Dear Coach: I gave two weeks’ notice to my employer–despite the fact it is a terrible place to work, and people are quitting without giving any notice. When I arrived home that day, I found a message on my answering machine saying I didn’t need to come back. Is there any recourse when a company treats you so badly?
Carol Kleiman: The only recourse is to get another job. And next time you give notice, be aware you can be dismissed at any time. Employers don’t have to give you two weeks, even if you request it professionally.
Dear Coach: I’m job hunting, and the company Web sites I visit insist on online applications only. Do you think it’s a good idea to send a hard copy of my resume anyway? How persistent should I be?
CK: Be very persistent. Companies receive online applications by the hundreds, and yours could be lost in the crowd. It doesn’t hurt to follow up with a hard copy, no matter what they say.
Dear Coach: I’ve been in my new job a very short time. I’d been out of work for six months and was tired of sending out resumes. The pay is minimum wage, and I don’t enjoy the work. Shall I tell my new boss that it’s not working out? She was really excited to have me on the team and is very kind.
CK: Why don’t you give it more of a chance? Or at least hold on to your present job until you find another one? If you do decide to quit, however, make clear it’s the job and not your boss. And research your next job more fully before accepting it.
Dear Coach: A friend is looking for a job, and she thinks the reason she’s not getting it is that her last direct supervisor didn’t like her. Does she have to give her last supervisor as a reference? Instead, is it OK to put the name of another manager who knows and likes her work?
CK: It’s absolutely OK. Never give as a reference anyone who will sabotage your chances of getting the job!
COACH CAROL’S 15-SECOND DRILL: Don’t flood potential employers with your resume. It’s counterproductive. Target five companies at the most at one time and focus on them. You’ll get better results.
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Carol Kleiman’s columns also appear in Tuesday and Thursday’s Business sections. Hear her on WBBM-AM 780 at 6:21 p.m. and 10:22 p.m. each Monday and at 11:20 a.m. each Saturday. Send e-mail to [email protected].