Q. Many employee benefits of the federal government are great, but I’ve been appalled to learn that I get no short-term disability if I’m hurt in other than a work-related incident. I always thought it was a standard benefit. Isn’t that unfair?
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A. On one hand, you are very lucky to have the many generous benefits the government does offer. But not having short-term disability can be an expensive problem. It’s always been ironic to me that the federal government often urges others to adopt excellent protective employment policies–and then exempts itself from them.
Q. I just got my master’s degree, but have found that most of the positions I want to apply for require a minimum of three years’ experience. And I don’t have it. Shall I apply anyway?
A. Apply anyway. You have nothing to lose. And once you get in the door, emphasize your skills and try to sell yourself effectively. But also try to get some experience through internships. Ask your university to help you. They should have done that long ago.
Q. My employee file contains false information about me. I’m worried it will taint my record. My supervisor won’t listen to my explanation of what really happened. What can I do?
A. You can defend yourself by submitting in writing your version of what happened to the human resources department. That way, it will be part of the record too. But the message is clear: It’s time to move on.
Q. I’m a mature adult going to school at night to earn my undergraduate degree. Following your advice, I went to my college placement center for help, but found they had no interest in me. In fact, they told me they’re “geared” toward the younger graduate, not the older student. I need advice about how to find a job. How can I get it?
A. Go back to the placement center. Make their counselors work for you. You have paid for their services with your tuition fees, and your money wasn’t younger or older than anyone else’s. Ask for guidance and to see their job bank. Also ask for names of alumni in your field and contact these insiders for help. Don’t let your school get away with age discrimination.
Q. I just heard my supervisor’s boss is leaving. She really knows my work and I want to ask her for a letter of reference before she goes–just in case. Is that OK to do?
A. Absolutely. Later may be too late.
Q. You emphasize the importance of getting salary offers in writing. What if the offer is an estimate? My husband, a sports professional who gives lessons to individuals at a private club, was given an estimate of his first year’s salary. It included an annual base pay and estimates of lessons and bonuses. He was told he would be making “no less” than a certain figure, but he made far less because business was off in general. He loves his job and doesn’t want to leave because of unfulfilled promises. What are his options?
A. It’s smart to get everything in writing, but if the figures aren’t reliable, you haven’t accomplished much. The problem here is his base pay. It’s not enough to make up for slow times, so he has to ask for a higher figure. Estimates are based on commissions, business activity and customer needs–and they cannot be guaranteed.
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Carol Kleiman’s columns also appear in Monday and Thursday’s Business sections. Hear her on WBBM Newsradio 780 at 6:21 p.m. and 10:22 p.m. Mondays and at 11:20 Saturdays. Watch her “Career Coach” segments on CLTV. Send e-mail to [email protected].