October 2012

how to deal with a bossy coworker

A reader writes: One of my coworkers in my department is constantly telling me what to do, and it’s driving me crazy! She does not give suggestions, she gives orders. She also disagrees with me on everything and insists on always having her way. When I say everything, I do mean everything, both for things […]

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8 things you should never say to a job interviewer

Make sure you don’t blow your interview by letting one of these eight interview-killing statements slip during your interview. 1. “Sorry I’m late; it’s hard to find a reliable babysitter.” First, you shouldn’t be late. But beyond that, don’t make statements that will make employers worry that you’ll have trouble keeping your family commitments from […]

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short answer Sunday — 6 short answers to 6 short questions

It’s short answer Sunday — six short answers to six short questions. Here we go… 1. Might have stated salary expectations incorrectly I do have a question regarding a conversation I had with a recruiter during the phone interview. It might be silly and I’m over-thinking it. It is for a 6-month contract position and […]

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short answer Saturday – 6 short answers to 6 short questions

It’s short answer Saturday — six short answers to six short questions. Here we go… 1. Missed a phone interview due to technical problems I’m in the process of going through a series of phone screens before (hopefully) meeting someone in person. This company has offices around the country, and I’m screening with people performing […]

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are interview thank-you notes going out of style?

A reader writes: I emailed you a bit ago about creating an audio clip in a resume which you suggested to not do because no one would take the time to hear it. Now I’m in a position where I hire, I TOTALLY see why… I’d find it annoying and I’d probably delete it. Anyway, […]

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fast answer Friday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions

It’s fast answer Friday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. I don’t want to cover the front desk if I get promoted Recently, a great opportunity has come up with another department in my company. I applied for it and interviewed yesterday. I know I don’t have the job […]

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how to explain lack of availability to clients

A reader writes: I’m wondering how much of an explanation I owe clients for lack of availability. Outside of my regular full time employment, I do what’s coined as “respite” or “community support” for children with special needs. Respite is basically babysitting, and community support is supporting children in community settings such as swimming lessons […]

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you suck at firing people

Firing an employee s one of the hardest parts of a manager’s job … but it’s also one of the most important, because having the right people – and only the right people – on your staff will make a huge difference in how effective you are and how much you’re able to accomplish. In […]

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ask the readers: when a coworker is being picked on

Here’s another question I’m throwing out to the readers to help answer. A reader writes: My office seems to be a huge fan of the snark. They are constantly ribbing each other, making jokes, having debates about whatever topic is in the news etc. I’ve kind of been ostracised by the main part of the […]

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