networking

Ugh, networking. It’s actually not as terrible as you think. Mostly.

conference schedules are too F’ing long

A reader writes: I’m attending a professional conference this week and it struck me that super long conference schedules are not something I’ve seen discussed on the blog. Here is an example: The conference I am attending has optional workout events starting at 6:30 in the morning. Breakfast starts at 8 and runs until 9, […]

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can I ask coworkers why they didn’t hire my daughter?

A reader writes: My daughter applied for a job at the firm where I’m currently employed, in a department supervised by three very good friends of mine. I’ve known them all for over 20 years. I consider them great coworkers and friends. My neighbor also applied for the job. My neighbor has been out of […]

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does posting sob stories on LinkedIn hurt your job search?

A reader writes: I work in a field that has been heavily affected by layoffs in the past year. I have been lucky and managed to maintain work, but many talented people I know have not been so lucky. My question is about whether posting depressing, sad posts on social media, especially LinkedIn, affects your […]

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I don’t want to help rude networkers

A reader writes: I’ve been in my industry for eight years now. From the outside, it’s a very cool area to work in (and mostly it is…) and it’s definitely more on the map as a career path than it was when I started. Lots of grads are very interested in a job like mine, […]

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how do I turn down a persistent favor-asker?

A reader writes: About a year and a half ago, I agreed to have coffee with a company intern who was finishing up her internship and preparing to graduate. I did this as a favor to a colleague — this intern never did any work with my team or department and we never interacted prior […]

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how to tell a pushy networker to back off

A reader writes: I’m increasingly finding myself in a place where newer professionals are asking to talk about getting started after school, or asking for advice. I always jump at the chance to help however I can and I’m universally flattered when anyone asks to meet with me. I’m struggling, however, with one person who […]

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what are your best tips for attending professional conferences?

It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I have a question that seems like it would be well-suited for an Ask the Readers. I am looking for tips about attending professional conferences. In particular, I am a grad student who is entering a new field and there is a one-day conference that […]

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