does the font on your resume matter? what if it’s Comic Sans? by Alison Green on August 31, 2009 A reader writes: A friend of mine has asked me to critique his paper resume and cover letter. Both documents used Comic Sans font. I suggested he use something more businesslike, such as Arial, but he’s sold on Comic Sans. To me, Comic Sans sends the implicit message “I think this is a joke” or, […] Read the full article →
how to stay on an employer’s radar after a job rejection by Alison Green on August 31, 2009 A reader writes: I had a great interview with a company, but unfortunately did not get the job because they wanted someone with more experience. The HR manager said to check in with her from time to time. What is the best way to do this without seeming pushy? What is the best thing to […] Read the full article →
can job offer be rescinded over a misunderstanding? by Alison Green on August 29, 2009 A reader writes: My husband has been offered a new contract via email. His response was: “With all honesty I cannot but accept this offer.” The employer replied:“I don’t know how to interpret your reply, but what I understand is that you decline the offer.” He replied to this email clarifying that his answer was […] Read the full article →
should I tell recruiters I was laid off? by Alison Green on August 28, 2009 A reader writes: I just graduated in December, and started work in January. The company lost a large contract, and my site had to lay off 20% of the work force, myself included. Any recruiter is going to ask why I left, and a friend of a friend who works for a staffing agency said […] Read the full article →
manager asking me to discipline my coworkers by Alison Green on August 28, 2009 A reader writes: Several of the employees of my office (including myself) have been approached by our department manager, who has asked us to talk with specific employees about their attendance, personal phone calls, hygiene, etc. I feel this is the manager’s job to do but he has become down right insistent that we “handle” […] Read the full article →
can I use my ex as a job reference? by Alison Green on August 26, 2009 A reader writes: On the application I have been asked to return immediately before what appears to be my final interview, it asks for three references that are not relatives or former employers. I would like to use my ex-wife, but I am concerned if this may be acceptable from the eyes of a recruiter. […] Read the full article →
offer changed once I was on the job by Alison Green on August 26, 2009 A reader writes: I just finished my second week in my “dream job,” but there are some complications, and I’m not sure how to proceed. The job required moving from the Midwest to the West coast; I both received the job offer and accepted it by phone. At the time of offer, I was offered […] Read the full article →
why I am losing at interview phone tag? by Alison Green on August 25, 2009 A reader writes: I wondered if perhaps you could shed some light on a situation that I’ve just encountered for the second time since I got laid off last October. I received a call late Tuesday afternoon and was not somewhere that it was convenient for me to take a professional phone call. The caller […] Read the full article →
how to deal with job rejection by Alison Green on August 25, 2009 If you’re a job seeker in this economy, in addition to knowing how to write a good cover letter, talk winningly about your accomplishments, and follow up without being too stalkerish, you’ll probably need another skill too — dealing with rejection after applying for a job, maybe even one you really wanted and thought you […] Read the full article →
contracting vs. full-time job by Alison Green on August 23, 2009 A reader writes: About 9 months ago I was let go from a great full-time contracting position I held for three years with a large corporation. At the time, the company was laying off hundreds of employees and contractors like myself were the first to go, and I was sad to leave the work and […] Read the full article →