2009

helping an employee with bad communication skills

A reader writes: Like you, I work at a nonprofit. I am executive director and have a staff of two great employees. I have a new employee who always uses a big word when a smaller word would do. I would not say a word except that it sometimes makes it hard to understand what […]

Read the full article →

no, I will not

No, I will not write your resume objective for you. If you don’t know your objective, I certainly don’t, and anyway, I don’t even believe in resume objectives. No, I will not give you the answer for your school paper. You should probably do some research. No, I will not critique your resume for you. […]

Read the full article →

would you fire this woman?

Politico has an incredible account today of a congressional staffer who freaked out on someone she didn’t know who called her “Liz” instead of “Elizabeth” in an email. And by freaked out, I mean had a 19-email exchange with her, lambasting her for the mistake, when the person was just seeking a meeting for her […]

Read the full article →

when you manage a bad manager

A reader writes: I own a beauty supply business. My problem is that the manager I’ve hired doesn’t seem to be doing a good job with managing the employees. I work on his days off and admit that the workers are a bit lazy. When I do tell them what it is they have to […]

Read the full article →

how the recession has changed hiring – for employers

I suspect hiring managers everywhere could tell you exactly when the economy imploded: Starting last fall, I started seeing dramatic differences in the hiring process from the employer’s side. Everyone knows how the recession has impacted job-seekers — there are fewer jobs and lots more competition — but here’s what it looks like from an […]

Read the full article →

dropping off your resume in person

A reader writes: What type of cover letter should you write to go with your resume when you are going to drop off your resume at several different companies? I have several years experience in the loan processing field and want to go to companies in this field and ask if it is ok to […]

Read the full article →

accepted job offer but still waiting to hear on another

A reader writes: I was contacted by Firm A, a place that I’ve freelanced with in the past, and have always been on excellent terms. They flew me out twice, and I interviewed with over 15 people and to a person felt a very good connection and fit. But I totally understand that they may […]

Read the full article →

new boss may face resentment from old employee

A reader writes: I’m starting a new office management position where I will be “the boss.” My new boss wants a clear cut idea of how I will be walking in and starting off. According to my new boss, one of the people working there may have some resentment toward me — I am replacing […]

Read the full article →

a new home for the Carnival of HR

As many of you know, the Carnival of HR was started by the Evil HR Lady in February 2007 and quickly grew into a popular compilation of recent posts from the best of the HR and management blogging community. In September of last year, I became its temporary foster parent. And now we’re turning it […]

Read the full article →