you suck at hiring. let’s make you better. by Alison Green on March 9, 2012 Even though building the right team of people is one of the most important things managers do, way too many managers get it wrong. They give lip service to the idea that having the right people is key, but then they don’t do the things that should stem from that belief, like firing employees who […] Read the full article →
how to be an awesome hard-ass by Alison Green on March 8, 2012 A reader writes: In a post recently, you described yourself as “blunt, assertive, kind of a hard-ass, and not a sugar-coater,” which is awesome. This is exactly the sort of person I want to be in my professional life. The thing is, I’m only just starting out in my career and I’m currently more wide-eyed, just trying to absorb […] Read the full article →
reader update: the company with too many parties and gifts by Alison Green on March 8, 2012 Remember the reader last month whose company had constant, unending parties that employees were expected to attend and contribute to, as well as multiple gift-giving occasions to participate in and even float-making contests? The letter-writer was annoyed and concerned about the impact on her own finances and everyone’s productivity. Here’s her update: Just wanted to […] Read the full article →
wee answer Wednesday: 7 short answers to 7 short questions by Alison Green on March 7, 2012 It’s wee answer Wednesday — seven short answers to seven short questions. And this could be called the “just be straightforward” edition. Here we go… 1. I know that my boss is being let go, but she doesn’t know My boss and I share similar interests and on several occasions have gone out of town […] Read the full article →
job search rules you should break by Alison Green on March 7, 2012 Job search advice that worked in the past isn’t always advice that you should still follow today. In fact, some of it can actually hurt your chances of getting interviews and job offers. Here are 10 job search rules that you should go ahead and break. 1. Limit your resume to one page. While you might […] Read the full article →
I think my coworker may be stalking me by Alison Green on March 6, 2012 A reader writes: I started a new position in November and I really couldn’t be happier. There is nothing that I dislike about my company and most of my coworkers. I have a ton of autonomy and am growing so much professionally. There is one person who makes me uncomfortable though. I am the youngest […] Read the full article →
should I tell a job candidate that near-nude shots on her MySpace page are hurting her prospects? by Alison Green on March 6, 2012 A reader writes: I’m a hiring manager in the creative industry. As part of the review process, I’ll do a quick Google search of each applicant. This usually brings up LinkedIn and/or a portfolio website. Sometimes, I’ll stumble across a cooking blog or travel photos on Flickr. I believe it’s important to maintain a work-life […] Read the full article →
what to do about a bad job reference by Alison Green on March 5, 2012 Many job-seekers mistakenly believe that employers aren’t allowed to give a negative reference or to do more than confirm dates of employment. But in fact, it’s perfectly legal for an employer to give a detailed negative reference as long as it’s factually accurate. And while it’s true that some companies have policies that they will […] Read the full article →
coworker and I are in trouble for public email dispute by Alison Green on March 5, 2012 A reader writes: In my office of several hundred lawyers, it is common for people to send jokes and charity calls to closed email groups. I sent an email charity call to my fellow trainees (about 30-40 people), and a colleague sent a reply-all that just said “*delete*”. This colleague has a habit of replying to group emails with […] Read the full article →
giving a dishonest good reference to get rid of an employee by Alison Green on March 4, 2012 A reader writes: The director of my department refuses to fire or discipline poor performers and troublemakers because she hates having to go through the process of hiring someone new. One of these bad employees (does everything possible to avoid doing her job, makes false complaints about her coworkers) is currently looking for a new […] Read the full article →