how can I tactfully point out to coworkers that a miscommunication error is theirs? by Alison Green on August 21, 2018 A reader writes: I’ve had several situations lately where a colleague has claimed I didn’t tell them something when I did, or that I was supposed to do something when in fact they were supposed to do it. How do I tactfully point this out? In the past, I’ve forwarded emails or tagged them in […] Read the full article →
how to answer the most common job interview questions by Alison Green on August 21, 2018 Some interview questions come up so reliably that you’d be missing a huge opportunity if you don’t bother to prepare for them — like “tell me about yourself,” “what interests you about this job,” and many more. There’s real benefit in thinking through your answers beforehand so that you won’t forget key details that you want to include, […] Read the full article →
how do I resign when my boss is a horrible person who will yell and insult me? by Alison Green on August 21, 2018 A reader writes: I currently work for an emotionally abusive, unstable, plain mean boss in the entertainment industry. I’ve held out for nearly a year (the pay and benefits are great), but I’ve been actively job searching for about seven months. Nothing has worked out yet, but I’m (knock on wood) coming close soon. However, […] Read the full article →
should you put hobbies on your resume, I want to leave early when work is slow, and more by Alison Green on August 21, 2018 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Should you put hobbies and extracurriculars on your resume? I’ve always thought that putting extracurricular interests on a resume was optional at best and self indulgent at worst. But recently, an interviewer seemed very surprised that I didn’t mention my background as a classically trained […] Read the full article →
should I apply for jobs that don’t sound great? by Alison Green on August 20, 2018 A reader writes: I am moving back to North Carolina from Texas, and will be living with my parents until I can find a new job. I’ve been with my current company in Texas for over four years, and it is my first job out of college. Because of this, I feel like I don’t […] Read the full article →
the 8 worst boss horror stories you’ve ever heard by Alison Green on August 20, 2018 In the decade-plus I’ve been writing Ask a Manager, I’ve heard about some really bad bosses. Really bad ones. Picture the worst boss you’ve ever had, and these still might be worse. We’re not talking garden variety incompetence here – we’re talking wedding-crashing, organ-pilfering, horse-murdering bad. At Slate, I’ve compiled the eight awful boss letters that […] Read the full article →
our employee says she’s not comfortable having her desk near men by Alison Green on August 20, 2018 A reader writes: I work in a department of about 100. We are a slight majority female, maybe 60/40. Recently a desk opened up just behind a woman who has worked for us for over a year and we moved a new employee, who is male, into the empty spot. Shortly thereafter, the woman approached […] Read the full article →
coworkers are secretly bringing kids to work, excessive interview assignment, and more by Alison Green on August 20, 2018 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Coworkers are bringing kids to work but keeping it a secret from our boss I work in a small, open concept office and I am having issues with my coworker bringing children to work. My coworker “Sansa” has a grandchild the same age as the […] Read the full article →
weekend free-for-all – August 18-19, 2018 by Alison Green on August 18, 2018 This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. (This one is truly no work and no school.) Read the full article →
my coworkers keep complaining about me by Alison Green on August 17, 2018 A reader writes: I’m having a hard time fitting into the culture of my new office, and it’s starting to wear on me. I’m kind of unorthodox here for a number of reasons, including that I work later hours than everyone else (which was part of my offer negotiation) and I’m not shy about jumping […] Read the full article →