Re-connecting with a Former Associate to Return to Old Employer
Pamela writes: A colleague my husband used to work with recently returned to head up a company here. At one time the two worked together and were friendly socially. Approximately 12 years ago, my husband was hired away by another company, and this man attempted to persuade him to stay where he was. After some negotiations on both sides, my husband decided to take the new position. A lot of time has passed and my husband would very much like to make a move back. There would seem to be a need for someone at the company where this man works. Is there any way that you know of that he could let his intentions be known without threat to his current job if this

Calling the Right Attention to Your Brand to Get Promoted
Maddy writes: I am a young lady who is looking to climb “the ladder.” I have been with this company for two years and although have managed several pay raises and taken on more work in other areas of my job, I have not been promoted. I enjoy my work and don’t want to leave, but recently have felt as if I am hitting my head against a brick wall. My superiors are very busy people and when I do report to them they don’t seem to have the time, and I feel like I am wasting theirs. I have been thinking of doing some sort of weekly report or review to let them know what is going on in their centers with a copy cc’d to the managing direc

First-time Internet Job-Hunter Needs Help with Electronic Resume Submission
Cathy writes: For the first time in 23 years, I am conducting a job search that includes the Internet. I understand the importance of having a resume in text format to submit where requested. I am also hearing that most recruiters, employers, etc. prefer resumes now be submitted electronically. Is this true? Maybe it’s the old-fashioned marketer in me, but my tendency is to search the web for jobs and then send my resume the traditional way by mail so I can differentiate by different fonts, paper style, appearance-related factors. Could this be working against me? If so, even when I am asked to attach my resume as a Word document, I fear that variou

Mid-Careerist Looking for Complete Career Change
Kate writes: I’m new to your website, it’s a great information source. Here’s my situation. I have worked at the same company for the last 22 years. I’m 54 years old and ready for a complete change in my life. I think I’m about to get a retirement package and so I’m thinking of a change to something related to helping people. I wouldn’t mind going back to school. I don’t know and I don’t know where to start or how to figure out what I want to do? Any suggestions who be greatly appreciated. Help!! The Career Doctor responds: I have enjoyed researching the baby boomers ever since I fi

Should He Train for a New Career at Age 50?
Clarence writes: It’s been over 18 months since I last held a full-time job in the electronics field. I have placed many, many resumes with employers. Many told me they have hiring freezes, most have cut back and not hiring at all, and the rest are seeking individuals with core experience. Also, I’m 50 years old. Question: Do I keep taking the rejections in stride and keep placing resumes, hoping for a break. Or, should I drop my field and try to get a loan to go back to school and start over again at age 50! The Career Doctor responds: Of all the career fields, I think technology has been hardest hit during these last