I’ve had 10 interviews and no offers — am I the problem? by Alison Green on December 4, 2013 A reader writes: I was laid off in July and have been looking for a job since then. To date, I’ve had six interviews (two more pending) but no offers. If you count the interviews I had before I got laid off, the total number is 10. How many failed interviews is a sign that […] Read the full article →
how to survive in an open plan office by Alison Green on December 4, 2013 On a recent open thread, commenter Frieda asked this: Our CEO announced this week that the new office space we are moving to next fall will be all open plan. No offices, no cubicles. Apparently even executives will have the same workspace as everyone else. Does anyone else have experience working in an open plan […] Read the full article →
my coworker’s creditors call her constantly, indignant over lack of a raise, and more by Alison Green on December 4, 2013 It’s five short answers to five short questions. Here we go… 1. Employer asked me to do 30 hours of free work as part of a hiring process I am being interviewed for an executive director job for a U.S.-based NGO doing work internationally. I have been told I am a finalist for the position. […] Read the full article →
something your cover letter does not need to do by Alison Green on December 3, 2013 I’ve seen a few people lately advising others that a cover letter needs to address every single one of the qualifications listed in the job ad. This is not true, and it will usually make for a crowded, less effective cover letter. You do want to be sure that the qualifications described in the job posting […] Read the full article →
how can I back out of a mentoring relationship? by Alison Green on December 3, 2013 A reader writes: I’m hoping you can help me with how to tail off a coaching situation. I’ve been working with someone for a year now; her supervisor doesn’t have listening or development skills, and they don’t get along because of frustration on both sides anyway. It’s not a formal coaching relationship at all. She […] Read the full article →
10 funniest workplace gift debacles by Alison Green on December 3, 2013 I recently asked readers to tell me about their most awkward workplace gift moments — and you delivered. Here are the 10 funniest and most awkward – from which we can draw the 10 key gift-giving lessons below. 1. Employees should not be pressured to send the CEO’s family on a ski trip The second-in-command of […] Read the full article →
I’m asked to cover when my coworkers are on a prayer break, my project was taken away, and more by Alison Green on December 3, 2013 It’s five short answers to five short questions. Here we go… 1. My project was taken away with no warning to me A few weeks ago, the CEO of our small company pulled me into his office and told me I was going to be the lead on a new client account. I was very […] Read the full article →
I want your updates … and an interview with me by Alison Green on December 2, 2013 Two things — 1. Listen to an interview with me about internships I’m interviewed on the latest episode of The Money Jar podcast, talking about how to be awesome at your internship — or any job, really. (And this is timely, because I’m hiring an intern. Details coming tomorrow.) You can listen to the interview […] Read the full article →
should you ask for the job at the end of an interview? by Alison Green on December 2, 2013 A reader writes: I read that if you ask for a job at the end of an interview, you should be prepared to accept the position on the spot. Is this true? What if the offer (salary, benefits, all of those things that you are not supposed to ask during the interview) is unfair/not up […] Read the full article →
6 secrets to getting a better performance evaluation by Alison Green on December 2, 2013 With the year drawing to a close, it’s performance evaluation time in many companies. Performance evaluations don’t have to be stressful or nerve-wracking, especially if you follow these six tips to get ready for for yours. 1. Realize that most managers hate doing performance evaluations. It’s not that managers don’t want to give you feedback, but […] Read the full article →