Job Doc

Headhunter's behavior atypical of how they treat job candidates
Q. Recently, I was called by a headhunter about a particular job. I spent a long time on the phone with this person and he said he would call me back in a few days to make plans to meet. That was several weeks ago. I never heard back from him. Is this typical? I was so unimpressed with this ... (Boston Globe, 12 a.m.)

Different noncompete document may hurt bid for job at new firm
Q. Last June, the biotech company I worked for negotiated a deal to be acquired by a competitor. In September, we were acquired, our plant was closed, and we were discharged. My company offered us two months' severance pay under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. Additional severance pay was offered if we signed a "release." As one of ... (Boston Globe, 3/16/08)

Develop a strategy to deal with lawsuit, demotion but don't forget recent record
Q. Several years ago, my supervisor accused me of terrible, illegal conduct and demoted me. I sued and won. The lawsuit was quite public - if you Google my name, it is one of the first things that comes up, so any prospective employer is likely to find it. I have had a very positive employment record since then with ... (Boston Globe, 3/9/08)

Interrupting employee may not be aware of need for boundaries
Q. I am a manager of a small office administration group and I have been the manager here for four months. The problem I have is with one of the employees in our office who often interrupts me. This employee comes into my office to ask a question or to tell me that something has happened and he does this ... (Boston Globe, 3/2/08)

Nonprofits may have need for baby boomers to fill key roles
Q. I am 57 and have been out of work for 13 months now. I was director of operations for a small manufacturing company in the western part of the state. I am having a really hard time finding similar work. Manufacturing seems to be a dying breed and no other industry thinks my skills are transferable even though I ... (Boston Globe, 2/24/08)

'Degree fatigue' may be opportune time to assess future moves
Q. I have a question about career paths. Ever since graduating from high school in 2000, I've worked full time in the finance industry (mostly back office work) around Boston while attending night school. Fast forward to present day: I'm three months away from graduating cum laude with a BS in management information systems. I've looked into a lot of ... (Boston Globe, 2/17/08)

Personnel file may help in unemployment claim fight with ex-company
Q. When I filed for unemployment, the company gave a different reason for my termination and is now fighting my unemployment claim. This change in story also has me wondering what they are telling any prospective new employer about me when I list my past employment on applications. Can they legally tell me one reason for the termination and tell ... (Boston Globe, 2/10/08)

Be ready to handle interviews that venture beyond the resume
Q. I have been looking for a different job for a couple of months and noticed that I am being asked questions in interviews that seem totally unrelated to the job that I am applying for. I have been asked questions such as, what do I like to do in my spare time when I'm not working? What were the ... (Boston Globe, 2/3/08)

State CORI reform would help ex-offenders get work, housing
Q. I hope you can help me. I was born in Puerto Rico but came to this country when I was young. I got into trouble about five years ago and spent four years in prison. I was determined to turn my life around when I got out of prison. An organization that helps ex-offenders, EPOCA (Ex-Prisoners and Prisoners Organizing ... (Boston Globe, 1/27/08)

Several laws protect pregnant workers injured on the job
Q. I suffered an on the job injury when I was 32 weeks pregnant. I was ordered out of work by three different doctors. It has now been almost eight months and I continue to be out of work from injury. However, I recently found out that when and if I am cleared to return to work, I do not ... (Boston Globe, 1/20/08)

Protect your privacy by withholding SSN until it's necessary
Q. I was very interested in the first item of your Job Doc column of Oct. 14 about filling out an employment application when going in for a first interview. My question is about providing my Social Security number to any place I apply. I have been to interviews where they ask me to fill out my complete work history, ... (Boston Globe, 1/13/08)

To cut down on turnover, find out why employees leave
Q. I supervise a large call center for a hotel chain. We hire really eager people and take the time to train them well and after a relatively short time they leave us to go to another job. This causes the turnover rate to be very high. Management is concerned about the high turnover and my boss has asked me ... (Boston Globe, 1/6/08)

Manager seems insensitive but no laws were broken
Q. I recently worked a 15-hour day at the request of my manager. I am a waitress. When 2 p.m. approached, I was completing my shift and getting ready to leave. I told my manager my shift was almost over and I began to get ready to leave. He then told me that no one is leaving and I was ... (Boston Globe, 12/30/07)

Skipping holiday office party may hinder career at company
Q. I dread this season. I particularly hate the mandatory holiday office party. It's not that I'm antisocial or that I dislike my colleagues. It's just that I think these office parties are very artificial. People drink too much and say stupid things. I'm so uncomfortable. How bad would it be if I just didn't go this year? (Boston Globe, 12/23/07)

Information about fund-raising abounds in higher ed setting
Q. I am a 24-year-old doing fund-raising for a public radio station at a Boston college. As part of my benefits package, I can take classes toward my master's degree. I have been less than thrilled with the programs the college offers and I'm wondering how important a master's is in the fund-raising field. Is it worth it to attend ... (Boston Globe, 12/16/07)

Time, patience may help ease accent woes
Q. I recently began working as a human resources professional. I have encountered numerous instances where employees have claimed not to understand me, as I have a strong African accent. How can I overcome this problem? Is it possible for a foreigner with an accent to be a successful professional or should I refocus my skills from corporate to teaching? (Boston Globe, 12/9/07)

Manager promotions from employee ranks not always successful
Q. Our new boss has been there for about four months and his personality is beginning to get to many of us. He was promoted from another department and transferred to become our supervisor. What he does is criticize or reprimand me or others in our department while others are present. He will do this in front of my co-workers ... (Boston Globe, 12/2/07)

Downplaying experience to get preferred job
Q. I am looking for a job in career services at a college or university. My past job was director of career services for a small college. However, I don't need to be a director in my next job. What I love to do is to counsel and coach the college students and would be very happy finding a job ... (Boston Globe, 11/25/07)

Time for sit-down with boss to talk performance, future
I'm not happy about people who have come after me at my workplace and have been given more opportunities. (Boston Globe, 11/18/07)

Despite outrage, don't offer feedback on interviewer's unprofessionalism
If you do decide to speak up, the department to whom you should direct your feedback would be human resources. (Boston Globe, 11/11/07)

Manager should devise a search plan, inquire, and see what happens
What to do when you refuse to move states for a promotion and the opportunities at your workplace will take a hit because of it. (Boston Globe, 11/4/07)

Have a response to the 'job that didn't fit' query - then move on
Q. I've recently given an extended notice to leave a position that I am unhappy with, yet without a new position lined up. (Boston Globe, 10/28/07)

Revisions in law may have altered contractor's status
Q. I have been working as a contractor for almost six years, in the same role with the same company. I am independent and have never signed a contract. I submit an invoice twice a month. I have all of the responsibilities of a regular employee but no benefits or recourse to anything and can be terminated without severance. Is ... (Boston Globe, 10/21/07)

Stay ready for a job change, but interviews aren't your only tool
Q. I am an experienced sales professional and am happy with my present position. However, I like to keep current with the job market and industry hiring trends and feel that I should never be too complacent. I have experienced three former employers going out of business abruptly, and I was left job searching on short notice. On my last ... (Boston Globe, 10/14/07)

If you suspect your phone call is being shared, find out
Q. I was recently promoted to a job where I serve as the liaison between the insurance agents in the field and our home office. My job is to help solve the problems which arise between our various locations. (Boston Globe, 10/7/07)

Variety of options exist to learn how to become a dental hygienist
Although distance and online learning options have become increasingly popular, many programs still require some on-campus time to complete tests. (Boston Globe, 09/30/07)

Financial services may be good field to put communications skills to use
The same communications/relationship-building skills that you used to sell homes could be nicely transferred to financial services when dealing with individual investors. (Boston Globe, 09/23/07)

Those with specific skills still have tools applicable to other jobs
With a good analysis of your responsibilities, you can help a hiring manager see why they would want you on their team. (Boston Globe, 09/16/07)

Volunteer your way to experience on the way to a fund-raising career
Employers are more comfortable hiring people who have held the very same or a similar job in a similar type of organization. (Boston Globe, 09/09/07)

Outplacement help can give invaluable boost to job search
The key to making outplacement work for you is being an educated consumer. To make the best use of these services, it helps to better understand the outplacement function and avoid misunderstandings. (Boston Globe, 09/02/07)

Businesses need to bolster efforts to keep, nurture eager Gen Yers
If companies don't figure out a way to develop these star performers, they will leave your companies and find another place where they will grow and develop. (Boston Globe, 08/26/07)

Many health plans available after COBRA benefits end
Massachusetts recently passed legislation that goes into effect this year requiring each individual to have health insurance. (Boston Globe, 08/19/07)

Potential employer risks legal liability by asking applicant's age
There are both federal and state laws which prohibit employers from discriminating against older workers -- that is, workers who are age 40 or older. (Boston Globe, 08/12/07)

Know what you are choosing when you switch to visible ink
The growth of the tattoo business is one of the strong indications of its increased popularity. Another indication is that we are seeing tattoos on more and more people of all ages. (Boston Globe, 8/05/07)

Even the self-employed in state must purchase health insurance
In April 2006, healthcare reform in Massachusetts became law. One state survey conducted in 2006 found that there were more than 350,000 Massachusetts residents without health insurance. (Boston Globe, 7/29/07)

When dealing with wide range of ages, mutual respect is key
Not only do you have a diverse group in terms of race and culture, but it also sounds like you may have up to four different generations working in your department. (Boston Globe, 07/22/07)

Employer has right to background check, but you can question extent
Congratulations on being a finalist for the position -- and for having nothing to hide! Checking references on finalists has always been a staple method of finding out more about a candidate for employment. (Boston Globe, 7/15/07)

You've mastered interview 101, now learn how to get through round two
It sounds as though you have mastered interviewing basics, because you get past the hurdle of the first interview. What you apparently are not doing is being able to close the deal. (Boston Globe, 7/08/07)

Be prepared for dinner interview -- and take a pass on the onion soup
An old boss of mine used to say, when you have an interview over a meal don't eat onion soup. I remember thinking, I don't eat onion soup anyway but that wasn't the point. (Boston Globe, 7/01/07)

Take a little time to grieve, then set your sights on a life full of opportunity
I am really sorry to hear about your situation. I am sure you already know this, but you are not alone. For a variety of reasons, many mature women (age 45 and older) find themselves in a similar predicament. (Boston Globe, 6/24/07)

Make employment search proactive by developing own list of references
There are so many aspects to a job search. While some parts are in your control, there are many others beyond your reach. You can influence whom prospective employers call for references, but you don't have complete control. (Boston Globe, 6/17/07)

Several sources of advice for changing careers in midlife
You are joining the swelling ranks of baby boomers who are redefining retirement. In record numbers, individuals in their 50s and 60s are staying in the workforce, in some capacity. (Boston Globe, 06/10/07)

Don't give in to pressure to rehire a complainer
Yes, I do have advice for you. Don't hire her. In my experience, once a complainer always a complainer. It is a basic personality trait that tends not to change easily. (Boston Globe, 06/03/07)

Make sure company's hires and fliers reflect its desire for diversity
If your company is truly committed to a diverse workforce, your recruitment materials must reflect this. (Boston Globe, 05/27/07)

Consider your choices when turning to teaching
Congratulations on wanting to give back by going into teaching. Next you must figure out how to start. It is also important to determine which area of teaching interests you the most. (Boston Globe, 5/20/07)

Various strategies offer ways to deal with an overcologned co-worker
Working with a colleague who reeks of cologne may not only be distracting; it may be hazardous to your health, especially if you suffer from allergies. (Boston Globe, 05/13/07)

Make sure expectations for both worker and boss are well-defined
Most of us believe we are very clear in our communications. In reality, some people are much better at it than others and the better ones know some key things about expectations. (Boston Globe, 05/06/07)

There are ways to blunt the cost of healthcare
Health insurance is a hot topic right now, especially in Massachusetts. Many of us pay a lot of money for health insurance but do not use a lot of services that our health plans offer. (Boston Globe, 04/29/07)

The title is nice, but where's the cash?
Congratulations on the promotion. Certainly not having the pay raise as well is frustrating. It seems as though management didn't give you adequate information, but is litigation really how you want to respond to this? (Boston Globe, 4/15/07)

If you think you deserve a raise, do your research and then ask
You may be able to find another data entry job in a medical office that will offer you flexible hours at a higher rate of pay. (Boston Globe, 04/08/07)

The worst kind of boss isn't all bad -- he's inconsistent
I can see why you are stressed. Repeated inconsistency is actually harder to deal with than a consistently poor situation. (Boston Globe, 4/01/07)

State's one-stop career centers offer training vouchers, other aid
I would encourage you to go to the One-Stop Career Center in your area and see what they have to offer. (Boston Globe, 3/25/07)

Learn what you like in a job, find one like it, and stay there
The challenge is to get a job doing what you want to do, that puts you on a career path to where you want to go. (Boston Globe, 3/18/07)

State your salary needs honestly, and then stick with what you said
Give them a range. Do your homework. See what salary other nonprofits are paying for your job title or similar ones. (Boston Globe, 2/25/07)

It's just a little favor, but there are big reasons for you to decline
While it is kind of you to consider doing your friend this favor, his asking has raised red flags for you. Pay attention to your uneasy feelings. (Boston Globe, 2/18/07)

As merger takes hold, it's best to look ahead, plan next move
I suggest you focus on your next move, and that you look ahead rather than backward. (Boston Globe, 2/11/07)

How you leave the old job is as key as finding the new one
Resigning the right way is an opportunity to establish a positive reputation for handling yourself well as you transition out of the company. (Boston Globe, 2/04/07)

Is her track record slowing her down?
The challenges of the permanent record can affect all job hunters, especially if they are unprepared for skilled hiring managers. (Boston Globe, 1/28/07)

Fired colleague has to know she too would have kept quiet
I am sorry that you have been put in a really crummy position. However, the CTO and CEO had little recourse. (Boston Globe, 1/21/07)

Query is simple, but be ready 'Tell me about yourself'
Let's start with what not to say. Don't ask, "What do you mean?" Or, "What aspect of me do you want to know about?" (Boston Globe, 1/07/07)

Just apologize, and other ways to stay out of court
The number of your employees, as well as other factors, can mandate what employment laws apply to your business. (Boston Globe, 12/31/06)

A personal coach can help talk you out of a 'slump'
You like your job and you are very good at it, but somehow, with all that has happened, your confidence level has been undermined. (Boston Globe, 12/24/06)

Use emotional intelligence to handle workplace unfairness
Difficult people are everywhere. In the workplace, they come in all forms: coworkers, customers, even bosses. (Boston Globe, 12/17/06)

Pitch for flexibility after you get an offer
Here are several strategies to maximize success in finding flexible employment. (Boston Globe, 12/10/06)

Machine operator earns less, but gender might not be why
Most large companies today are quite knowledgeable about discriminatory practices and they consciously work to avoid them. (Boston Globe, 12/03/06)

It sounds like the time to leave, but take the careful way out
It sounds like, despite your best efforts, there are irreconcilable differences and the best thing for you to do is to move on. (Boston Globe, 11/26/06)

Be honest, but savvy, about why you left
The truth is often a good place to start when sensitive employment situations arise. (Boston Globe, 11/19/06)

Too many achievements for a one-page resume
A resume should be as long as it needs to be to tell the right story. (Boston Globe, 11/12/06)

Dentist hates his work, wants to do something else
Changing careers and leaving even the most lucrative professions has become common in the work world today. (Boston Globe, 11/05/06)

With HSAs, you get to keep the money
HSAs are widely used throughout the United States and are gaining momentum in New England. (Boston Globe, 10/29/06

I like the work, but I'm getting lousy pay
Listen to your gut. You are enjoying this job. You are learning a lot and being given lots of responsibility. (Boston Globe, 10/22/06)

Tattered green card causes town to threaten withholding a check
Even a week without a paycheck can be a frightening prospect, so it's important to resolve this issue quickly. (Boston Globe, 10/15/06)

A good recruiter contact helps, but keep working to find work
Headhunters are neither the answer to a job seeker's prayers nor the snake oil salesmen of the job search industry. (Boston Globe, 10/08/06)

Make your case for a raise, but be ready if the answer is 'no'
Do this by beginning to make a list of each of the additional responsibilities you have taken on and your achievements. (Boston Globe, 10/01/06)

The good news: You're being paid while you look for work
would encourage you not to focus on your suspicions, but on the data that has been provided. (Boston Globe, 9/24/06)

Human resources support groups abound in area
Boston is a wonderful place to live and work, and due to the strengthening economy and changing demographics is a strong candidate's job market. (Boston Globe, 9/17/06)

Do I take the offer in hand, or hope to get the other one?
You're correct that it's generally not a good idea to take a new job with the intention of leaving in a few months. (Boston Globe, 9/10/06)

Rumors are flying at work: What will the new owners do?
We tend to feel personally vulnerable when the company we have been loyal to suddenly changes ownership. (Boston Globe, 9/03/06)