how to handle requests for salary history by Alison Green on November 29, 2009 A reader writes: I am searching for a new position and more than half of listings require salary history. Not even requirements but history, which I think is completely unjust and I typically do not give out because a) it’s confidential, b) it’s excessive in wanting to know about the applicant and c) if my […] Read the full article →
when you can’t recommend a friend for a job by Alison Green on November 29, 2009 A reader writes: I have a friend (kinda) who applied for a position at the hotel I work at. It would be working directly with me. I did not and would not recommend her for this position. I know she is not a good fit. She applied, put my name down, and got an interview. […] Read the full article →
should I include an audio clip with my resume? by Alison Green on November 25, 2009 A reader writes: I had an idea which I wanted to bounce off of you. I was thinking one way I could make myself different from the rest of the pack is a quick audio overview of myself; sort of an elevator speech directed at the organization I am interested in. I am looking to […] Read the full article →
is using “we” in an interview presumptuous? by Alison Green on November 25, 2009 A reader writes: In a job interview, I have been asked questions based on scenarios (i.e., “What would you do if…” or “How would you handle…” with specific situations or projects that are actually going on at the organization or are coming up). I often catch myself answering using “we” as if I’m already part […] Read the full article →
Why performance reviews deserve a better rap by Alison Green on November 23, 2009 Performance evaluations sometimes get a bad rap by people who see them as a bureaucratic waste of time. And yes, if you treat performance evaluations as a waste of time, an exercise you just have to get through so you can say it was done, that’s exactly what it’ll be. But when done right, by […] Read the full article →
former boss is waging campaign of harassment against me by Alison Green on November 23, 2009 A reader writes: I used to be quite good friends with my immediate manager; I met her through her brother, who I was very close to, and for a while we actually lived together. Then it all fell to pieces. On a personal level, we had a falling out (she stole a large amount of […] Read the full article →
accepted a job; do I need to notify other places I applied? by Alison Green on November 20, 2009 A reader writes: I got a job that I really wanted and I’m happy and grateful. My question is what’s the best way to let other prospective employers know? These are places where I put in resumes, but haven’t gotten interviews. (If I had interviewed for another job and was still waiting, I would call […] Read the full article →
how not to pitch a blogger: for publicists by Alison Green on November 20, 2009 Thank you, but no, I do not want to receive a free copy of your book to review, or interview the author who you’re promoting, or reprint your press release about your product. As you may notice from reading my blog, I’ve never promoted a book (well, except my own), interviewed an author, or reprinted […] Read the full article →
no one told me my coworker was fired by Alison Green on November 18, 2009 A reader writes: Yesterday I found out through coworkers that one of our managers left/was fired (closer to the latter, I think… I have heard he was in a “you need to show improvement in three months” situation which ended this week). His name is still on his office, and his things are still here, […] Read the full article →
employee potluck lunches, with allergies by Alison Green on November 16, 2009 A reader writes: I am a third grade elementary school teacher and our school holds a “potluck” lunch for the staff every other Friday. Due to my numerous and severe food allergies, I have politely excused myself from attending these gatherings and therefore I do not sign up to contribute. Since the economic downturn, it […] Read the full article →