Q. I’ve been “dot-commed” twice in the last two years. Should I put the reason for leaving on my resume or leave off dates of employment? If I don’t, won’t I look like a job hopper?
A. When you’ve been laid off by dot-com companies, no sane employer would view it as job hopping. But if you have a long list of recent jobs, don’t put any on your resume that don’t apply to the one you’re seeking. You can fill in the blanks in your job interview.
Q. My husband and I are professionals who would love a headhunter to recommend us for jobs, but we can’t find one. There are lots of firms that will tell you how to write a resume for a few thousand dollars in advance, but we want to find a headhunter who represents a company who needs employees like us. Where do you find them?
A. Actually, it’s much better if they find you. But that doesn’t always happen. Start calling the various executive recruiters listed in the phone book to see which ones represent the professions you’re in. Send your resumes and keep in touch. But, at the same time, continue your job search on your own.
Q. I’m a 23-year-old buyer for a large company. I like my job but sitting behind a computer all day is not my cup of tea. My dad owns a landscaping business and wants me to be a partner with him.
It’s a small firm but with plenty of room for growth. I’ve worked for him previously and enjoyed it. Is it wise for me to make the jump into becoming an entrepreneur or should I play it safe and stay with a big company?
A. Even big companies aren’t safe, and if you don’t “jump” now you never will. Besides, you sound as if you’ve already decided to take the leap.
Q. We have a new office manager. She makes a lot of mistakes but has no interest in learning from the support staff. She does very little work. She talks on the phone all day to her friends. I know she’s my supervisor and I have to be careful, but what can I do about this situation?
It’s not fair for her to make more money than I do yet do nothing. She can’t supervise and I end up calling all the shots. Can you help?
A. You’ll have to bear with her if you want to keep your job. Eventually, she’ll do herself in. But she’s the boss, not you. Do the best job you can and don’t let the fact she has–undeservedly–more power and salary upset you. You also should keep a record of the work you do to correct her mistakes so you don’t end up paying for them.
Q. I lost my job several months ago and still haven’t received any information concerning the money owed me. How long should I wait before I approach my former employer concerning this matter? I don’t want to have a confrontation; I simply want to get what’s owed me. And what if there is a discrepancy in what is owed me?
A. It’s not a confrontation to demand the money owed you. You might not get it if you don’t.
However, I urge you to first talk to an employment lawyer or a CPA about your rights and how to proceed. While it may be understandable that the company would not immediately pay you all money due, you should have been given all information about financial matters when you left.
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Carol Kleiman’s column also appears in Sunday and Tuesday’s Business sections. Watch her Career Coach segments on CLTV. Send e-mail to [email protected].