should you interview for a job you know you won’t take? by Alison Green on September 10, 2012 A reader writes: I just moved to a suburb outside a big city, and I am 85% sure that I don’t want to commute to work in the city because it will be about 1.5 hours each way. I’ve always lived a short subway ride or walk away from work and I value my sleep […] Read the full article →
my boss’s colleague wants me to return his phone calls for him by Alison Green on September 10, 2012 Here’s a different spin on a recent question. A reader writes: I’m not the admin from the earlier post about borrowing an assistant, but it did encourage me to ask about this. I am the executive assistant at a large hotel. Since we have a number of departments and only a few admins, my boss, […] Read the full article →
my coworkers are making me look like the office slacker by Alison Green on September 10, 2012 A reader writes: I work in a small office. Me, two coworkers, and our boss. My position is special because even though we all report to Boss, I am also the unofficial office manager — so I answer the phones, receive visitors, etc. This means if I’m going to be even 5 minutes late, I […] Read the full article →
7 things your interviewer doesn’t care about by Alison Green on September 10, 2012 Job hunting is stressful, but job seekers often make it more stressful than it needs to be, by agonizing over details that most employers don’t care about at all. Here are seven of the most common things that job seekers often stress over – but shouldn’t spend any time worrying about. 1. How you address […] Read the full article →
can my significant other and I apply for the same jobs? by Alison Green on September 9, 2012 This question is timely, because I just created a new category in the archives: spouses and significant others. In it, you’ll find past questions about everything from dating at work to not using your ex as a job reference and more. Now, on to our question… A reader writes: My significant other and I are […] Read the full article →
short answer Sunday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions by Alison Green on September 9, 2012 It’s short answer Sunday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. Why are employers asking about gaps between jobs? I have noticed a lot of job applications and interviewers ask a question like “Please explain any time you have lost in the last year.” Is this a way to find […] Read the full article →
my company isn’t paying us by Alison Green on September 8, 2012 A reader writes: I work for a startup company and money is running out. Over the last year there have been several instances where the owner cannot make payroll and we are not getting paid. The first time, we didn’t get paid for over a month. This was eventually made up (with a bit extra for […] Read the full article →
short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions by Alison Green on September 8, 2012 It’s short answer Saturday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. Can I apply for a job now but not start until May? I am a current senior set to graduate college the first weekend in May 2013. I have always been ambitious and always have a job. Naturally, I’m […] Read the full article →
how do I ask the CEO if I can “borrow” his assistant for my projects? by Alison Green on September 7, 2012 A reader writes: I am eight days into a new job. It is a rather large corporation. When I was hired, I inquired about an assistant to answer my calls, emails, etc., because I had one at my previous job. My boss, the CEO, mentioned they would look into this after a month or so […] Read the full article →
I don’t want my office giving out my cell number to coworkers by Alison Green on September 7, 2012 A reader writes: I have a question about personal contact information at my company. I work in a relatively small office (~25 people), and we have an extension list that also includes everyone’s cell phone numbers (not paid for by the company — our personal cell phones). I just started, so I just got listed. […] Read the full article →