should I warn a candidate that one of her references was bad, boobs in cover letters, and more by Alison Green on October 13, 2017 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. Should I warn a candidate that one of her references was bad? This is my first time chairing a hiring committee. We narrowed the field to three, and interviewed the first. After that, the first candidate withdrew, the second candidate withdrew, we interviewed the third […] Read the full article →
can I refuse to answer questions about my personal background? by Alison Green on October 12, 2017 A reader writes: After a rough few years, I landed a great job at the beginning of the summer. With the help of a superb manager, I’ve thrived in my new position, completing almost all tasks ahead of schedule and with few errors. I’ve been told repeatedly that my work is excellent and that I’m […] Read the full article →
update: is the work environment I’ve created on my team too exclusive? by Alison Green on October 12, 2017 Remember the letter-writer in July whose employee had quit and said in her exit interview that the team environment was too cliquish? Her first update is here, and now here’s a later one. I wanted to provide an update. I spent August and the first half of September attending some pretty intensive therapy which was […] Read the full article →
what’s the worst “you need to show gumption to get a job?” advice you’ve heard? by Alison Green on October 12, 2017 There’s a whole field of career advice that’s based on the idea that you need to show “gumption” to get a job: “Walk into their office with your resume and ask to speak to the person in charge!” “Call every day until they agree to give you an interview!” “Send your resume on special paper through […] Read the full article →
should I tell my coworkers I have hemorrhoids, all my interviewers were running late, and more by Alison Green on October 12, 2017 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Should I tell my coworkers I have hemorrhoids? This is a little gross, but something that would be really helpful to have some advice on. I have been in my role as an administrative assistant for about two years now. Around the time I started […] Read the full article →
my coworker over-delivers and it’s causing us major problems by Alison Green on October 11, 2017 A reader writes: My coworker Fergus and I are at semi-equal levels (i’m a manager and he’s a project manager) on a small team at the headquarters of a company that has branches all over the country. We handle lots of regular reports distributed to the branches and we produce ad hoc reports that go […] Read the full article →
should you end an interview early if the candidate obviously isn’t right for the job? by Alison Green on October 11, 2017 A reader writes: As managers, we all have had to interview a person where you know five minutes in that there is zero chance you are going to proceed with them. Sometimes it’s a lack of interest on their end, inability to answer clearly or professionally, or maybe just being woefully unqualified. Is there a […] Read the full article →
my boss is questioning the need for my child’s medical care by Alison Green on October 11, 2017 A reader writes: Recently my seven-year-old son’s pediatrician has recommended that he be evaluated by a psychologist for ADHD and giftedness. He has had some behavior challenges at home and at school. We live in a small town an hour’s drive away from any larger town or city, and the options for psychological care nearby […] Read the full article →
a bank called my employer to complain about me, I got my interview date wrong, and more by Alison Green on October 11, 2017 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. A bank called my employer to complain I was rude I have been working as a bookkeeper for five months at my current job. There was a problem with a bank statement, so I went to the bank to find out what happened. The bank […] Read the full article →
does an employer asking you to name your salary requirements first mean they’re jerks? by Alison Green on October 10, 2017 A reader writes: I’m currently unemployed. I’m in a final interview for a position. I’ve already had a first interview and a writing test. The company then asked me to send my salary requirements or current salary before the interview. My reaction was fury. Just pure fury because I think this is a dick move. They clearly […] Read the full article →