after starting job, found out pay was lower than I’d asked for by Alison Green on July 30, 2010 A reader writes: I was recently hired for a small retail gig while trying to make my way through college. I asked for $X amount on my application, and after I’d already been hired, my new manager said something along the lines of, “Oh, and I noticed you wanted $X.” And they started me about […] Read the full article →
why am I getting calls about jobs outside my field of interest? by Alison Green on July 30, 2010 A reader writes: I am currently looking for jobs online and have posted my resume on several job sites. I have received messages from potential employers regarding jobs for sales positions, but my resume states that I am currently looking for work in the clerical/administrative field. Why would a potential employer contact me for a […] Read the full article →
is it cheesy to send a thank-you on animal-themed stationary? by Alison Green on July 30, 2010 A reader writes: I recently applied for a job at an animal care facility, and I made sure to note in my cover letter than I’m a compassionate animal (and people) person in hopes that this will show my personality and also put my resume at the top of the pile. If (hopefully when) I […] Read the full article →
how long should a job be advertised? by Alison Green on July 28, 2010 A reader writes: I work for a public library system and part of my job includes helping library directors and library boards (often at very small public libraries) with personnel management questions. I read your blog every day and find and use and recommend it all the time. One of the things that happens too […] Read the full article →
my boss asks job candidates about their marital status, children, and church! by Alison Green on July 27, 2010 A reader writes: Recently, I sat in on an interview with the VP of our department, and the questions he asked potential candidates included, “Are you married? Do you have any children? What are your activities? Are you involved in your church or activities such as scouting?” How do I address the fact that these […] Read the full article →
interviewing again after a prior unsuccessful interview by Alison Green on July 25, 2010 A reader writes: A few months ago, I interviewed for an auditor position with my local county government. The interview didn’t go all that well (I tend to get nervous and babble too much, also I was ultimately not as good a match for the position compared to other candidates) and I wound up not being selected. I was […] Read the full article →
is having “company president” on my resume hurting me? by Alison Green on July 25, 2010 A reader writes: I’m having trouble getting interviewed and I feel my resume is to blame, but I think my unique situation may also share some of that trouble. My husband and I own a small construction company. I’m actually majority owner, and we employ between five to 15 employees depending on our job load. My actual duties […] Read the full article →
how can I convince my husband I can’t accept a job offer on his behalf? by Alison Green on July 23, 2010 A reader posted the following yesterday in the comments section on a post from February: My husband was offered a job position where I work. We got into a huge argument today because I wouldn’t do him a favor and call my boss to say he accepts the position. I was telling him how unprofessional […] Read the full article →
congratulations, you’ve won the chance to promote online diploma mills! by Alison Green on July 23, 2010 About a week ago, I received an email from Emma Lee of “Awarding the Web,” telling me that I had been named a 2010 Top 40 Human Resources Blog. All I had to do to “claim” my award was to agree to post the award badge on my site. She added, “If you choose not […] Read the full article →
how do I state my desired salary range in a cover letter? by Alison Green on July 23, 2010 A reader writes: I am having trouble including my salary requirements on cover letters from a wording standpoint — every way I word my desired salary, the sentence looks ackward. I have always experienced writers’ block on this segment of a cover letter. How do I include my salary range without making it sound like […] Read the full article →