Letters: I get letters and phone calls and faxes and e-mail about the world of work:
Q–I’m job hunting and want to thank those who have given me such wonderful references, even though I fear they may have been bugged by so many people calling them. What is the appropriate way to thank them?
A–Call each of them and thank them. Keep them informed about your progress. You might need them again!
Q–I’m a new accountant and have been offered a good job at a small company that distributes auto parts. But I hear that industry’s still not very user-friendly to women. What are the secrets of success?
A–It’s true that there are extra challenges for women in the “rough and tumble” distribution industry, according to Edith Matlock, controller of Long Island Truck Parts, Inc., in Medford, N.Y.
Matlock, 52, an accountant who says she “works in a man’s world,” has this advice: “Starting with a small company is good because your strengths will be more quickly recognized. Be consistent, no matter what they throw at you. And build trust.”
Matlock says her years of work in the industry have been “worth it because now I have respect, a free rein–and am well paid.”
Q–I want to move from Florida to Colorado. My brother who lives there says I can give his address to prospective employers. Do you think I’ll have a better chance in getting an initial contact interview with a local address?
A–Absolutely. Companies may be turned off by the possibility of having to pay for your relocation. Take your brother up on his offer.
Q–Is it true you should never say the only reason you’re looking for a new job is that you want more money?
A–Yes. It implies you don’t care what the job is or what you can offer, which doesn’t make you a very attractive job candidate.
Q–I’m a recent college graduate with a master’s degree and a strong background in information technology. Yet, potential employers tell me I’m “overqualified” for the job and can’t pay me based on my level of education. What am I doing wrong?
A–You’re not doing anything wrong. When hiring officers say you’re “overqualified” they’re saying they know you’re too smart to accept their low-wage offer. Keep looking elsewhere.
Q–I am a professional in a new job at a large corporation. My supervisor advised me that I had to flirt with the men in my department to succeed. I thought women were past that by now. Aren’t we?
A–Yes, we are. We now have city, state and federal laws to protect us from this form of employment discrimination. Keep a record of what your supervisor said and the date. It will come in handy when you file your sexual-harassment lawsuit.
Q–During a recent job interview, I was asked to show my last paycheck stub to confirm the salary I claimed I was making. Is this legal?
A–It’s legal but outrageous. Will the employer show you the pay stubs of the person who just left the company to prove its salary offer is legitimate? Be warned: You don’t want to work there.
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Carol Kleiman’s column also appears in Tuesday’s Business section. Watch her Career Coach segments Sunday and Tuesday mornings on CLTV. Send e-mail to ckleiman@tribune.com.
