how to tell a rude job candidate that I don’t want to interview him after all by Alison Green on May 22, 2013 A reader writes: I called a candidate for an interview and left a detailed message of when and where to call me back. When this person called back, he was very rude with our front desk clerks and stated he was not sure who called. What can I say to this candidate? I don’t want […] Read the full article →
5 bad excuses preventing you from finding a new job by Alison Green on May 22, 2013 If you’re unhappy at work, you’ve probably thought about finding a new job – but if you’re like a lot of people, you never seriously start searching because your own fears hold you back. Take a look at these five common excuses for not job-searching and see if any of them sound familiar. 1. I […] Read the full article →
getting paid in pizza, asking for a raise via email, and more by Alison Green on May 22, 2013 It’s wee answer Wednesday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. I bombed an employment test — can I ask to retake it? I just got back from an interview and made a really terrible mistake! They gave me a proofreading test, and I bombed it – I missed around […] Read the full article →
telling an employee she can’t bring her foster kids to work every day by Alison Green on May 21, 2013 A reader writes: I have an employee who is foster-parenting two troubled teens. My employee is an amazing woman in many regards, and I am overwhelmed when I think about the commitment she is making to these girls who have been tossed around in life. My employee has been with the organization for many years, […] Read the full article →
how can our church keep visitors from distracting our office staff? by Alison Green on May 21, 2013 A reader writes: I am in the office of a church (I’m the lead pastor). We have an open reception area which is open and welcoming…apparently too much! People (mainly church members) will come in the office and “camp out” for 20-30 minutes at a time, talking to our administrative assistant and anyone else who […] Read the full article →
how much can I push my coworkers to use new technology? by Alison Green on May 21, 2013 A reader writes: My director (my boss’s boss) has tasked me with researching new software (project/resource management) for my team to use. She asked me specifically because I’m good with technology/systems/organization. I’ve found a few good options that seem to fall into the categories of (1) offering more features that we want but are more […] Read the full article →
my boss is blocking access to the bathroom, disclosing depression, and more by Alison Green on May 21, 2013 It’s tiny answer Tuesday — seven short answers to seven short questions. Here we go… 1. I can’t get to the office bathroom when my boss is in the conference room My boss is a control freak and wants to be involved in everything that going on in our district. He holds all the meeting […] Read the full article →
my new coworker is questioning and redoing my work by Alison Green on May 20, 2013 A reader writes: I find myself in a difficult position at work and I hope you can give me some advice. I was hospitalized and then had to spend 3 months in recovery. When I came back, we had a new hire (not to replace me, but another coworker who moved away) and, although we […] Read the full article →
I don’t want to cover the front desk anymore by Alison Green on May 20, 2013 A reader writes: I work at a small (around ~100 employees) nonprofit; I started off as a receptionist sitting at the front desk (which I personally disliked). Seven months later, I made a lateral move to HR assistant (same department) and we hired a new receptionist for our small team. Now, when the receptionist is […] Read the full article →
how to ruin your professional reputation by Alison Green on May 20, 2013 Your professional reputation is enormously important; it’s what will make people want to work with you, hire you, and respect you as a colleague. It can be your safety net – getting you work when you need it, and putting you in a position where you have options and don’t need to stay in a […] Read the full article →