A reader writes: I got my master’s degree last year and have been fully immersed in job searching since then. I desperately want to move out of my state and am sending resumes and cover letters all over the country. I have stated clearly on both my resume and cover letter that I am willing […]
Read the full article →It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: When you’re trying to make a major career pivot, how do you even learn what sort of jobs are out there? For context: In 2014, I enrolled in a seven-year grad program with the goal of becoming a college professor. I was passionate about teaching, […]
Read the full article →A reader writes: I have a question about how much notice to give my boss before leaving my role. While I have not received any offers of employment yet, I have begun to actively apply for jobs. My boss, with whom I have a very close working relationship, had previously asked me to give her […]
Read the full article →A reader writes: This is kind of a pedantic question, so I hope you have time to indulge it: What would your reaction be to a job applicant who referred to a period of unemployment (a sort of de facto maternity leave) as a sabbatical? This doesn’t apply to me, but I came across someone […]
Read the full article →We keep hearing that employers are desperate, can’t find good workers, and jobs are going unfilled … so if you’re currently job-searching, how does that match up with your own experience? Based on my mail, lots of people are still getting ignored by employers … or offered laughably low salaries … or seeing ads requiring […]
Read the full article →In today’s topsy-turvy job market, a strange new thing is happening: Employers are increasingly grumbling about job seekers “ghosting” them. These job candidates just don’t show up for their scheduled interviews. And in some cases, they accept a job only to disappear. Employers don’t like this. But they’ve been doing this to workers for years, […]
Read the full article →In 2014, I received this letter. I get more mail than I can answer, and this one didn’t end up getting published. But read on, because there’s a twist coming. After following your cover letter and resume advice, I landed an interview for a position I would love to have. It is similar to my […]
Read the full article →A reader writes: I recently was referred to a job posting by a friend in my industry. While I am happily employed, it was definitely something I would consider. However, the posting ended with the line, “It is understood that any candidate applying for a full-time position will accept employment. Please do not apply if […]
Read the full article →A reader writes: I have a question about waiting to hear back about a job. I have been in the process of applying for a new position. I’ve had three interviews with the company, I know someone who works there who gave me a strong recommendation, and my background matches the position very well. Two […]
Read the full article →A reader writes: I took an “any port in a storm” type job due to the pandemic and am wondering what comes next. The background: After suddenly losing my job last year, I was thrown into an urgent job hunt. Four months ago, I landed a job with a decent salary, doing much the same […]
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