News Archive

News Archive
The San Francisco Examiner

July 7, 2008	When is the best time for me to provide references to an employer? I am worried about my references being called too often or too soon, before I've had a chance to speak with them about a job opportunity. How can I handle this without offending anyone?
June 30, 2008	I’m a consultant and most of my clients have been very satisfied with my services; however, there have been a few who I believe have taken advantage of me or have misrepresented what the project scope involved. I can provide references from most of them but I can't control what the others might say. How can I protect myself?
June 23, 2008	I’m hearing rumors that the company I work for might be cutting jobs later this year. I can't afford to be out of work. Is there anything I can do to avoid being a victim of corporate downsizing? By the way, the rumor mill here is usually pretty accurate.
June 16, 2008	What is the best resume format for me to use? I have some gaps in my employment history that I'm trying to de-emphasize. I have heard different things and would like to know what you suggest, along with your reasons.
June 9, 2008	How effective are professional networking sites when it comes to conducting a successful job search? Can you recommend a few?
June 2, 2008	I am building a business but it’s taking me longer than I originally planned and I need to bring in more money. I’ve been reading about other people who have several businesses that they run, which combined bring in a good income. Will I be seen as unfocused if I run several businesses at once?
May 26, 2008	I have a lot of experience in the corporate world and have what I think is a great idea for a book, but I have no idea where to begin. What advice can you give me?
May 19, 2008	How can I turn my summer internship into a full-time job after I graduate? I will be working for a big company along with a number of other interns.
May 12, 2008	I have a medical assistant background with only a few years of experience and some college. I want to return to school to be a nurse but I’m a single mother with two children living at home, and I have very limited funds. I know nurses are in demand. How can I pursue a nursing job and support my family at the same time?
May 5, 2008	I would very much like to work overseas at some point in my career. I’m in my forties and have years of professional experience in my field. What are some possible options for me to consider?
April 28, 2008	The company I work for has a habit of firing people without even telling them what they have done wrong. Many good people have been let go, to their complete shock. Why can't management see that what they are doing is so negative and how it impacts the remaining employees?
April 21, 2008	My manager made a comment recently that makes me believe she thinks I'm long winded and could say things in less time. I've had other people make similar comments. How might I be able to change this?
April 14, 2008	My manager yells at her employees behind closed doors. I have been in tears several times. Our director won't address the situation even though people have left because of her. She makes him look good, so she stays. I've tried transferring with no luck, even though my performance is strong. Going to H.R. is out of the question because I work in the H.R. department. What can I do?
April 7, 2008	How are job interviews in the public sector typically different than those in the private sector, and how can I best prepare myself? I may have to go before an oral board and I'm scared I'll freeze up and ruin my chances at a great opportunity.
March 31, 2008	I recently lost my job after having worked in the same industry for over 15 years. I am almost 60. Although I've been told there will be ample opportunity because so many baby boomers will be retiring, I'm still worried about competing with much younger workers. Any advice?
March 24, 2008	I have many years of experience working in the "for-profit" world. I am looking for more meaningful work and am considering making the switch to a non-profit job. I'm not sure how to do this. Any suggestions?
March 17, 2008	How can I "recession proof" myself and my career? I don't want to be a sitting duck at the mercy of industry ups and downs and would rather be proactive. Any suggestions?
March 10, 2008	Q: What is typically expected from employees when it comes to attending company social activities? I go to most that are held at work, but I could do without those on the weekend, such as the holiday party and company picnic. I am hoping to stay with my company and move into management.
March 3, 2008	Q: I suspect that my co-worker has a drug or alcohol problem. She comes to work hung over and seems to be having more and more trouble focusing on her job. It’s starting to affect her work and those around her. I think she needs help but I’m worried I’ll be seen as the “whistle blower’ if I say anything. What are my options?
February 25, 2008	Q: I hear different things about the Bay Area job market. How can I get the most accurate information about job growth and those industries that offer the most opportunity for the future?
February 18, 2008	Q: My husband is in the military, serving in Iraq. We are a military family and move often. It can take months for me to find a job in a new city because employers are reluctant to hire me. So much for supporting those who serve in the military and their families. I’ve tried temping but would like a real career. What can I do?
February 11, 2008	Q: I don't have a perfect job history, especially since the dot.com bust. During that time, I started my own (unrelated) business which I ran for years, but I'm having trouble getting back into my previous field. I feel like that time period (almost six years) has ruined my job prospects. How can I get an employer to take me seriously?
February 4, 2008	Q: I've dreamed of starting my own business for years. I have enough savings to get me by for awhile if I work part time, but I'm wondering if I should just quit my job and throw all of my efforts into this. I don't want to become overwhelmed with a job, which has happened before, and lose interest. What is the best approach?
January 28, 2008	Q: I am up for a promotion at work, but the new job would require a lot more public speaking. On the rare occasions I have to speak now, I get sick to my stomach days before. The thought of more public speaking is really stressing me out. Going to Toastmasters has already been suggested but I couldn't do it. How can I overcome this?
January 21, 2008	Q: I will be looking for a new job soon and am not sure how to handle a reference from my manager. Our relationship is not a good one, even though I've done a good job and am well respected by others. I would avoid using her altogether, but could this be viewed negatively by my next employer?
January 14, 2008	Q: What is the best way for me to work a room at a networking event? I'm looking for a new job and realize that face-to-face networking is important, but I feel awkward about bringing up my job search.
January 7, 2008	Q: I just recently quit my job because I couldn't take it any longer. I was promoted six months ago and was told someone would be hired to fill my previous position, which never happened. The stress of working two jobs was unbearable. How do I explain this when interviewing?
December 31, 2007	Q: I don’t feel very engaged or even interested in my career any longer. Life is passing me by, and I would like to try something new that really excites me, but I’m not sure what. How do I handle this without losing all I’ve worked so hard for?
December 24, 2007	Q: How do I find out more about the culture of a company before I accept an offer? I want to work for an employer who walks the talk and stands behind the claim that they treat employees like ‘their #1 asset'.
December 17, 2007	Q: I have recently been promoted to a managerial position. How can I begin to establish my credibility and gain respect as a manager from those I used to be peers with?
December 10, 2007	Q: I want to start the new year right by promoting myself better at work. My manager rarely gives formal performance evaluations or tracks my goals. I don’t always feel I get the recognition I deserve. How can I handle this?
December 3, 2007	Q: I want to expand my job search by including employment agencies as another resource. What is the best approach to working with them so it’s a mutually beneficial relationship?
November 26, 2007	Q: I am interested in getting a part-time job during the holidays to bring in some extra money. What suggestions do you have for finding part-time, flexible employment opportunities?
November 19, 2007	Q: A co-worker is very good about making himself look like a star in front of our team and management. Sometimes he takes credit for my ideas. How can I address this and still remain professional?
November 12, 2007	Q: I have had quite a few interviews in the past six months, but none of them have resulted in a job. When I ask employers for feedback, they are very general with their answers or won’t give me any information at all. What am I doing wrong?
November 5, 2007	Q: What is the best way for me to handle questions about my salary expectations during a telephone interview? I don’t want to undercut myself or lose out on a valuable opportunity by giving the wrong answer.