how can I network with a potential employer in front of my boss and coworkers? by Alison Green on May 12, 2010 A reader writes: I’ve worked at a very small non-profit for nearly 2.5 years. It was my first “real” job out of college and I’ve learned a ton. I’m ready for a new challenge because I’ve realized that I will never move up within this organization – it’s simply too small and there’s nowhere to […] Read the full article →
how to turn down a job offer by Alison Green on May 12, 2010 A reader writes: I know you write a lot about rejecting candidates for job offers. Do you have any sound advice for the best way for a candidate to reject a job offer when it’s not the position for them? As always, straightforward is good. Thank them for the offer, but say that you’ve decided […] Read the full article →
and the contest winner is… by Alison Green on May 11, 2010 The winner of the worst interview contest is … Jennifer, who ended her interview covered in poop. (Please note that the last time I ran a contest, the winner worked e.coli into her answer. Are you seeing a pattern here?) Jennifer, please email me and I’ll get you hooked up with your prize. And thank you […] Read the full article →
how can I stop being so nervous in job interviews? by Alison Green on May 11, 2010 A reader writes: I have approximately ten years of administrative and clerical experience. On the other hand, I interrupted the career trajectory in order to pursue a baccalaureate degree. Now that college is over, I am rusty with interviewing (my skills are not due to temporary assignments). During the couple of interviews I have received, […] Read the full article →
is my transgender coworker using the right bathroom? by Alison Green on May 7, 2010 A reader writes: I have a question of how/if/when transgender coworkers get to be treated as such in the workplace. Specifically, there is a man in our office (widely known as such) who wears women’s clothing, hairstyles, shoes, makeup, etc. every day, and refers to himself as “she”. Some women in the office have been […] Read the full article →
what was your worst interview? by Alison Green on May 7, 2010 When I was 21, I interviewed for a job as a “bulletin board administrator.” This was in 1995, when the Internet was just starting to become mainstream, and online “bulletin boards” were as common as blogs are now. I had never used the Internet. But the 21-year-old me was an idiot and I figured I […] Read the full article →
coworker won’t stop sulking after I turned down a date by Alison Green on May 6, 2010 A reader writes: I moved to my current role in late November last year. Many of the other employees have known each other for years and socialize together out of work. In principle I prefer to keep my work and personal lives separate, but I will go to lunch from time to time and to […] Read the full article →
recruiter won’t answer questions and wants to rewrite my resume by Alison Green on May 5, 2010 A reader writes: I saw a blind ad (no company name provided) and sent my resume and introductory email. Within an hour, I received an email expressing interest by a recruiter followed by a voicemail. The initial email said “your resume is great.” I sent an email to the recruiter and asked if I could […] Read the full article →
seriously? by Alison Green on May 5, 2010 Here’s a tip: If you’re writing to busy people and asking for them to answer questions for your master’s project, which is due five hours from the time of your email, you are already screwed. Read the full article →
how do I avoid my evil boss’s going-away party? by Alison Green on May 5, 2010 A reader writes: So my horrible boss is finally leaving (and the villagers rejoiced). She’s doing it in a remarkably unethical way (we’re going through some restructuring and she’s submitting all her plans as if she’s staying: once they are approved, committing the company to certain things that give her more flexibility, she’s going to […] Read the full article →