Ask a Manager

A reader writes: I have an interview tomorrow, and as part of my preparation, I researched both the organization (local government) and the hiring manager. On the first page of Yahoo search results under the hiring manager’s name, I found an arrest record from October 2012 for domestic battery. After reading other results to determine […]

A reader writes: Several months ago, I attended an interview and was stopped halfway by the HR person to ask how I had prepared for the interview. I was surprised, as I was in the middle of answering a question, and I responded that I had practiced a lot with friends and colleagues. (Note: I […]

One thing I’ve noticed in years of writing this blog is that people when find themselves in terrible, ridiculous job interviews where they’re being mistreated — or even just interviews where it’s clear really early on that this isn’t the right match — they feel obligated to stick it out until the end. You’re not […]

A reader writes: I’m hoping for your insight on a strange job interview experience I recently had. I’m applying for an IT role at a small company with five people on staff. The position is a new one, and this will be their first hire outside of family and personal connections. Here’s how the application […]

Job seekers tend to overanalyze everything that happens during the hiring process – from how long it takes a company to respond to their application to how friendly the person calling to schedule an interview sounds. But what they analyze more than anything are the specific words they hear from interviewers. My mail is full […]

A reader writes: When applying for part-time positions, is it common to be asked why you are applying for a part-time job rather than looking for full-time work? Last year, I left my full-time admin job after suffering from stress and depression. I took a few months off to work on my health, and now […]

A reader writes: Would it be considered rude or off-putting if I asked to either hear or glance through the questions, either in person or on the phone, at the beginning of the interview? Typical interview questions are disjointed. If I knew the questions up front, it would help me to think of answers beforehand […]

A reader writes: I’m 19, searching for a part-time entry-level job, and transgender. Do I disclose that I’m transitioning to potential employers? I’ve been on hormones for almost four months, look quite masculine still, but do have very long, feminine hair and wear androgynous clothes, some light makeup, etc. What I’m confused about is when […]

A reader writes: I would love your input on a job interview process I have recently experienced. A little backstory – my wife and I are expecting child #2 in the next few months. We have decided to try to move closer to my family (about three hours away) so they can assist with child […]