More Career Corner stories -- amNY.com

August 20, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Maximize your chances at job fairs

I was told never to hand out a generic resume at a career fair. Does that mean I should ask the company representative for his or her contact information so that I can send a tailored resume later on? How else can I stand out?

August 13, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Suing your employer over sleepless nights

I am an hourly employee who works for a security alarm company. For many years, my name was on an emergency call list, and I was called at all hours throughout the night. Now, I have trouble sleeping. Can I ask my company to pay damages?

July 16, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Standing out on a job interview

I have an interview approaching with a UK-based lingerie company. Do you have any suggestions for how to ace the interview?

July 9, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Kick-starting interview opportunities

I have been employed in a clerical position at the same company since 1982. The boss I've had for the past six years, though very polite, gives me nothing to do. He answers his own phones and writes his own memos.

July 2, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Can a pay raise be revoked?

My fiancée's company was acquired by another company. The new company offered her a lavish salary to retain her and have her to assist in retaining top performers. Now they're saying they made a mistake and want to reduce her salary and position. Is this legal? Is there any advice you can offer her?

June 25, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Dealing with a 'bait and switch' job situation

My husband recently landed a new job after being unemployed for a year. However, the job he is doing (warehouse inventory) isn't the job he was hired to do. The company owner and the hiring manager both told him it is temporary, but he's so unhappy, I was wondering if there's anything more he could do. Should we contact a lawyer?

June 18, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Taking time off before a new job

I've been freelancing for a year and haven't had a proper vacation in as long. I've started interviewing and have a job offer pending. I really want to take a vacation, but I'm not sure how to bring it up with my potential employer. What's the etiquette?

June 11, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Shining in job interviews

I have been interviewing for the past year for more senior positions that, though I believe I am qualified for, are in a field in which I have limited experience. One of the many questions I'm asked is: "Tell me three reasons why I should hire you for this position over the other candidates?" How should I reply?

June 4, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Moving on from a toxic office

At my previous job, I was harassed and later terminated in retaliation for filing a complaint. When going on job interviews, how should I answer the question "Why did you leave your last job?" without bad-mouthing the company I used to work for?

May 21, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Breaking through the interview cycle

I am writing on behalf of my husband. He is an experienced visual merchandiser who has been unemployed for a few years. He has interviewed at least 500 times! His last job ended because of a confrontation with a difficult store manager. Do you think he has been blacklisted? What can he do from here on?

May 7, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Making money by shopping

I have a friend who has an eye for detail and is good with picking out the right clothes for various events and the right pieces for decorating a home. I have often told her that she should hire herself out to people who hate to or don't have time to shop. How can she go about getting clients?

April 16, 2007

CAREER CORNER

Dodging job interview fashion pitfalls

I'm about to graduate college and want to have the right wardrobe for upcoming interviews? What type of clothes should I get? What's the most appropriate attire?

April 9, 2007

CAREER CORNER

How to negotiate a salary

Recently, a potential employer asked me for my salary requirement. I've been asked this question many times before in interviews and have never been sure how to respond. I'm afraid a high figure will scare them off and not get me hired. Is there a trick to successfully negotiating a salary?