Q–I was promoted from an hourly to a salaried position and told I would get a raise in two parts. The first part would be immediate; the second would come in six months. The six-month raise never came. Management said, “We can’t afford to give an increase at this time, nor can we justify a large raise to an hourly person when they make a transition to a salaried person.” Should I have made a bigger case about it when it happened?
A–If it’s not in writing, it’s hard to argue about it six months later. You could reiterate what was told to you at that time, but the supervisor could simply say you misunderstood the original explanation.
Q–At what point during an interview should I ask if the position is temporary or permanent? If it’s permanent and I get the job, should I ask for something in writing regarding the position?
A–You should know whether a job is temporary or permanent before you interview for it. When you’re hired, most companies will send you a confirmation letter stating your salary and start date. If the interviewer doesn’t tell you that you’ll receive an employment confirmation letter, there’s nothing wrong with politely asking if the company will be sending you one.
Q– I program computer-controlled machinery, a highly technical job. My company bought more modern machines and they are not giving me the opportunity to learn how to work on them. I’m 47 years old and have a family to support. I can’t afford to start over as a beginner and get paid less. What should I do?
A–Not allowing you to learn the new machines sounds like blatant age discrimination. I often advise people not to make a big to-do over minor issues, even though they may be legally in the right, but your situation deserves attention. Call the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to file a complaint. And don’t be afraid to file a charge with the EEOC if you are let go or demoted because they refuse to train you.
Q–How should you address a letter when responding to a job ad in the paper? Unless the ad specifies a name, should the traditional “Dear Sir” or “Gentlemen,” which can offend a female human resource director, or “Dear Human Resource Manager” be used? My husband doesn’t like “Dear Sir” and I don’t like “Dear (Title).” What’s your opinion?
A–If management thinks using a person’s name in an ad is unimportant, address the letter “Dear (Title).” If you don’t like using the title, call the company and ask for the person’s name in that position. You could also write “Dear Sir or Madam,” which won’t offend either of the sexes.
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Problems on the job? Write to Lindsey Novak, At Work, Financial Department, 4th Floor, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago 60611, or, via e-mail: AtWorkbyLN@aol.com. No phone calls, please.
Lindsey Novak appears on WCFC-TV’s (Ch. 38) `Among Friends’ at 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Friday.
