entry-level interviewers, my employer is holding my first paycheck for “severance,” and more by Alison Green on November 30, 2013 It’s five short answers to five short questions. Here we go… 1. My employer is holding my first paycheck for “severance” I just started working my first full-time job a few weeks ago and while I was being trained, I discovered something strange. My training week coincided with the pay period, and while I was […] Read the full article →
I don’t want the office candy dish on my desk by Alison Green on November 29, 2013 A reader writes: I’m four weeks into a new job as executive assistant to the Office of Trustees at a major university. I am enjoying everything about it except for that fact that I inherited a desk with a candy dish – something that doesn’t fit with how I view myself as an employee and […] Read the full article →
should an admin show people how to do clerical tasks themselves? by Alison Green on November 29, 2013 This post was originally published on November 17, 2011. A reader writes: As an administrative assistant, my job is to do things for other people. I completely get that, and I have not been an admin for over fifteen years by not getting that. That said, I pride myself in being very polite and helpful. […] Read the full article →
what to do when you’re overworked by Alison Green on November 29, 2013 If it seems like you’re always stretched too thin and never have enough time to complete your work before three new projects are handed down to you – always with the instructions that they’re high-priority – you probably need to talk with your manager about your workload. But with more companies expecting people to do […] Read the full article →
misleading reference requests, holiday gifts to clients, and more by Alison Green on November 29, 2013 It’s five short answers to five short questions. Here we go… 1. Misleading reference request form looks like it comes from me — but it doesn’t I’ve recently been asked to fill out an online/outsourced reference form for a job application and was a little bit disturbed to see that the program generated an email […] Read the full article →
office holiday gift-giving stories: unburden yourself here by Alison Green on November 28, 2013 Well, we’re officially in the holiday season — which in workplaces is also the season of forced merriment, holiday party gaffes, pressure to donate to extravagant gifts to your boss, and other seasonal pleasures. In the spirit of the season, I want to hear about workplace gift debacles. Did a game of Secret Santa end […] Read the full article →
resume paper is obsolete by Alison Green on November 27, 2013 A reader writes: What are your thoughts on “resume paper”? Considering how many retailers stock it (and have stocked it for decades), I imagine many people use it. Is there any value to it? What do hiring managers think of it, if they even notice? I am going to hereby free you from any reason […] Read the full article →
what non-obvious things should I know about being a receptionist? by Alison Green on November 27, 2013 A reader writes: Hi — long time reader of your blog, and I’m very grateful for your advice, which has helped keep me afloat during a grueling job search. Happily, in a week I’ll be starting a receptionist position with an awesome small office that deals with pensions and retirement plans. The position answers phones, greets […] Read the full article →
company wants my past performance evaluations and tax forms, and 4 other “is it legal” questions by Alison Green on November 27, 2013 It’s five short answers to five short questions — and this the “is it legal?” edition. And you might be surprised by the mix of legal vs illegal. Here we go… 1. Company wants my past performance evaluations and tax forms I am an HR professional currently interviewing with various companies. I am in the the […] Read the full article →
how can you convince your employer to hire additional staff? by Alison Green on November 26, 2013 A reader writes: What are the best tactics to take to convince The Powers That Be to hire additional staff? For context, I’m a middle manager at a family owned company. The decision maker is the owner and CEO. We would like to hire an additional entry-level associate to fill a position that became available […] Read the full article →