April 2011

manager won’t let me take internal promotion

A reader writes: I have been with a company for almost 2 years and am one of the top people in my category. I recently went to my manager to ask about interviewing for other positions in the company that would further my career.  He said, “no problem, I won’t hold you back, but the […]

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schedule changed after I accepted job offer

A reader writes: When interviewing for a position, the hiring manager told me that the position would entail four 10-hour shifts a week with three consecutive days off per week. He said the three days off per week would be determined by my department manager when the position begins. Shortly thereafter, I was offered the […]

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bad career advice and salary negotiation

Prepare yourself for a rant. I’m frequently annoyed by some of the bad job advice that’s out there, and there’s one thing in particular really irking me right now:  “career advisors” who write long articles blithely telling you how to avoid discussing your salary requirements in a job search, with absolutely no acknowledgement of the […]

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ask the readers: telling your assistant her shirts are too low-cut

I’m going to call on readers to help answer this question. Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments… A reader writes: I have a doozy for you. My female assistant (I’m a man) has a habit of wearing outfits that reveal lots of cleavage. It’s making me uncomfortable, and it’s unprofessional-looking when clients come […]

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what to do when you hate your job

At some point in your career, you’re highly likely to run into a difficult boss, toxic co-workers, or an unpleasant work culture. Whatever the problem, the ultimate solution is generally the same: Step back, remove your emotions from the equation, and try to figure out what you can and can’t change. Decide what you’re willing […]

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short answer Saturday: 6 short answers to 6 short questions

It’s short answer Saturday — six short answers to six short questions. Here we go… Offering a work sample after an interview Is it ever okay to provide the company with a sample of your work after the first interview has past? During my interview, the Marketing Manager asked me how I would devise a […]

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is it okay to burn this bridge?

A reader writes: I recently was offered a position in college admissions that I really wanted, and upon the initial offer I was given a start date 1.5 weeks away.  I had to make childcare arrangements for my two young daughters (I always worked 2nd shift as to avoid daycare) and the director even went […]

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older boss calls me “kiddo” and I don’t like it

In a different take on yesterday’s post about age, a reader writes: I’m a young female employee who began working in September for a large manufacturing company at their corporate headquarters. My boss came to the company about a month after me from our number one competitor. He has been in the industry for his […]

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