the post in which I accuse everyone of incompetence by Alison Green on September 3, 2009 A reader writes: Why are recruiters idiots, he asks in absolute frustration? I talked to a recruiter today that didn’t let me continue the application process or talk to me after learning I didn’t have a specific experience on my resume. I’m a programmer, and this is experience that A) is not coding and B) […] Read the full article →
listing yourself as a job reference by Alison Green on September 3, 2009 I need to call your immediate attention to this comment from M. left on a recent post: In the last year, many (candidates) have been listing their mothers as references, and I even had one student last week list HERSELF as a reference. Has anyone else ever seen this? Listing yourself as a reference is […] Read the full article →
career counselor is advising me to lie by Alison Green on September 1, 2009 A reader writes: I was told by a career counselor that if asked in an interview why I left my previous job I should answer that I was laid off. I was actually fired, but the company did not dispute my claim for unemployment so I am now collecting. I feel to tell an interviewer […] Read the full article →
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can job offer be rescinded over a misunderstanding?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 →