is referring to an orgy in my cover letter going to hurt me? by Alison Green on August 15, 2011 A reader writes: I was applying to jobs in advertising and I put the following paragraph in my cover letter. I haven’t been contacted by a single agency and, after reviewing my cover letter, I am concerned that putting the word “orgy” in the letter might have been inappropriate: “Although I enjoy my current role […] Read the full article →
should my employee be able to cancel days off at the last minute? by Alison Green on August 14, 2011 A reader writes: If an employee takes days for vacation off weeks in advance, but then less then half a week before going on vacation, they want to work some of those days after all because the weather will be bad … should they be allowed to come into work or should they not be […] Read the full article →
the 8 weirdest questions I’ve ever been asked by Alison Green on August 12, 2011 Career advice columnists get asked some pretty strange questions at times. In between the usual inquiries about how to deal with a micromanaging boss or the best way to ask for a raise, we sometimes hear from people with much more, uh, specific queries. For the past four years, I’ve been fielding all sorts of […] Read the full article →
fast answer Friday: 8 fast answers to 8 fast questions by Alison Green on August 12, 2011 It’s fast answer Friday (so named by JamieH): eight short answers to eight short questions. We’ve got ex-boyfriends giving bad job references, a manager pressuring an employee to take extra shifts, and more. Here we go… Attaching a cover letter when using an online application system I’ve noticed that a lot of company websites require […] Read the full article →
resume offer ends tomorrow by Alison Green on August 11, 2011 Just a heads-up that my resume review offer will end at midnight EST on Friday (tomorrow). So if you want it, get it now! Also, I need a synonym for “short” that begins with an F. Read the full article →
my employer says I missed the deadline for an internal job posting — but outsiders can still apply by Alison Green on August 11, 2011 A reader writes: I am currently in a duel with my employer regarding a 10-day internal job posting policy, which states internal candidates must apply to job postings within that 10-day window and will not be eligible for consideration beyond that time. The position was posted on 6/16 and according to HR remained posted until […] Read the full article →
what do reference-checkers ask? by Alison Green on August 10, 2011 I promised recently to write a post about what types of questions reference-checkers ask, and I’ve realized that I have a shortcut that I can use: The Management Center has a great mini-guide to checking references, which includes suggested questions to ask. My reference questions are very similar to theirs, and they’ve already written theirs […] Read the full article →
should I be upset with my friend for taking a job I had applied for? by Alison Green on August 9, 2011 A reader writes: I need help deciding if it is appropriate for me to be upset with a situation that occurred. I have a long-time social friend who happens to be in the same VERY niche area of work as I am, but for different companies. We talk frequently and meet up one or two […] Read the full article →
should I send a basket of treats to my new employer? by Alison Green on August 9, 2011 First, a quick reminder: If you’re interested in having me review your resume, sign up soon since the offer won’t last long! A reader writes: I just got hired for an amazing position and I’m really excited about starting work there in a few weeks. The interview process was really long and involved a lot […] Read the full article →
salary negotiation, appearing authoritative, kitchens, and more by Alison Green on August 8, 2011 Here are links to a few articles I’ve found interesting lately … plus, I’m happy to announce that my new kitchen is finished at last! Photos are here and here. 1. This is a great post from someone who hires for a living (I can’t tell if she’s a hiring manager or HR) about how women […] Read the full article →