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Be honest in interview, but stay away from specifics

By Barbara Bowes

1. What do I say to a potential new employer about the reason I left my former employer, especially if it was the result of an employee/employer dispute?

If asked the question, “why did you leave your last employer”, you can respond by saying you experienced a change in management philosophy and that there was no longer a fit for you with this company. This is an honest statement but doesn’t provide details. Typically, it is unwise to give details because it is difficult to fully explain yourself within the context of a short interview. At the same time, I would prepare a set of statements for your former boss and get agreement on what he/she would say in a reference interview. If your immediate boss will not provide this reference, find another manager in the same company.

Read more: Devil in the Details

Talk to HR about colleague’s skimpy attire

By Barbara Bowes

1. Why do women get so offended by staring when they wear such revealing clothing? This is just a sexual harassment trap.

Work dress code has certainly changed over the years. Today, we see bare midriffs, women showing lots of cleavage, sloppy beach sandals, rings on the fingers and rings on the toes. Often times work dress practices, multi-coloured hair styles and personal demeanour have become so sloppy that no one knows what is acceptable any more. It’s no wonder you want to stare!

Read more: Dress-Code Dilemma

Credit unions have plan to train, hire immigrants

By Barbara Bowes

Finding highly qualified front line customer service representatives is often a challenge for any company but finding the right entry level employee in an already tight labour market is quite another story. They just aren’t available. And, if your company has a policy of promoting from within, it means this front line position is frequently open as people move up their respective career ladders. Then if you put the issue of a recruitment and retention challenge next to the challenge of managing high growth, you’ll understand the dilemma faced by Cambrian Credit Union. Where are the potential employees? How do you find them?

Read more: Diversification Dilemma

Parents can help with solid career choices

By Barbara Bowes

Have you ever taken time to sit back and reflect on “how did you get to where you are in your career?” Let’s face it, most of us have never even thought about it until we are forced into a career transition mode and are frantic to find another job. But, if you have taken some time to trace your career path, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’d have to admit you perhaps didn’t choose it at all. In fact, your career might just have happened through “dumb luck”.

Read more: Do You Know Where Your Kids Will Be?