed for a while.  I managed to work in a mention of Law & Order.

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should you advise a job-seeker against your dysfunctional employer?

A reader writes: I’m wondering about the etiquette around advising someone away from a certain job choice. My current employer is highly unsatisfying; morale is low, turnover is high, etc. I’ve been asked about my job by a graduate school alum who applied for a position here, is very excited about the prospect, and seeks […]

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how do I tell someone his resume is terrible?

A reader writes: A former colleague was recently released from the company we both used to work for and emailed me to see if I would recommend him for a position with my current employer. I have no problem with the recommendation, he’s a hard worker and forms business relationships easily. I know he’ll do […]

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how long should you spend writing a cover letter?

A reader writes: How long do you suggest job seekers spend on writing each customized cover letter? I have been really slow with this, always editing, rewriting, searching more information about the company to write the “why you” pieces, etc. There’s procrastination elements in it too, which makes it even worse. Consequently, I don’t have […]

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I accidentally woke up a company VIP with an early-morning call!

A reader writes: I am currently trying to obtain some information from a person who is very high up in my company. It was suggested I telephone, so I took the contact details from the intranet, and dialed the given landline number. The number was diverted to the mobile number, which is fairly standard. The person answered, I […]

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why you got rejected for a job you’re perfect for

The job seemed perfect for you. You met all the qualifications, it was exactly in the field you specialize in, and the interview went well. You had rapport with your interviewer, they seemed to like you, and at the end of the meeting, they promised they’d be in touch soon. And then … rejection. Or […]

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short answer Saturday: another job search edition

It’s once again time for short answer Saturday — seven short answers to seven short-ish questions. Here we go… Interviewer wants to know if I’ve told my current manager that I’m unhappy I’m currently using your tips to try to find a new job (I am “miscast” in my current job).  In interviews, I explain […]

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is my parents’ advice destroying my job search?

A reader writes: Since I came home from my first year of college in May, I’ve been looking for a new job to no success. I haven’t even gotten so far as to be interviewed, despite having been on a job hunt since May. Finally, in mid-July, I’m getting a glimmer of hope! The bakery department at […]

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why I refer to everyone as “she” when I write

After I was on Marketplace Money last week to talk about bad bosses, apparently they got some letters asking why I kept referring to all bad bosses as “she.” Here’s the transcript from their follow-up this week: DEB CLARK: So other people who wrote in about this segment made note to the fact that our […]

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