2013 Posts Return to main archives January February March April May June July August September October November December December 2013 most popular posts of 2013 what are the best questions to ask in a job interview, as either the interviewer or the candidate? how to avoid freaking people out when summoning them to HR, a smaller bonus than expected, and more my favorite posts of 2013 7 new year’s resolutions for a stronger career in 2014 my boss opened a personal package that was addressed to me the worst boss of 2013 is… the least popular posts of 2013 update: my boss gave me a choice of offices but is punishing me for the one I chose update from the reader applying for a job with someone she’d previously worked for update from the manager who didn’t want to eat lunch with her employee every day vote for the worst boss of 2013 my coworker is angry that I complained about her many personal calls happiest endings of 2013 update: business expenses are cutting into our receptionist’s pay cleaning the office microwave: hidden duties when job-searching the best “ask the readers” posts in 2013 Christmas open thread 4 more reader updates: blue hair at a job interview, subversive wellness committee, and more how to make your team’s operations less complex why are employers turned off when they hear how much time I spend on my job search? update from the reader who didn’t want to invite her boss to her wedding here are the best things about holidays in the workplace is it okay to fire someone close to Christmas? is my inactive blog giving employers a bad impression? update from the reader whose former VP was accusing her of causing a spam influx 4 reader updates: a manager on another team criticized my work, toilet trauma, and more my office Secret Santa gave me a sex toy open thread I think I witnessed a drug deal at work, job offers with no mention of salary, and more update: employer asked me to interview at 6:45 a.m. on a Saturday interviewing while pregnant — but I’m not the mother our office is having a water cooler emergency and is staffed by loons my office hid the Christmas party from us, hostess gifts at office parties, and other holiday questions update from the reader who was job searching without a college degree do I really have to attend my office holiday party? 8 ways you’re annoying your coworkers during the holidays shady bosses, badly-received resignations, and more update: asking for a raise when your job changes in your first month I’m worried a client isn’t going to pay me 7 ways to wreck employee morale during the holidays telling a new boss about an awful assistant, how managers can stop gossip, and more update from the reader whose boss refuses to text her, even though he texts the rest of their team how to truly unplug during your vacation and leave work behind asking an employer to match a counter-offer, how to get headhunted, and more should you offer your business card at a job interview, applying for a job with an ex’s father, and more I was fired from a volunteer job, using coupons in office gift exchanges, and more interesting perks and random kindness what should an email signature contain? how to throw a holiday party that employees will want to attend I want to control how my work is used, nephews are goofing off on the family farm, and more 4 reader updates: my coworkers use my email when I’m away, a creepy boss, and more update: a possible coworker turned out to be my date’s wife can I pass along my boyfriend’s professional advice to my coworkers? what’s your best tip for staying organized? when a client calls you “baby girl,” avoiding interviews that will waste your time, and more update from the person on a performance improvement plan my boss keeps asking me for input on coworkers’ performance — and then firing them 7 ways to stop procrastinating and get your work done how can I get employees to stop saving all their vacation time for December, I don’t want my photos on my company’s Facebook page, and more update about the micromanaging boss who wanted all calls taken on speaker phone secrets of a hiring manager should an extramarital affair disqualify someone from a promotion? how to attain project management nirvana I was written up for foul language when I wasn’t even working, interviewing with a cold, and more update from the reader worried her employer was going to drop their health insurance 7 things to know about job searching during the holidays is it rude to stop going on office coffee runs? I was hired as a change agent but my manager doesn’t support me, disclosing grad school plans, and more we have to meet with our manager about why she sucks, Anglo-sounding names, and more red flags when interviewing, asking to work remotely, and more update from the reader who found out she was pregnant right after starting a new job my manager insists on assigning seats at a holiday lunch that we pay for ourselves open thread how can I convince my boss I don’t speak Spanish, bad connections on phone interviews, and more how can I stop a greedy coworker from taking all the candy from my candy jar? what’s the coolest Excel trick you know? is it okay to work on personal projects during slow days at work? a couples dinner with a prospective boss, sending job search emails from a smart phone, and more is there a nice way for an interviewer to short-circuit an interview if the candidate obviously isn’t right? I’ve had 10 interviews and no offers — am I the problem? how to survive in an open plan office my coworker’s creditors call her constantly, indignant over lack of a raise, and more something your cover letter does not need to do how can I back out of a mentoring relationship? want to intern for Ask a Manager? 10 funniest workplace gift debacles I’m asked to cover when my coworkers are on a prayer break, my project was taken away, and more I want your updates … and an interview with me should you ask for the job at the end of an interview? 6 secrets to getting a better performance evaluation I don’t want to be an employer’s second choice, manager doesn’t care that our new coworker is horrible, and more did I blow this job opportunity? November 2013 entry-level interviewers, my employer is holding my first paycheck for “severance,” and more I don’t want the office candy dish on my desk should an admin show people how to do clerical tasks themselves? what to do when you’re overworked misleading reference requests, holiday gifts to clients, and more office holiday gift-giving stories: unburden yourself here resume paper is obsolete what non-obvious things should I know about being a receptionist? company wants my past performance evaluations and tax forms, and 4 other “is it legal” questions how can you convince your employer to hire additional staff? what every manager should know low-drama coworkers, telecommuting, and other things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving can employers blackball you from your field, logos on your resume, and more can an employer change your rate of pay retroactively and make you pay back the difference? my boss refuses to close the office between Christmas and New Year’s 6 workplace rights to be thankful for asking a reference to withhold information, how long can you skip work without getting fired, and more is it better to quit or get fired, being associated with a difficult client, and more asking for a better title as a volunteer, declining an offer to interview, and more teaching high school students about labor issues my office wants us to chip in to send our CEO’s family on a ski trip open thread someone is deleting my work, the best time of day to quit, and more how can I make people stop talking to me about my job search? the hotel for a job interview was charged to my credit card — without my authorization my boss favors one person on our team I cried at work when I was sick, alerting job candidates to errors in their applications, and more my boss wants two years notice before I resign ask the readers: my employee won’t go on repair calls when only a teenager is home 7 questions to answer before accepting a job offer addressing people by their first names, getting your job choice right the first time, and more I need to slow down at work so I don’t make mistakes I have to take calls from my kids at work, and my manager doesn’t like it how to manage a burnt-out employee company only approves new hires once a year, “use it or lose it” vacation policies, and more are emoticons unprofessional? 8 tips for starting your own business and not failing horribly should I tell my boss about our new coworker’s low work quality? being ordered to work during a dangerous tornado, 360 reviews, and more interviewing for your own job, attending a memorial service for an employee you didn’t know, and more working from home without a good reason, being the jilted lover of the job search, and more do I need to give two weeks notice when I’m new to the job? workplace deal-breakers, part 2 someone is leaving their fingernail clippings in my desk my coworker is showing lingerie photos of me to guys at work, I missed a great candidate’s application, and more this is a resume and cover letter that work my boss saw me at a strip club and now won’t talk to me is my name holding me back, corporate charity matches, and more when should I move education to the bottom of my resume? what employer behaviors should be deal-breakers for employees? your parents don’t belong in your workplace applying for a job where my manager’s husband works, is my masters degree hurting my job search, and more my coworker constantly cc’s our managers on her emails to me the salary I was offered was a bait and switch the top 6 ways managers demotivate employees my biggest client is a jerk, changing your resume after a layoff, and more should I lend my knowledge to my jerky coworker? I’m new and don’t want to contribute to an office funeral collection why are there so many terrible managers? my new job just took away my benefits, I miss workplace social events because of anxiety, and more telling a coworker about possible layoffs, boss texts me constantly when I’m not at work, and more unfair performance rating, inaccurate scheduling, and more why won’t my employer tell us why our coworker was fired? angry rejected candidates: “I never had a class in college teaching me the etiquette of prostituting myself on paper” open thread managing someone my fiance had a conflict with, following up on a promised salary review, and more resume advice, career fairs, friendships, and other advice for new grads trying to find a job I’m pregnant, my coworker smells like smoke, and it’s making me sick ask the readers: traveling for work when you’re new on the job I work for an email spammer, being required to use a corporate credit card, and more is this email line insulting? how to deal with cold-calling salespeople who won’t take no for an answer 8 ways to persuade your boss to say yes feeling guilty about leaving law-breaking boss, asking for a far-off raise, and more my husband’s employer shared my salary information with his coworkers can we ban smelly foods in the office microwave? the weirdest questions I’ve received at Ask a Manager perfunctory thank-you notes, profanity at work, and more my interviewer fell asleep — repeatedly — during our interview is this internal feedback on job candidates unprofessional? how to get hired when you’re just starting your career my mom called my employer for my schedule, making people answer calls on their days off, and more personality tests, gifts for managers, and more my boss is having a second person sit in on all our meetings do I have to be perfect to get a job? a possible coworker turned out to be my date’s wife my boss’s wife makes me do her schoolwork, how to make more money, and more October 2013 I have a missed call from an unknown number — was it an employer? after I turned down a job, the hiring manager asked me out job-searching is the real fright show how to screen out candidates who just want a cool job, birthday cakes for some but not all, and more I’m the company bad cop and my job makes everyone hate me I want to stop eating lunch every day with my employee how to disagree with your boss and keep your job naked work retreats, singing coworkers, and other delights of the workplace stuff for you to read ask the readers: how can I have more energy in interviews? is it wrong to take a sick day when you’re not really sick? 5 hiring practices you should stop today my boss holds it against me that I cried 6 years ago, asking to sit in on interviews, and more can my micromanaging boss be rehabilitated? she makes me take all calls on speaker phone… my boyfriend’s company doesn’t invite non-married partners to their holiday party what to say when following up on a job interview my company won’t pay for bathroom breaks, nicknames when applying for jobs, and more 3 more reader updates interviewing a friend, lazy bosses, and more Yes, it’s legal … queries from a combined 13 years of blogging about the workplace my boss wants me to collaborate with my coworker more — but his work is bad open thread how to get out of a goodbye lunch, my company doesn’t pay its bills, and more how to chase down a constantly disappearing recruiter can I push back on an extensive pre-employment check? my coworker took the day off to bake cakes and stuck me with her work telling an interviewer why you want the job, telling your manager you hate your work, and more update: my coworker framed me to try to get me in trouble and now wants to meet for coffee should companies require job applicants to submit videos to apply? my company lets us pay to wear jeans to work feeling awful about firing someone, confusion over name changes, and more was I demoted after telling my manager I’m job-searching? my mother’s boss is spreading a false rumor that my mom is dying can a manager and employees be friends? sleeping on the job, helping an employee whose first language isn’t English, and more 5 more reader updates my replacement is destroying all the hard work I did in my old job should I bring in cupcakes for the staff on my first day as a manager? when a candidate’s salary expectations are too high, asking for better software, and more back… update: coworker won’t stop badmouthing my soon-to-be new boss update: will it hurt me to stay in a job where my managers don’t like me? update: coworker is constantly eating, burping, and watching YouTube videos and then asks for hugs update: managing a high-performing, high-drama employee update: my coworker is taking cell phone photos of us during staff meetings being intentionally late to an interview as a strategy update: my boss is requiring us to let him be our life coach update: my mother keeps telling me I won’t get the jobs I interview for update: my company is threatening to strand me out of town does a cover letter have to sound like an informercial? update: my new employer is funded by my old employer and they’re making me still work for them update: my friend is a bad employee update from the reader working for her parents’ dysfunctional business are job candidates entitled to feedback? update from the manager whose employee didn’t want to take on a new task update about the manager assigning hotel rooms based on race how the hell does networking work anyway? my company throws A List and B List parties for employees 6854 update: how soon can you tell if a job isn’t right for you? update: I talked to my colleague’s husband and now she’s making false complaints about me update: after I resigned, my boss asked me to drive 1,000 miles at my own expense how long should it take a new hire to get up to speed? update: how do I warn new hires about a toxic colleague? update: how can I get away from work on the weekend and in the evenings? update: my boss leads a clique that gossips about other staff and now wants to have a drunk sleepover update: the new assistant who missed work her third day on the job update: my stalkerish ex-boyfriend is applying for a job at my company open thread 5 more reader updates update: my boss retaliated against my in my performance evaluation after I talked to H.R. update: a candidate lied to me about salary – maybe coworker won’t wash her hands after using the bathroom update: giving thanks for a bonus when you hate your job update: my coworker watches porn in our shared office ask the readers: my new job has an incredibly negative office culture update: I’m not dating a student where I teach but people think I am my employees are out-of-control and their relatives are confronting me at home update: how to talk to an employee about body odor update: my employer says I’m immature for not trusting their vague promises can a disorganized person become organized? how not to respond to a job rejection 5 more reader updates update from the reader with the seriously ill manager what not to say to friends who have been furloughed by the government shut-down update from the reader asked to watch her manager’s grandchildren help — manager is giving me negative feedback 5 reader updates update: company wants me to relocate … to Alaska! update: I need to fire an employee but I’m afraid her family will become violent I feel betrayed when employees quit how to be an awesome hard-ass my manager wants me to lie, I overheard a new coworker being rude, and more where are they now: 5 reader updates can I include the value of my benefits when I talk about my current salary? how many interviews is too many for one job? required to read a self-help book, manager calls us “old,” and more should I talk with my manager before I accept another job, even though I wouldn’t accept a counter-offer? do dogs belong in job interviews? 10 things not to say to your out-of-work friend rude texts from manager, should HR be required to use the company’s benefit plans, and more recruiter wants me to lie about my experience my coworker keeps leaving his desk to do schoolwork during our shared shift how to manage a negative, complaining employee does my boss hate that I leave at 5 p.m., paying for LinkedIn, and more September 2013 I worked all weekend and then got charged a vacation day why employers won’t name a salary range first do companies keep do-not-hire lists, I don’t have any work to do, and more my coworkers joke about my predecessors being fired, the impersonality of email rejections, and more do I have to give my ex-girlfriend a job reference? should I become a subversive wellness committee member? open thread boss won’t let me be friends with a client, employees leaving work early, and more how to tell a job candidate to stop contacting us so much my boss treats my chair like an in-box my manager spent the money from an office collection on herself bringing up your age in interviews, relentlessly negative coworker, and more should I keep interviewing after I already accepted a job offer? interviewer declined my meeting invitation for the interview that she set up 8 interview tips you’ve (probably) never heard before do we have to invite our boss to a party, leaving confidential documents out, and more a manager on another team criticized my work how can I tell my coworkers their Halloween costumes are racist? 10 ways you’re making your employees less productive applying for a job when the salary is too low, messing up at work, and more is it fair to reject these two job candidates? can we forbid employees from bringing their wives with them when they travel? how to talk about your weaknesses in a job interview managing a lying sister-in-law, unsigned letters of complaint, and more what does “we’re ironing out the details” mean when I’m waiting to hear back about a job? was this raise rescinded as punishment, publicizing employees’ ages, and more 6724 I gave my boss’s credit card info to a scam company should you add IQ or Myers Briggs to your resume? helping a quiet new coworker, cc’ing the hiring manager, and more I was asked to do free work at a job interview did I prepare too much for this interview — and turn off the employer? employee lied about me on survey, companies that monitor how you organize your desk, and more why is there so much bad job advice out there? when a coworker calls your family to say you’re in trouble at work 5 red flags in your job history – and how to combat them manager wants me to pick up coworker’s slack, raises went AWOL, and more should we reject job candidates who don’t send thank-you notes after interviews? can you play games on your phone while waiting in the lobby for an interview? help! I think I’m going to be fired ex-husband is lying on LinkedIn, interviewer said I’m lazy, and more how often do most companies give raises? should I tell the employer who rejected me about their new hire’s unprofessionalism? how to stop nerves from wrecking your job search reading into things when you shouldn’t, an overly negative staff, and more hitting and swearing at customers, using leave time after you resign, and more I freak out when my boss wants to give me feedback open thread thank you I want to give my rude manager a reality check, hanging out with coworkers outside of work, and more where’s the travel reimbursement I was promised for interviewing? employer asked me to interview at 6:45 a.m. on a Saturday W.T.F. getting paid for my notice period, coworker sent me an adult photo, and more how to correct a colleague’s annoying writing habits How to build a great professional reputation (and get raises, job offers, and admiration) where are you now? meetings scheduled at 10 p.m., when to call references, and more managing a mentally disabled worker who wants to do more, when you can’t invest in long-term training can I bring a baby to a networking coffee? your 10 most awkward work moments fired without warning, employers with spelling errors, and more how to decline a job offer because of a company’s unprofessionalism my female coworker keeps staring at my chest 6 ways to be happier at work forgetting your salary, dressing up for second and third interviews, and more am I ready to move on from my first job? discussing mistakes in a cover letter, why companies hire slowly, and more should I give a former intern feedback about her bad attitude? using a photo of your kids as your profile picture on LinkedIn coworker accidentally called me — to complain about ME deleting company files, food allergies when you’re new on the job, and more my coworker framed me to try to get me in trouble and now wants to meet for coffee my boyfriend asked my boss to give me a secret day off work — and my boss got angry do I write horribly unclear emails, my internships look like job-hopping, and more I don’t want to go on a company cruise — can I be required to work instead? confess your awkward work moments! 8 benefits employees wish employers would offer do I need an outgoing voicemail message, pay transparency, and more my boss is burned out how can I alert people to the unprofessionalism of the organization that revoked my job offer? how not to reject job candidates my boss punched me, my new hire quit after three days, and more can I ask about flexible hours in a job interview? when your boss is a raging alcoholic my staff keeps going to their old manager, horrible time-keeping rules, and more can a manager and employee vacation together? August 2013 employers calling you at home, the role of HR, and more should I return to a job that fired me 4 years ago? how to get people to make more coffee after they drink the last of it open thread dating company clients, who makes the final hiring decision, and more can I ask to change teams to get away from a bad manager? was this interviewer a jerk or are my expectations off? ask the readers: how can I help my depressed husband find a job? driving 12 hours to a job interview, is there hope for college dropouts, and more my department is making us give each other “group feedback” while standing in a line my boss is asking me to clean carpets, paint walls, and other tasks I wasn’t hired for how to tell your network you’re looking for a job my manager won’t manage, applying when you’re overqualified, and more my old boss — who fired me — works at my new company how to repair a bad job history my boss won’t delegate work to me telling a boss she lacks professionalism, preparing students for jobs after graduation, and more my coworker says she’s the office stepchild because her race do I have to watch my boss’s grandkids? how to answer questions about your salary expectations team excludes me from meals, a distracting boss, and more former VP is accusing me of causing a spam influx on her computer should I work for a creep, negotiating parking, and more update from the reader whose new job was sending her work before she’d started should our company switch to unlimited time off? power will lead you to eat more cookies and chew with your mouth open food mishaps at business lunches, defensive coworkers, and more how to figure out how well you’re doing in your job — and talk about it in a performance evaluation someone who was rejected for my new job reached out to me how to get a reluctant employee to take on a new task nose-picking interviewers, calling in sick for insomnia, and more can I ask how many other people are being interviewed for the job? my boss enters my office without knocking and interrupts phone conversations 10 things bad managers say company took away our lunch room, high school on a resume, and more I promoted one employee and now her former peer is unhappy my boss thinks I’ll invite her to my wedding, but I don’t want to how not to look like a slacker when you’re working from home how to play office politics, leaving an internship early, and more can I ask to watch the company culture before accepting a job offer? is it okay to leave my parents’ dysfunctional business and never look back? how to talk so your boss will listen new coworker is horrible, my boss does 6 performance evaluations a year, and more should I tell a small lie to move a job offer along? references when you have nothing good to say, failing a hiring assessment, and more update from the reader whose boss stole her company iPad I talked to my colleague’s husband and now she’s making false complaints about me open thread I don’t want to pay for business travel, hiring for skills vs. attitude, and more I got two job offers out of the blue from companies I’ve never been in contact with how can 20somethings know if something is worth complaining about or leaving a job over? my interviewer said she was “disgusted” with my answer will a back-up job hurt me in the future, companies with no online presence, and more with 3 networking duds in a row, am I doing something wrong? how to get rid of a vendor who refuses to leave 8 things hiring managers wish you knew I forwarded a private email, tarot cards in a cover letter, and more my boyfriend wants to lie on his resume — and his stepfather is encouraging it how do you get time off work to go to interviews without lying? how to get your manager to give you useful feedback want me to review your resume? my coworker won’t stop discussing his drinking, my manager loaned me his car, and more should you apologize when an employee you recommended for the job gets fired? why are employers so rude and inconsiderate to job hunters? what you should do before every interview my coworker flipped out, did my smile hurt my interview chances, and more who should pay at a networking coffee or lunch? a bomb scare made me late to an interview, agenda for meeting with a new boss, and more my employer encourages everyone to get drunk at company events stop telling me you’re a great writer my employer wants me to remove a sticker from my truck, over-sharing anxieties, and more if an interviewer invites me to contact them with any questions, does it look bad if I don’t? I need to fire an employee, but I’m afraid her family will become violent my friend lied to me about a job, rigid interview dates, and more what to do if a coworker stops by your table during a job interview over lunch 8 things you must stop today in your job search when an interviewer asks, “If I offered you the job, would you say yes?” I work with my boyfriend, I’m allergic to my office, and more my office will not stop freaking out that I take the bus to work how to handle angry emails from a coworker when you’re at fault interviewers behaving badly — the world’s 8 worst job interviewers paying for lunch for my famous boss, requiring an employee to get a hearing aid, and more my coworker is covertly taking photos of me and mocking my appearance on Facebook my boss gave me a choice of offices, but is punishing me for the one I chose 10 things job seekers hate about recruiters my coworker is married to a con man, warning an employer about bad credit, and more avoiding fake job interviews, will I have to return my bonus, and more we have to sit in 3-hour “working” meetings every day where nothing happens my mother keeps telling me I won’t get the jobs I interview for should we contact an employee’s wife about our concerns for his health? should I let my friend know his references are terrible, my boss is spreading germs, and more do I have to send “read receipts” when emails request them? my company hired a corporate chaplain to roam the office praying and handing out scriptures ask the readers: I’m struggling to balance my work and family life is my youth stopping me from getting a job, do I have to make small talk, and more July 2013 re-interviewing a candidate who previously accepted a counter-offer my boss is assigning me to work for his wife’s company for a few weeks why employers don’t want to hire overqualified candidates being told you’re lucky to have a job at all, helpful HR people, and more not a good idea: applying for jobs from your current work email address my internship advisor mocked me and is now freezing me out how can I become more comfortable in work social situations? my boss fired me but will probably change his mind, fringe hobbies on resumes, and more what IS a cover letter, anyway? should I have to take vacation time for this day when I regularly work extra hours? 5 things you should know about HR convincing a friend to get a job, asking to have my salary info hidden, and more job candidates who earn too much, leaving a job due to bullying, and more ask the readers: how do you start feeling more like an adult when you’re still pretty young? an employee is putting magic curses on her coworkers my intern was promoted above me, turning down relocation help, and more update from the reader who wanted to tell her manager that their team’s work quality sucked how do job offers that are contingent on a reference from your current manager work? my company is threatening to strand me out of town if I won’t work an extra day can my boss lock up my cell phone, creating a website for your resume, and more how to (politely) discourage friends from applying to work at my company my friend is sending me unprofessional emails at work why summer in the office is a terrible thing my company merged with my spouse’s, my coworker keeps disappearing, and more telling a chronically tardy employee with child care issues that she has to be on time … without tears how can I get away from work on the weekends and in the evenings? when your coworker makes more money than you do disclosing a side business, how much of a salary hit to take when changing jobs, and more how can I help save my boyfriend’s family business without losing my mind? should I leave my first job if I’m not learning hard skills? what does it mean to be professional? my manager accused me of fraud, helping an employee with anxiety, and more my manager keeps dangling a promotion in front of me, but it never happens resisting when asked to change offices, when a hiring manager cancels an interview, and more instructions should job candidates bring PowerPoint presentations to interviews? should I be wary of this job offer? weird coworkers, weird interviewers, name-dropping, and more my coworkers won’t stop asking why I’m walking with a cane my interviewer keeps asking me to help with her work — but hasn’t offered me a job what to say to a candidate who doesn’t show up for their interview employee is using the wrong title, dismissive and contemptuous interviewer, and more will asking for a raise after 3 months make my awful job more tolerable? can my company prohibit coworkers from dating and fire us if we do? 5 things to know about taking time off work could this rejection email be a mistake, typos on an employer’s website, and more can I decline a video interview? what to do when you have moral qualms about your employer’s line of business what to do when an employee resigns my boss asked a reference-checker to move my start date, creepy coworkers, and more business expenses are cutting into our receptionist’s pay should you post your resume on online job boards? how to survive a performance counseling meeting my coworker told me I should be applying for other jobs, religion at work, and more asking for a job description before interviewing, turning down an offer, and more is it okay to change out of your commute clothes at your office? mostly bad behavior that isn’t illegal my coworker is lying about me to my boss reputation repair at work, someone keeps stealing my jobs, and more when your parents leave cutesy comments on your LinkedIn profile employer offered me a job but refuses to tell me the salary can I improve our office culture with games and cook-outs? employee won’t repay a loan from a coworker, employer wants references post-hire, and more should interviewers report ethical violations revealed in an interview? are job seekers who call to ask for “more information” annoying? how to adjust to a new job when a reference changes their mind, advice for new managers, and more the problem with perfectionism is it rude to respond to emails with just “ok”? top 10 weirdest things said and done in job interviews should resigning employees be asked to leave immediately, my raise was short, and more don’t start your cover letters with “if you’re looking for…” my manager wanted to assign our hotel rooms based on race how to have a better relationship with your manager forced to come to work sick, distracted manager, and more recovering from a mistake at work, when your company forces you to lie, and more when a colleague talks about your appearance, when you have more education than experience, and more more things you shouldn’t do when applying for a job should you apply to a job if the ad is horribly written? open thread when a sick employee is spotted around town, how long should salary negotiation take, and more should I leave my dream job, interview makeup mishaps, and more my boss is revoking my full-time telecommuting arrangement a coworker wants to push a bad idea at a meeting I lead mistaken beliefs that are holding you back in your job search manager ordered me to get along with a coworker, handling work when a family member is on trial, and more Is it inappropriate to take leftovers home when your boss treats you to lunch? does an employer have to act on a doctor’s note? … and taking away people’s assigned desks my manager over-shares about his personal life and I want him to stop! choosing work over a wedding, writing samples, and more what does it mean when an employer says, “let us know if you get any offers”? my boss was arrested for child pornography asking about work hours before accepting a job, is long hair unprofessional, and more June 2013 should I turn down a job offer in the hope a different company will offer me a job? should you dumb down your resume, volunteering for a layoff, and more my client won’t stop asking about my dating life bad interviewers and weird candidates — unburden yourself here! being chronically sick during a summer internship, how far back should your resume go, and more how to interview a really nervous job candidate how do employers verify your previous salary? ask the readers: working with a seriously ill manager can I leave early when my work is done, how long after a reference check should you hear back, and more get the words “core competencies” off your resume my friend is a bad employee — how can I help? what to do if you’re getting laid off my manager uses my email when I’m away, bruises at work, and more no, you should not call your recruiter at home (and other jaw-droppingly bad advice from salary.com) managing a high-performing, high-drama employee can I fire an employee by phone or email? how much does nervousness matter in job interviews, avoiding office drama, and more how to fire a volunteer my coworker wants all of his calls screened for him how to list accomplishments on your resume when your job doesn’t have easy measures 4 job search nightmares that could happen to you who should pay for coffee at a business meeting, age discrimination, and more bizarre recruiter calls, how to get informational interviews, and more how to steal an employee, out-of-control yawning, and more how to handle pressure to donate money at work my coworker shared nude photos of me at work helping an unhappy boss, being ordered to bring in a doctor’s note, and more employer is insisting on contacting my current manager before deciding whether to offer me a job can my company require me to put business travel on my own credit card? how to explain why I want a lower-level, lower-responsibility job when your Google Reader dies … because it’s about to boss doesn’t attend staff meetings, managing teenagers, and more how to fit into office culture during an internship … when you’ve been disinvited from the staff retreat I’m getting a big raise — how should I manage my money? what to expect if you’re looking for a job this year nose rings at work, letting your boss be your landlord, and more my boss won’t let me edit his terrible writing did I make the right call in rejecting this job candidate? how to manage former peers lying to my manager about my husband, time clock woes, and more how to tell an intern her skirt is too short for the office should I speak up about my coworker’s lack of professionalism? 8 things your boss wishes you knew I don’t want to take on a new role, baby talk part 2, and more surprise interviewers, missing commissions, and more rude internships, unrealized raffle prizes, and more don’t list your spouse as a job reference (and don’t lie about it if you do) my coworkers knew I was being laid off before I knew my manager refuses to text me, even though he texts the rest of our team my friend lied to my boss, asking candidates to apply for a different role, and more set a start date before resigning can I expose this terrible interviewer? how long should a raise take to go through, asking your boss to do your work, and more whenever I take time off work, my boss calls me a slacker recruiter flipped out when I asked about the company’s recent struggles do you know what signals you’re sending at work? employee was late on his first day, loaning money to a coworker, and more what can I do about a senior coworker who always misses meetings with me? how to stop a new coworker’s drop-bys to chat when we’re busy 10 danger signs when you’re hiring new employees paying to find a job, ambiguous questions on job applications, and more my coworker hit me in the head while I was on a work call can I ask employers to let me know if they’re rejecting me? how to tell if a company culture will be a bad fit tattling at work, lost interview invites, and more my boss lied about missing our scheduled call, candidate black-lists, and more fired without reason, overly cutesy video interviews, and more a job candidate sent an invoice after her interview a job applicant stopped by with a plant and candy can a manager ask for “alone time” at work? who gets the miles for business travel, boss has one foot out the door, and more ridiculously detailed online job applications and why they suck how can I get my quiet, introverted boss to open up? my company told me to pick my own punishment, resumes with jokes, and more My boss gave me a bonus — from her own personal money. Should I accept it? should other people be allowed to use your office when you’re out? 5 things you didn’t know could hurt your career my manager hacked my email, an odd PTO policy, and more advice for a first-time job interviewer do I have to repay my sign-on bonus? your top 10 weirdest coworkers lost vacation time, bad rejection emails, and more do women have to wear makeup to look professional? I haven’t been paid in 2 months and was asked not to come in — have I been laid off? how to avoid working for a bad boss my manager offended my coworker, name-calling colleagues, and more short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Saturday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions May 2013 my recovery from an accident is impacting my work performance bringing snacks for your coworkers when you’re new on the job who was your weirdest coworker? my boss is being pushed out, a snorting coworker, and more should I let a fellow alum and rejected job applicant know what she’s doing wrong? how soon can you tell if a job isn’t right for you? open thread mug shots, buying knives for work, and more can you use sick leave to care for pets? an employer sent me rude, critical emails but now wants to interview me how to take vacation when it’s never a good time to leave work how to use a foot in the door, quitting a job you like, and more when there’s an error on your paycheck — in your favor my coworker sent a hostile resignation email to our team, and now wants me to attend a going-away party how can I coach an annoying employee? tiny answer Tuesday: 7 short answers to 7 short questions cold-calling companies and showing up in person to submit a resume my boss is always making out with his girlfriend at work ask the readers: who should replace the office water cooler jug? manager won’t return reference calls, dinged for not being social, and more how long to wait for a raise, pushing back a start date, and more what relocation help can I expect, explaining a tiny raise, and more 6 reader updates: where are they now? what to do when you’re put on a performance improvement plan my boss leaves her dogs in her car — can I do something? my boss knows I’m job-hunting, bad advice for rejected candidates, and more my employer says I’m immature for not trusting their promises how to get an employee to stop using baby talk in the office contacting employers through Facebook, getting a raise after 8 years, and more how can I back out of mentoring someone? how to tell a rude job candidate that I don’t want to interview him after all 5 lame excuses preventing you from finding a new job getting paid in pizza, asking for a raise via email, and more telling an employee she can’t bring her foster kids to work every day how can our church keep visitors from distracting our office staff? how much can I push my coworkers to use new technology? my boss is blocking access to the bathroom, disclosing depression, and more my new coworker is questioning and redoing my work I don’t want to cover the front desk anymore how to ruin your professional reputation praying in interviews, retaliation for asking for a raise, and more salary when you don’t know what the job is, illegal interview questions, and more calling back job applicants, looking like a suck-up, asking to be laid off, and more drowning, sleeping, hot Dr. Pepper, and other items of interest ask the readers: I think my boss stole my company iPad fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions should job applicants ask for references from their prospective managers? my job offer was pulled after I failed a drug test — that they’d earlier said I passed terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions should I take a pay cut to pay for much-needed software for my team? asking to telework when you have your period if you’re a recent grad, you’re probably making these mistakes in your job search wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how can I get a client to pay me on time? my dad is pushing me to handle a firing differently than I want to my manager wants me to take more responsibility for my mistakes tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions 40 6 things impacting your job performance – that you control mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Sunday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Saturday — six short answers to six short questions my boss wants to ban skirts, leggings, and v-necks for curvier women — but not for others company is requiring a reason before time off is granted — and is tracking it in a log fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how to help an employee become less long-winded my carpool driver is often late and talks on his phone while driving terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my coworker is taking cell phone photos of us during staff meetings do I have to contribute money for a baby shower at work? what your manager is thinking when you ask for a raise wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions please stop calling it a “big girl job” what to do when your employer illegally treats you as a contractor the worst career advice you ever received tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my boss blew up at me out of nowhere my stalkerish ex-boyfriend is applying for a job at my company what new grads need to know about job searching mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Saturday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions does supervising students count as “real” management experience? can salaried employees be required to fill out a timesheet? fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how to handle networking lunches when I no longer have an expense account is my strong personality keeping me from getting jobs? terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how early should I tell an employer about my long-distance marriage? what’s the worst career advice you ever received? 10 reasons no one wants you in their meetings wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions April 2013 should I just be grateful to have a job, even though I’m bored? can you ask for your own office as part of negotiating a job offer? how can I help employees adapt to frequent changes? tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions is it a red flag when your interviewer drinks a beer during your interview? how to fire an I.T. director who has passwords to everything how to answer “Where do you see yourself in five years?” mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Saturday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions I talk too much in meetings! open thread fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions why do companies make it so hard for employed candidates to interview? I think I went to a fake job interview how to ask for your old job back terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my rude and intrusive coworker makes me feel horrible why do employers ask for personal references rather than professional ones? stop annoying people on LinkedIn wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions what to do when a job candidate just reads answers from a script how to talk to an employee about body odor help! my department is ignoring our own security policies tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions asking for a raise when your job changes in your first month ask the readers: what to do if you’re not good at your job are you cut out to work from home? mini answer Monday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Saturday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions should I say “I turned down a job to take this interview”? should I display my degree in my office? fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how to deal with an overly eager junior colleague when candidates no-call, no-show for an interview — and then reapply terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions recruiters are sneering at my work on a political campaign interviewing when I look 5-6 months pregnant — but I’m not why you shouldn’t follow your passion wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions a candidate lied to me about salary (maybe) my employees are making mistakes, but I don’t want to micromanage how can I develop employees who can’t be promoted? tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions what should a farewell email to external colleagues say? I fell asleep on the job — on my first day what are the worst questions job interviewers ask? mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Sunday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how to address junior employees loudly complaining about their work my boss is requiring us to let him be our “life coach” fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions update from the reader who needed to fire someone who was trying hard how many interviews are too many? can I stop taking phone calls at work and direct everyone to email me? terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my manager is excluding me from important conversations to get hired, will I have to take a job outside my field? how to send a networking email that won’t be ignored wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my company requires employees to take an annual “team-building” trip to the Caribbean should your resume be in narrative form? a job candidate’s sister emailed me, asking me to hire him the best work advice you ever received It’s terse answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my unhappy coworker won’t stop complaining about our office how to tell a manager “I know what I’m doing” are you being too aggressive in your job search? mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions is it rude to resign over the phone? what are you supposed to ask new networking contacts anyway? fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions when should I insist on a consulting fee for my former employer’s questions? why don’t managers appreciate transferable skills? can staying at the same job too long hurt you? terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions company offered me a job but wants an answer the same day when my coworkers “work from home,” they’re not really working what’s the best career advice you ever got? wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how to resign when you’re about to go to a 3-day conference manager is forcing coworker to wear a wedding ring even though she’s not married I stepped down from a promotion and now my boss hates me want me to review your resume? terse answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions when you keep uncovering errors made by your well-loved predecessor ask the readers: what do people do at conferences? how much notice should you give when you resign? mini answer Monday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions March 2013 can you walk out of an interview before it starts? turning down an interview at a dysfunctional organization should you hug former colleagues when you see them at a job interview? asking your interviewer what’s next in the hiring process open thread fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions can you ask to meet future coworkers before accepting a new job? can you have blue hair at a job interview? after I resigned, my boss asked me to drive 1,000 miles at my own expense terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions new assistant already missed work her third day on the job why is it bad to sound naive when applying for jobs? red flags on your resume are turning employers off wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my employer might drop our health insurance — what can I do? is it okay to apply makeup in the bathroom at work? tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions what to do when you lose out on a promotion how flexible should you be when scheduling an interview? mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my mother says I should call employers daily for an interview what managers learn that workers don’t know my boss is dragging her feet on hiring my replacement we’re winners! short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions should you attach writing samples, transcripts, and other extra items when applying for a job? my interviewers want my boyfriend and me to have dinner with their wives fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions can I write to my wife’s boss and ask him to promote her? frustrated that I’m having trouble turning my internship into a job terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions restaurant wants waitresses to sign non-compete agreements my mentor might get demoted or fired — and I might be offered her job are you cut out to be a manager? wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my coworker’s husband hangs out in our office every afternoon — and cuddles with her how can I be a great reference for a former coworker? tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions recruiter said the position had been filled — but was it true? ask the readers: how should I follow up with a teary employee? ask the readers: how to overcome job search anxiety 5 sticky job searching conundrums and how to solve them mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my boss leads a clique that gossips about other staff — and now wants to have a “drunk sleepover” my interviewer wants to meet over lunch, and I’m freaking out! fast answer Friday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions update on the reference for the brilliant but abusive former manager should you be earning more money? these 3 people want to know. update on the networking group with the high-pressure sales tactics terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions does working for a small company harm your job search? my new employer is funded by my old employer — and they’re making me still work for them how to check on the status of your job application wee answer Wednesday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions getting to know your coworkers when you can’t hang out after work dealing with a coworker who hoards all the work you’re probably irritating your employees tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions update from the reader whose interviewer asked her to rate the interview on a scale of 1-10 my company promised me benefits that I haven’t been allowed to use order lunch for your office without hassle how to keep your sanity when you’re job searching mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Sunday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how to deal with a supply-stealing, boundary-violating coworker when your company wants to hijack your social media accounts fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions when is it too late to apply to a job opening that’s been posted for a while? you don’t need to wear a bra to answer the office phone a former employee is on a public vendetta against me terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions when a coworker constantly interrupts you in-person instead of emailing or calling my boss lied about my accomplishments to try to get me promoted snow day open thread 5 interview questions you should always be prepared to answer wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions update about dealing with the rumor mill when your boss is having an affair my bosses want to know how I’ll improve my performance … but I’m sleep deprived with a chronically ill child my company is promoting me without discussing salary tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions surprise visit from background investigator — at current workplace coworker is constantly eating, burping and watching YouTube videos 7 hours a day … and then asks for hugs mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions what to say when you ask for a raise is a promotion always good news? short answer Sunday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions update from the lazy coworker do you have a duty to warn job-seeking acquaintances about a bad boss? my boyfriend is getting work calls on his days off fast answer Friday — seven short answers to seven short questions February 2013 stop freaking out over Yahoo’s teleworking announcement I’m being asked to apply for the job I’ve already been doing interviewer asked me to rate my interview on a scale of 1 to 10 Ask a Manager is a finalist for the 2013 Bloggie Awards terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions should I apologize to my boss for crying in front of her? wee answer Wednesday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions 5 tough career lessons how to tell your manager that your team’s work quality sucks how many questions can you ask in a job interview? my coworker keeps butting into my new employee training my boss isn’t compassionate about my sick leave tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions why are some job openings posted over and over for months? is it time to close down college career centers? why you didn’t get hired mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Saturday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions a dose of perspective (in the form of an update) giving a reference for a brilliant but abusive former manager is your AOL or Hotmail address hurting your job search? how long should you wait when a hiring manager doesn’t call you when scheduled to? how to reach out to hiring managers who were referred to me should I take a job where my father works? terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions ask the readers: how to figure out what career you want how soon after starting a new job can you take a whole week off? what to do when your employer is breaking the law wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions when a potential mentor won’t respond to your emails should you listen to your gut when job-searching? how I can be more authoritative now that I’m a manager? tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions can this salary negotiation be saved? is it wrong to Google job candidates before interviewing them? mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions update from the reader who hated her job and wanted to wear jeans short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Saturday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions how to calculate how much work experience you have asking HR for advice about a second-round interview fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions 5460 update from the reader with the inexplicably creepy coworker I work the night shift with a creepy coworker coworker confronted me when I mistakenly assumed another coworker was his wife should we report husband’s ex-wife to her boss? a recruiter I met at career expo asked me on a date — what should I do? my bosses are having an affair with each other, and that’s not the only inappropriate socializing how to deal with a coworker who has a crush on you when a recruiter approaches you about a job but plays games on salary are your job references in order? is being a woman something you can use as a “selling point” in an interview? wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions alerting your new office that you have food allergies internship won’t let me use my work samples in a portfolio tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions your 10 most cringe-worthy career mistakes what does it mean when a job opening is reposted with a new deadline? how to fire someone for mediocre work when they’re trying hard the most confusing things about job searching mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions when you forget the interview question mid-answer should you follow your parents’ job search advice? fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions employer says I have to agree to a lower salary without negotiation in order to even interview is it bad to stay home from work due to weather? is it true that you should “ask for forgiveness, not permission”? terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions when an employer asks for salary history in your cover letter are you a job hopper? wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my new boss accidentally told everyone my salary more terrible ideas: your resume should not be an infographic dealing with a micromanaging peer tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions coworker smells and invades people’s space in meetings 5 things you might not have on your resume but should my boss won’t answer my emails returning to work after being a stay-at-home-mom where did I go wrong in this interviewing process? short answer Sunday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions job-searching when you’re a single parent speaking up when you’re unhappy and overwhelmed at work handling a pushy rejected job candidate stop applying without your resume January 2013 terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions ladies, be dainty when asking for a raise how to hire when you know an applicant personally husband’s new boss is overloading us with social invitations wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions what was your most cringe-worthy career mistake? how to respond to job rejection – and even make it work for you why oddball interview questions don’t work yes, your resume and cover letter really are the problem how can I contribute more at meetings when I’m new to my job? managing a chatty employee when you need shorter answers can a prospective employer tip off my boss that I’m job-searching? how long should you wait on a conference call when no one else has joined? I’d be the only woman at a team-building event at my boss’s remote lake house 10 phrases that don’t belong in your cover letter does my new job expect me to wear expensive designer clothes? short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions did I blow this written test in a job interview? short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my coworker calls me rude when I’m simply being direct open thread fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions signs that you’re the problem how honest and open should you be in interviews? my boss is always late for meetings terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions dealing with a coworker’s loud personal phone calls do you need to include months when listing job dates on your resume? employee is making sexually suggestive remarks — to his boss how to overcome your fear of negotiating salary wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how to apply for a job you’re not fully qualified for how to tell a coworker to stop commenting on my hours saying hello and goodbye to coworkers: distracting or polite? tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions asking about mental health in an interview an interview with me, nominations, etc. ask the readers: how can I work better with recruiters? 10 most embarrassing networking stories short answer Sunday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions I’m afraid I’m going to be assigned to the wrong work team is this employer signaling that they plan to offer me a job? my boss retaliated against me in my performance evaluation after I talked to H.R. coworker is collecting women’s phone numbers under false pretenses fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how to respond to comments about weight in the office terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions company wants me to relocate … to Alaska! when should salary be discussed in a hiring process? (part 2) how can I help my unhappy boss? dumb interviewing convention #45: you will sin against God if you ask what a job pays what to think about before you quit your job wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions can I ask for a raise when I haven’t been doing a great job? night owl with new early bird work schedule gender politics and cleaning up after meetings tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions think you’re applying for your “dream job”? think again! mini answer Monday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions my coworker is complaining to my boss that my morale is low, when it’s not are you being lazy in your job search? how to avoid alcohol at dinner interviews short answer Sunday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Saturday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions male coworker won’t stop staring at me ask the readers: how to encourage someone unemployed to begin a job search fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions how to address screwing up in your past can we ask a potentially contagious coworker to contain his germs? my coworker watches porn in our shared office terse answer Thursday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions when your interviewer criticizes your clothes, interviewing in bad weather, and more clothing questions I wasn’t even considered for my manager’s job when she left 8 ways to help a job-searching friend or relative wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions should I disclose my transportation issues when I’m interviewing? HR director’s wellness program is invasive and sexist tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions employee wanting to learn a new skill won’t take no for an answer layoffs looming and baby on the way 6 career myths you shouldn’t fall for what you missed while you were gone short answer Sunday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions short answer Saturday: 7 short answers to 7 short questions update from the reader whose company started an annoying initiative involving health and religion how to list the dates of your current job on your resume visitors to our office are out-of-control — and I’m in trouble for it! fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions creepy coworkers, difficult managers, and more: 4 more reader updates 4 reader updates: swimsuit photos on the company laptop, annoying carpool, and more following up on my manager’s promise to try to get me a raise someone sent a dirty email from my work account — but it wasn’t me! when a coworker won’t say no wee answer Wednesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions what should I say to my boss when coworkers tattle on me? should you disclose that you’re fat when you’re job-searching? how to handle an out-of-town interview tiny answer Tuesday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions where are they now: 3 more reader updates employers that ask for references but never call them