Teen Needs a New Job
Sarah writes: Recently I had to quit my job at a local food store and I really need a new job. I was at that job for six months. Before that I worked at a sandwich shop for about a year. It’s really hard to find a job, especially since I’m 17. I’ve applied to about 20 places. Any ideas? The Career Doctor responds: I know you are looking for work more out of financial necessity than for the experience, but let me first state how important it is for teens to gain work experience while still in high school — as long as you can maintain your grades. Working part-time gives you valuable insights into how business wor

Dad Wants High-School Junior to Pick Career, Even If It's Wrong
Jeffrey writes: My son is a junior in high school with a 3.8 GPA, but he can’t define what he wants to do in life. His mother and I have been telling him to pick something even if it is wrong. This will at least give him some focus and direction so that we may line up potential colleges. What do you recommend? The Career Doctor responds: I totally agree with you that having an idea of potential future career plans helps in many ways, including finding colleges that have strong programs in that field. The problem, unfortunately, is that many people struggle over the course of their lives in trying to find their ideal careers ̵

Cover Letter Needed to Take to an Interview?
Kris writes: Should I have a cover letter to accompany my resume when I go for an interview on Tuesday? If you can assist me in any way I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time. The Career Doctor responds: The main purpose of a cover letter is to entice a prospective employer to review your resume in consideration for a job interview, and since you have cut through the process and already have an interview, a cover letter seems unnecessary at this point. Do make sure your resume is sharp in appearance and directed specifically at the job you are seeking. Just as you would write a different cover letter for each

Assistance in Formulating Salary Requirement
Ralph writes: I was hoping for some advice on determining a salary requirement for a service center manager for a distribution center. The duties are: Supervise two technicians, a warehouse parts puller, and administrative worker. I have searched but still no answer. What do you recommend since I sent the cover letter and resume and afterwards the request for a salary requirement follows. They are asking me to do their dirty work, right? Can you recommend an appropriate website? The Career Doctor responds: Your instincts and efforts are right on target. In order to be more successful in your job-search, you must do the research re

No Need to Mention Layoff in Your Cover Letter
Michelle writes: I recently was let go from my position at my office due to financial reasons. How do I start off a cover letter letting the employer know this information in a positive manner? I just need some advice on how to construct the first part of the cover letter and I did not see that on the website. Hope you can help and thank you for your time. The Career Doctor responds: Repeat after me — again and again — never ever put any kind of negative information in your cover letter, resume, or any other job-search materials. The time to address any of these negative issues — such as being fired — is in the j