ask the readers: my boss has a drinking problem by Alison Green on July 31, 2012 I’m throwing this one out to readers to solve. A reader writes: I have been working at a small but fast-paced company for a long time. Even during difficult economic times, it has thrived. This is because the company owner has nurtured a loyal client base and has carved out a nice niche. However, years […] Read the full article →
dealing with a coworker soliciting for charity by Alison Green on July 31, 2012 A reader writes: A few weeks ago, one of our newest employees went from desk to desk asking everyone if they’d like to buy a lunch as a fundraiser for her daughter’s church. As she approached each person she began, “I’ve already cleared this with [HR Manager], and he said it was okay…” Is this […] Read the full article →
tiny answer Tuesday: 7 short answers to 7 short questions by Alison Green on July 31, 2012 It’s tiny answer Tuesday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. Being asked to train your coworker I started working for a new company about 10 months ago. A few months after I was hired, another person was also brought on to our department at one job level below mine. […] Read the full article →
my coworkers expect me to return their customers’ calls for them by Alison Green on July 30, 2012 A reader writes: My office has a central phone line that makes every telephone in the office ring, and I’m often required to forward phone messages on to their respective parties via email. Recently, some coworkers have started sending me responses as to the context of the phone call, or the status of their relationship […] Read the full article →
10 reasons you’re not the boss by Alison Green on July 30, 2012 Wondering why you can’t get promoted to a management position? One or more of these 10 common problems might be the reason why. 1. You don’t look the part. It might seem superficial and unfair, but appearances really do count. You might be able to get away with pushing your office’s dress code to the limit, […] Read the full article →
I don’t know how to accept compliments graciously by Alison Green on July 30, 2012 A reader writes: I recently (less than a year ago) began a new job, working as an in-house graphic designer for a wonderful company, and everything so far has been going really well. A bit too well, considering the problem I am asking you about. I am horrible at receiving compliments. I stammer, I blush, […] Read the full article →
how will my company’s political reputation impact my future career prospects? by Alison Green on July 29, 2012 A reader writes: I work for a privately-held company that donates to faith-based organizations that some believe to be narrow-minded. Though I may not agree with all of the company president’s political and religious views, I respect his right to have them, and they do not impact the way that any suppliers, employees, or customers […] Read the full article →
short answer Saturday: 7 short answers to 7 short questions by Alison Green on July 28, 2012 It’s short answer Saturday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Is the increase in the number of these lately getting to be too much? Tell me if so. In any case, here we go… 1. Should you always negotiate salary? I received a job offer on Friday that had a higher salary than […] Read the full article →
new employer wants me to give notice before I’ve passed the background check by Alison Green on July 27, 2012 A reader writes: I received a great job offer, contingent upon passing a background/credit check/drug test. I was told that the background check takes up to 10 business days (they use lexis-nexis). I have been upfront with my background (nothing major) and credit past to both my hiring manager and HR. I stated to them […] Read the full article →
how long should you wait to move on when you haven’t heard back from an employer? by Alison Green on July 27, 2012 A reader writes: I’ve read your thoughts on candidate time versus employer time, and have found it to be 100% accurate (and understandable — the massive priority that my application is to me is just a tiny part of the picture that the employer on the other end deals with). That being said, given how […] Read the full article →