how to tell a pushy networker to back off by Alison Green on August 17, 2023 A reader writes: I’m increasingly finding myself in a place where newer professionals are asking to talk about getting started after school, or asking for advice. I always jump at the chance to help however I can and I’m universally flattered when anyone asks to meet with me. I’m struggling, however, with one person who […] Read the full article →
an entry-level candidate with no experience wants an above-market salary by Alison Green on August 14, 2023 A reader writes: I am hiring someone for an entry-level position. It is meant for someone straight out of college and new to the field who is interested in learning a lot, meeting loads of highly connected people, and launching a potentially awesome career. I’ve set the salary to be a little above what other […] Read the full article →
I accidentally ghosted a client by Alison Green on August 7, 2023 A reader asks: I recently took on a freelance web design project at an hourly rate. However, I ran into some issues that I hadn’t anticipated having to deal with, and my anxiety got the better of me after we had to cancel a meeting a few weeks ago, and I haven’t responded to any […] Read the full article →
how do I tell job applicants that their parents are hurting their chances? by Alison Green on August 2, 2023 A reader writes: I recruit for a large company that staffs festivals, conventions, and sporting events. A lot of our applicants are young university graduates or recent high school graduates, ranging from 18-21. Our younger candidates will have their parent(s) call on their behalf, asking why an application is taking so long, why they didn’t […] Read the full article →
my coworkers interrupt me no matter what I’m doing by Alison Green on August 1, 2023 A reader writes: I work in a small organization of about 25 people. I was promoted a few years ago. Now that I am the official conduit to the owner, the staff come to me to ask questions, throw around ideas, and chat about their lives. In most respects, this works fine. The owner and […] Read the full article →
my employee is pregnant but hasn’t said anything by Alison Green on July 27, 2023 A reader writes: I recently found out through the grapevine (social media) that an employee is pregnant and expecting later this year. However, she hasn’t said anything to me or management (but she’s known for at least a few weeks). How should I proceed? I answer this question — and three others — over at […] Read the full article →
I’m worried my team will fall apart if I take maternity leave by Alison Green on July 26, 2023 A reader writes: I’ve been offered a promotion to lead my department, but I have also been trying to start a family with my husband for one year (with many failed attempts, loss, and much heartbreak). My company is aware of my plans but still wanted me for the position. However, if I get pregnant […] Read the full article →
can we ask job candidates to follow our scent-free policy at interviews? by Alison Green on July 20, 2023 A reader writes: The admin team at the front of our office is very sensitive to strong smells (good or bad). Our company is currently hiring for an off-site position, but the interviews are happening in our office. The last few candidates who have come in for interviews have been bathed in perfume, to the […] Read the full article →
is it OK for my employee to do needlepoint in meetings? by Alison Green on July 19, 2023 A reader writes: I manage an engineer, Jane, who is doing an excellent job during the first six months in her new role on my team. Two weeks ago, I joined her for a technical meeting. As I walked into the conference room, she was working on a needlepoint project. I’ll admit I was initially […] Read the full article →
the managers who feel personally betrayed when workers quit by Alison Green on July 18, 2023 Quitting a job is supposed to be business, not personal—but my inbox is full of letters from people whose managers are deeply aggrieved by their resignations, take it as a personal betrayal, and respond with either fury or despair. At Slate today, I wrote about these managers — and why this is just as bananas […] Read the full article →