2012

responding graciously to a job rejection

A reader writes: I wanted to give you a happy endings story. After 2 months of interviews for what was a dream internship, I found out on Friday that I didn’t get the job. I was slightly devastated, but having read almost every article you’ve posted, I knew I needed to send a genuine thank-you […]

Read the full article →

my boss is a jerk and refuses to speak to me

A reader writes: I am a science technician in a secondary school working in the Chemistry and Physics Departments. For the past 2 years, I have had to put up with belittling and rude comments from the Head of Physics on several occasions, often in front of other members of staff and even in front […]

Read the full article →

is it fair for an employer to refuse to hire smokers?

A reader writes: I recently applied to two different hospitals for employment and found that both of them enforced strict anti-smoking policies that included nicotine tests upon hire. One website stated that if you failed the nicotine test, they would provide you with a program to help you quit and then you could reapply. The […]

Read the full article →

how to scare away your job interviewer

Most job seekers worry about making mistakes in interviews, but most interviewers understand that no one gives a perfect interview and will overlook the occasional flubbed answer. However, it’s still possible to scare off your interviewer with a single statement or action. Here are 10 of the most likely ways to spook your interviewer. 1. Not […]

Read the full article →

what should I look for in a job offer letter?

A reader writes: I have a question about offer letters. I’ve received an offer that is pretty amazing (they pegged me at the high end of my salary range, put in a very generous potential bonus, a really nice title bump, and stock options) and I really feel like I can’t say no to it, […]

Read the full article →

short answer Sunday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions

It’s short answer Sunday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. Explaining doctor’s visits — and their side effects — to your manager Recently, you answered a reader’s question about explaining frequent doctor’s visits. I have a similar situation, but mine causes significantly more disruption to my work and I’m […]

Read the full article →

update from the reader whose paychecks were bouncing

Remember the reader whose paychecks were bouncing? Here’s her update: The company I work at actually had me on assignment, while I was technically employed by the payrolling company who bounced the first two checks in October. This becomes important later. My company told me they were paying the payrolling company. I know the people […]

Read the full article →

short answer Saturday — 7 short answers to 7 short questions

It’s short answer Saturday — seven short answers to seven short questions! Here we go… 1. Having personal packages delivered to your office I’ve had issues getting things delivered to my apartment (several items have been “delivered”… just not to me) and since I’m in a city there’s no back door or porch to leave […]

Read the full article →