Biography
E-mail career questions for possible use in this column to Joyce Lain Kennedy at jlk@sunfeatures.com; use "Reader Question" for subject line. Or mail her at Box 368, Cardiff, CA 92007. (C) 2009 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
When employer's word isn't reliable
October 5, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: I enjoyed your column about boomerang employees. But let me share my situation of the moment. I am employed but was planning to become a boomerang employee of a company I worked for and liked a lot several years go. Despite prior salary discussions in which I was told to expect an increase of 10-15 percent of my current salary, yesterday the final offer came in at my same salary.
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Useless To Ask Why You Weren't Hired
September 7, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: I was one of two finalists for a great job and was so perfect for it that I thought I'd surely get it. The other finalist, a man, was selected. I don't think the company discriminates against women, but if I ask the hiring manager why I wasn't hired, I'm not going to get the real reason, am I? -- M.L.
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Tips To Survive Loser Interview Questions
August 31, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: At 43, I'm feeling like a has-been. I was at my previous job for 18 years as I rose to become a department manager. When my employer relocated to another state six months ago, I chose to call it quits. I'm beginning to think the job interview questions I'm being asked -- "In a nutshell, what kept you in that job so long?" -- are judgmental about my perceived lack of ambition. Help? -- G.O.L.
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Strong Growth Seen For It Services Jobs
August 24, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: I read a blog saying that downsizing at technology-sector companies is at its highest level in three years. What does this mean for people hoping to do well in an information technology era? -- K.T.
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Need Good Pay Without Bachelor's Degree?
August 17, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: My son isn't ready to spend four or five years in college going into debt to get a bachelor's degree that may or may not lead to a good job. What alternatives not requiring a four-year bachelor's degree would pay well? -- W.T.T.
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10 Tips To Get A Good Job
August 10, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: I'm no beginner. I think I've tried everything to get a good job. What else can I do? -- E.L.
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Should You Write A Reference For Yourself?
August 3, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: Recently I was one of two finalists for a position I worked hard to land. The other person got it. By chance, I later learned that the choice came down to references: mine were fine, but the winner's were outstanding. Perhaps I should write my own recommendations for references to sign. Good idea? -- A. L.
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Part-Time Professional Job Interview Tips
July 27, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: I formerly worked as a paralegal but have stayed home for the last seven years with kids. Now I'm hoping to go back to work on a part-time basis, perhaps 15 to 25 hours a week. I applied to two companies but was not given a warm welcome. Before I try again, what typical questions might trip me up because I'm only looking for short-week professional-level work? -- E.K.
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Is Managing Your Career Worth The Effort?
July 20, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: Approaching 40, I worry about hitting a career wall. But I'm so busy I'm not sure how to avoid waking up one day to find that the wall appeared overnight. Advice? -- C.G.
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Can You Find A 'Happy Job'?
July 13, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: College-educated and 33 years old, I have held four jobs, detest my current position and have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. I have met with a career coach and taken tests. No luck. Suggestions? -- L.L.
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Busting Out Of A Career Tar Pit
July 6, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: I graduated from college four years ago with a liberal arts degree. For the past two years, I've worked in a real estate office, but it feels as though I'm stuck in a tar pit: can't get out and going nowhere fast. Advice? -- S.O.S.
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Focus On How To "Network Purposefully"
June 29, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: I was an event planner for a nonprofit but have been looking for a job for about two years. Everywhere I turn for advice, the first recommendation is networking. I must be doing something wrong because it's not working for me. Help! -- A. J.
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Should You Really Pass Up That Job?
June 22, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: I've taken several jobs I didn't like because my family needs my paycheck. I swore I'd never do it again. But the only offer on the table is b-o-r-i-n-g, and I fear I'm jumping on yet another treadmill. What have you learned from others facing my dilemma? -- C.H
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When Contract Gig Is An Answer
June 15, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: I have been through 14 job interviews in the last six months and none resulted in a job. What am I doing wrong? -- C.H.
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Advice From Americans Who Made A Difference
June 8, 2012
DEAR READERS: If you're thinking about giving your favorite new college grad a memorable book as a graduation gift, I recommend the just-published "Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage from America's Leaders" by Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger with Douglas Century, published by William Morrow (Harpercollins.com).
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What Are Your Personnel File Rights?
June 1, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: When I tried to review my personnel file, I was told no, that the company owns it and that I can't see it. Can that be right? -- F.T.
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Sherlocking Startups And Other Small Firms
May 25, 2012
DEAR JOYCE: Management lied to me about the company's financial stability when I took a new job in a startup. The firm went under three months later for lack of funding. Going to work for that company is the worst mistake I've made since I've been working. How will I know I'm not being lied to again? -- R.O.L.
