It doesn’t hurt to ask, but don’t count on `yes’

Carol Kleiman is on vacation. The advice in this column is as relevant today as it was when it was published last year.

Q. I’m a network engineer and am certified in my field. Since my skill is in high demand, could I ask my next employer to help pay off my student loan debt?

A. Ask for anything you want but be prepared to sacrifice a signing bonus or other perks. And you might not get it: Since you weren’t working for the employer when you incurred the debt, it’s a stretch. But try anyway!

Q. I’m worried about office politics. I try to stay above it but feel I’m missing a lot of information. What’s your advice?

A. Don’t ignore office politics. It doesn’t have to be as vicious and evil as people say it is, and you have to be part of it or you will be out of the loop. Just don’t get involved in the nasty back-stabbing facet of it.

Don’t use it for gossip. Instead, use it to find out what’s going on and to pass on helpful information to others. Doing it this way, no one gets hurt and you are part of the in group.

Q. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration and have been working in insurance for five years.

I want to change careers and work in human-resources administration, on benefits, compensation or retirement. I’m also interested in recruitment. Since I don’t have time for a master’s degree, should I work toward certification to gain entry to the field, even though it is somewhat expensive?

A. It may not be necessary, although knowledge always is power and the more education–and certification–you have, the more valuable employee you are.

Your best bet is to contact the Society for Human Resource Management in Alexandria, Va., at 703-548-3440. Get its input about what is needed, what is not and how to proceed. And while you’re at it, network with its members!

Q. Is it possible for a person who is 76 years old to get back into the workforce? Will my age make that much difference (I can pass for less). I need to get back in harness and I worry that my age will show up if they ask to see my driver’s license. What do you think?

A. There’s still a lot of age discrimination out there, but if you’ve got the right skills you have a good chance of winning out against it. You might want to think about first doing temporary work to get some recent experience and to look around the inside of companies.

And don’t show your driver’s license, no matter what: You don’t want to play into the hands of prejudiced potential employers–who are breaking the law by trying to ascertain your age.

Q. I am a professional with five years’ experience in my field. Over the years, I’ve even developed software programs to do my job, and they make it much easier. Now I want to move into management where I will be able to help others do their work more efficiently, but my supervisor won’t help me get there.

Should I keep trying, give up on the bureaucracy–or look for another job?

A. You have so much initiative and imagination, you might want to think about starting your own business. Otherwise, you always will run into the no-sayers. At least, it’s a goal you should keep in mind–while you look for a job elsewhere.

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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].