Dear Coach, I have sent out targeted resumes with the help of a professional resume writer and still have had no luck in finding a job. What should I do?
Carol Kleiman: It may not be the resume. It may be that there are very few jobs in your field and a lot of applicants. Keep trying.
Dear Coach, I’ve worked on the night shift at my company for 30 years. Exposure is non-existent and the day-shift guys get the plum jobs. I believe that the only way I can obtain a better position would be to get a degree in something else and leave the company. However, I’m afraid to take such a chance. Please advise.
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CK: Risk-taking is risky. But you are at a dead end and it’s up to you to take action. But before you make a move, figure out what you want to do. Talk to a career counselor at the college you might attend. You probably can go to school during the day and continue to hold down your current night job.
Dear Coach, I’m finding it hard to find a job as a secretary and I think it’s because I’m middle-aged. The young kids don’t want to hire their mother! Do you have a list of companies that would love to hire a woman with experience and dedication?
CK: There is no such list because, legally, every employer should be on it: No one should be discriminated against because of age or sex. Try doing temporary work and getting inside of companies so everyone can see what an excellent worker you are.
Dear Coach, I am in the bowels of hell. My supervisor is a racist–and most of us are minorities. We work hard but she tells us how stupid we are, that if we can’t take the heat to leave. What should I do?
CK: I think you already know you have to take her “advice” and leave, no matter how good the pay is.
COACH CAROL’S 15-SECOND DRILL: Being a team player means working well with everyone and sharing credit equally. But don’t forget you have an equal right to your share of the credit.
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Carol Kleiman’s columns also appear in the Tuesday and Thursday Business sections. Hear her on WBBM-AM 780 at 6:21 p.m. and 10:22 p.m. Mondays and 11:20 a.m. Saturdays. Watch her “Career Coach” segments on CLTV.