jobs that require a time-consuming exercise before you can even apply by Alison Green on May 3, 2022 A reader writes: What are your thoughts on tests that are required as part of a job application? I work in marketing/content creation and even though I have a portfolio of samples of my writing work, I have no qualms about generating new material if an employer is truly considering me for a job. Occasionally […] Read the full article →
how can I find a job in another state without moving there first? by Alison Green on April 19, 2022 A reader writes: I got my master’s degree last year and have been fully immersed in job searching since then. I desperately want to move out of my state and am sending resumes and cover letters all over the country. I have stated clearly on both my resume and cover letter that I am willing […] Read the full article →
how do you learn what types of jobs exist? by Alison Green on April 14, 2022 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: When you’re trying to make a major career pivot, how do you even learn what sort of jobs are out there? For context: In 2014, I enrolled in a seven-year grad program with the goal of becoming a college professor. I was passionate about teaching, […] Read the full article →
should I tell my boss I’m job-searching? by Alison Green on March 8, 2022 A reader writes: I have a question about how much notice to give my boss before leaving my role. While I have not received any offers of employment yet, I have begun to actively apply for jobs. My boss, with whom I have a very close working relationship, had previously asked me to give her […] Read the full article →
can you frame time off to care for a baby as a “sabbatical”? by Alison Green on March 1, 2022 A reader writes: This is kind of a pedantic question, so I hope you have time to indulge it: What would your reaction be to a job applicant who referred to a period of unemployment (a sort of de facto maternity leave) as a sabbatical? This doesn’t apply to me, but I came across someone […] Read the full article →
are employers really so eager to hire right now? by Alison Green on January 6, 2022 We keep hearing that employers are desperate, can’t find good workers, and jobs are going unfilled … so if you’re currently job-searching, how does that match up with your own experience? Based on my mail, lots of people are still getting ignored by employers … or offered laughably low salaries … or seeing ads requiring […] Read the full article →
job seekers are ghosting employers … just like employers have done to them for years by Alison Green on October 25, 2021 In today’s topsy-turvy job market, a strange new thing is happening: Employers are increasingly grumbling about job seekers “ghosting” them. These job candidates just don’t show up for their scheduled interviews. And in some cases, they accept a job only to disappear. Employers don’t like this. But they’ve been doing this to workers for years, […] Read the full article →
when the red flags are even more ominous than you know… by Alison Green on October 14, 2021 In 2014, I received this letter. I get more mail than I can answer, and this one didn’t end up getting published. But read on, because there’s a twist coming. After following your cover letter and resume advice, I landed an interview for a position I would love to have. It is similar to my […] Read the full article →
employer says candidates must accept the job if it’s offered by Alison Green on October 11, 2021 A reader writes: I recently was referred to a job posting by a friend in my industry. While I am happily employed, it was definitely something I would consider. However, the posting ended with the line, “It is understood that any candidate applying for a full-time position will accept employment. Please do not apply if […] Read the full article →
how to make waiting to hear back about a job more bearable by Alison Green on October 7, 2021 A reader writes: I have a question about waiting to hear back about a job. I have been in the process of applying for a new position. I’ve had three interviews with the company, I know someone who works there who gave me a strong recommendation, and my background matches the position very well. Two […] Read the full article →