job offer from a company in the midst of layoffs by Alison Green on January 18, 2012 A reader writes: I’m a senior in college and I interned at a company this past summer and subsequently got a full-time offer. However, some time ago the company announced that it is downsizing and laying off half of its employees. I haven’t heard anything from HR but from what I’ve heard, the company may […] Read the full article →
how to explain why you left your last job (or are seeking to leave your current one) by Alison Green on January 18, 2012 If you’re like a lot of job seekers, having to explain to an interviewer why you left your last job – or are seeking to leave your current job – might make you nervous. How candid should you be? Will your answer reflect poorly on you? Will you sound negative? Ideally, you’d respond with the […] Read the full article →
when a prospective employer wants your social media passwords by Alison Green on January 17, 2012 A reader writes: I saw this article today and it made me wonder about hiring practices. In a nutshell, it’s talking about that thorny situation of social media and its use in hiring decisions. A lot of the info there is very 2006-era “duh-tastic” but one thing caught my eye: Some companies are apparently requesting usernames and passwords […] Read the full article →
lame meetings, and criticizing your boss by Alison Green on January 17, 2012 I’m quoted in this Chicago Tribune article, talking about how to make your meetings stop sucking so much, and in this article about criticizing your boss. Read the full article →
what does my minimalist cubicle decor say about me? by Alison Green on January 17, 2012 A reader writes: I have been working at the same office for the last several years, first one out of college. It’s a good job but I’ve just accepted another position in the company that has a lot of great potential, and I will be transitioning over to my new group within the next few […] Read the full article →
mini answer Monday: 7 short answers to 7 short questions by Alison Green on January 16, 2012 It’s mini answer Monday — seven short answers to seven short questions. We have a boss who lies, cheats, and steals; an employee whose side work is interfering with his primary job; and much more. Here we go… 1. My boss keeps telling us how many other people would like our jobs We had a […] Read the full article →
what should a new manager ask to get to know employees better? by Alison Green on January 15, 2012 A reader writes: I recently was promoted to a supervisor position within my company. I plan on having one-on-one meetings to get to know my direct reports better. Any suggestions of questions I should ask them? Yes! First, before you meet, I’d review their job descriptions, any written goals that exist for their positions, their […] Read the full article →
can an employer require you to keep your salary confidential? by Alison Green on January 14, 2012 A reader writes: At my current employer, we’re being asked to sign a new legal agreement before they’ll process our bonus checks. One thing in the paperwork that caught my eye was this clause: “1. Confidential Information. Both during and at all times after termination of my employment with the Company for any reason or no […] Read the full article →
coworkers are making fun of my masters degree by Alison Green on January 13, 2012 A reader writes: I took a job I feel I am overqualified for due to the poor job market. I have always been very humble to my coworkers about my past accomplishments (my supervisor is of course aware but I do not mention it to coworkers). I have a masters degree and no one else […] Read the full article →
reasons that resume objectives suck #271 by Alison Green on January 13, 2012 All resume objectives are terrible, but here’s our latest don’t-do-this example (courtesy of a reader who came across it): “With the expectation of the progressive environment that uses my skills and opportunity for growth and as a platform for learning and improvement, I would be inclined therefore to a career that reflects my interest.” I’m […] Read the full article →