I was asked to do free work at a job interview by Alison Green on September 19, 2013 A reader writes: I had an interview recently that overall went really well, but there was one part that I felt was inappropriate and wanted to get your feedback on it. I was called in for a “working” interview and was told that I would participate in this department’s morning meeting and later draft a […] Read the full article →
did I prepare too much for this interview — and turn off the employer? by Alison Green on September 19, 2013 A reader writes: After submitting my resume and cover letter to the president and director of a major company for an executive assistant opportunity, I was contacted for a phone interview. I aced the phone interview and was invited for a face-to-face. Since I really wanted this position, I made sure to study the company […] Read the full article →
employee lied about me on survey, companies that monitor how you organize your desk, and more by Alison Green on September 19, 2013 It’s seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. Employee lied about me in a customer survey I was recently mentioned on a negative comment in our customer service survey. I found out that this customer was really an employee who I manage. He said I was rude to our customers and […] Read the full article →
why is there so much bad job advice out there? by Alison Green on September 18, 2013 A reader writes: Yours is the first advice I have ever come across in job searching literature, dictating that that the job seeker should NOT end a cover letter with a promise to call in a few days and schedule a time to meet. Most of the books and articles I have read on this […] Read the full article →
when a coworker calls your family to say you’re in trouble at work by Alison Green on September 18, 2013 A reader writes: A coworker of mine, “Sally,” recently got called into HR for something. Another coworker, “Betsy,” knew that Sally was going to get called into HR. Betsy is friends with Sally’s sister, so while Sally was in HR, Betsy called the sister. Betsy told the sister that Sally was going to get put […] Read the full article →
5 red flags in your job history – and how to combat them by Alison Green on September 18, 2013 When employers screen job applicants, they might spend as little as a few seconds scanning your resume before moving on to the next. If they see red flags during that initial look, you risk that they’ll just move on to the next candidate – so it’s important to make sure that any red flags in […] Read the full article →
manager wants me to pick up coworker’s slack, raises went AWOL, and more by Alison Green on September 18, 2013 It’s seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. Manager wants me to pick up my coworker’s slack I work at a company that faced serious downsizing a year ago. I was fortunate to not only survive the restructuring but to have become the head of a newly-formed department. My old position […] Read the full article →
should we reject job candidates who don’t send thank-you notes after interviews? by Alison Green on September 17, 2013 I’m presenting this email exchange without comment with minimal comment. Letter-writer: I am very new to the world of hiring, having just recently been moved into an HR role at my company. I have found your blog so helpful! But I searched and didn’t see an answer to this question… How can I best decline […] Read the full article →
can you play games on your phone while waiting in the lobby for an interview? by Alison Green on September 17, 2013 A reader writes: I have been going on many interviews, thanks to your website and advice. Typically before entering the building, I turn my phone off completely, so as not to be distracted or interrupted during an interview. At times I have had to wait in the lobby for a good amount of time before […] Read the full article →
help! I think I’m going to be fired by Alison Green on September 17, 2013 A reader writes: I am having a hard time in my job, and I’m worried I’m going to be fired. I’m doing my best, but I just can’t seem to meet my manager’s expectations. I’m still trying to improve, but I’m sensing that she might be losing patience with me. Is it better to quit […] Read the full article →