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FEBRUARY 13, 2023

This post, update: I got in trouble for using a mouse jiggler … despite my excellent work , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. Remember the letter-writer who got in trouble for using a mouse jiggler despite their excellent work ? Here’s the update. Thank you so much for your response! It was helpful and validating and gave me some additional perspective to process what happened.

Interview Software 98

Interview Software Software Data Company 98

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NOVEMBER 15, 2022

This post, I get angry when I’m praised for doing work I don’t like , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: Sometimes when receiving positive feedback, I feel irrationally angry about it. This is always when I’m doing a task I dislike. This, of course, causes problems at work when I’m doing a task I didn’t want to do in the first place and a supervisor tries to give me some encouragement.

Wellness 102

Wellness Examples Course ATS 102

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NOVEMBER 10, 2022

This post, we can’t get the highest performance rating 2 years in a row, holding a retreat at a coworker’s house, and more , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go…. 1. Our performance rating can’t be “exceeding expectations” for two years in a row. I joined my current company a little over two years ago, where I work on a team of five people within a larger department of about 100.

ATS 94

ATS Conference Meeting Hiring 94

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NOVEMBER 10, 2022

This post, when office potlucks go wrong , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. As we approach the season of office potlucks and other meals with coworkers, let’s discuss the many ways they can go wrong … from alarming cuisine to the person who takes an obscenely large share and never contributes anything of their own. To kick us off, some stories from years past: • “One of my old workplaces had a cookie baking contest, and the winner used store-bought dough.

Meeting 117

Meeting Examples ATS 117

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NOVEMBER 9, 2022

This post, how to say no without sounding negative , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m by nature an over-thinker/highly analytical person. When I make a structural or wording choice, I put a huge amount of thought into which of the many options will be clearest and easiest to understand. When I then bring the draft to my client or to colleagues, they will often have many suggestions.

How To 78

How To Analysis Analytics Immedis 78

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NOVEMBER 8, 2022

This post, my employee is upset that her work-life balance means she won’t get promoted here , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m having trouble managing an expectation gap. Someone I manage, Elizabeth, is probably in the middle (maybe lower middle) of our organization’s performance ranks but is upset she is not on track for promotion.

Hiring Software 105

Hiring Software System Industry Hiring 105

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NOVEMBER 8, 2022

This post, should I tell an employee that the new hire sitting right across from him all day is unvaccinated? , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: The company I work for has weathered the pandemic okay. We’re a 100% in person, small U.S. manufacturing company. I’m HR, finance, many other things, and sometimes reception.

Hiring 91

Hiring Screening Conference Meeting 91

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NOVEMBER 7, 2022

This post, my employee gets stressed out and snaps at me , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: One of the people I manage is a recent graduate; this is his first office role and he struggles with anxiety. When I assign him projects, he is immediately overwhelmed and panicked. No amount or type of support mitigates this, but the next day he comes in feeling much better.

ATS 77

ATS Immedis Training Compliance Training 77

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NOVEMBER 6, 2022

This post, boss confided family issues to me, I don’t want my horrible manager at my wedding, and more , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Boss confided family issues to me … and my manager is interrogating me about it. I have worked for a small company for just under a decade.

ATS 99

ATS Staffing Company Meeting 99

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AUGUST 10, 2022

This post, my boss says I’m not ready for a promotion, but is giving me work above my pay grade , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I am a Junior X, which is an entry-level employee in higher education. In my specific industry within higher ed, people in my role stick around for two to three years before they get promoted or leave.

Industry 94

Industry Hiring ATS 94

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AUGUST 10, 2022

This post, my employee keeps joking about getting fired , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: One of my top executives has been regularly joking about being replaced in her position within the company. As the owner, I asked her why she was doing this, questioning if it stemmed from a place of insecurity or from unhappiness in her position.

Wellness 103

Wellness How To Company ATS 103

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AUGUST 9, 2022

This post, I’ve been overworked for months and my manager won’t help , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have been covering for a coworker who is the lead for our shared role for the past two months. Covering her for a few days would normally have been no problem, but due to our clinic being short-staffed and an increase in clientele, this is starting to take its toll on my productivity and mental health.

Staffing 86

Staffing Hiring Productivity Data 86

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AUGUST 3, 2022

This post, update: my employer made me a counteroffer, then rescinded it , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. Remember the letter-writer whose employer made them a counteroffer but then rescinded it ? Here’s the update. I wound up taking the job at LargeCorp. When I wrote you, it was the same day grandboss had revoked his commitment.

Retirement 81

Retirement Competencies Productivity Company 81

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AUGUST 2, 2022

This post, what to say to employees who ask, “am I in trouble?” , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader asks: I manage a team where, due to the nature of our work, I need to give our employees frequent informal feedback. We employ a young workforce; the bulk of our employees are 18-26 years old. Often when I approach these employees, they start the conversation off with, “Am I in trouble?

Policies 81

Policies Meeting How To ATS 81

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AUGUST 1, 2022

This post, candidate showed up in-person for a Zoom interview “to demonstrate their interest” , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: As part of my job, I’m responsible for hiring processes for director level positions. We first conduct a phone screening, then a Zoom interview, and then pay for finalist candidates to visit our city for the the final round of interviews.

Interview Software 134

Interview Software Hiring Software Screening Hiring 134

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MAY 8, 2022

This post, should I tell my coworker she’ll never get promoted, are two-week vacations excessive, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Should I tell my coworker she’ll never get the promotion she deserves? I have an ethical dilemma and I feel like I’m definitely in the wrong here.

Hiring Software 117

Hiring Software Policies Industry Hiring 117

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MAY 4, 2022

This post, team sleepover, firing abusive clients, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My team is having a weekend sleepover at a coworker’s house. I just started a new job last month and joined a small team at a big international company. Our team is just 10 people and very tight-knit.

Compliance Training 106

Compliance Training Meeting Discrimination Groups 106

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MAY 2, 2022

This post, I gave notice to our daycare provider and she freaked out , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: My three-year-old daughter has been going to the same in-home daycare provider since she was very young. Her daycare provider, let’s call her Amy, is very good at what she does, has 25 years of experience, and is well-respected in our community.

Coaching 96

Coaching Wellness Hiring ATS 96

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MAY 2, 2022

This post, can I ask for a raise if I wouldn’t leave over salary? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I like my job but I’m very underpaid. Can I do anything about it? It’s not like I would leave if I asked for a raise and they didn’t give me one, so I feel like there is no leverage. You can ask for a raise even if you won’t leave if they say no.

Course 104

Course Wellness How To ATS 104

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APRIL 29, 2022

This post, it’s your Friday good news , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s your Friday good news! 1. “I started a fantastic new position in August 2019 after a few years of trying to find the best place for me. I ended up with an amazing salary, good benefits, short commute, interesting and challenging work, great colleagues, and the best boss I’ve ever had.

Diversity 109

Diversity Wellness Company Hiring 109

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APRIL 27, 2022

This post, what’s the best time to send rejection letters? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: Is there a standard for when to send out rejection letters? I deal with a lot of hiring in my job and I usually know as soon as I review a resume or hold an interview whether or I’m going to reject someone, but I have always figured that people don’t want to receive a rejection notice within hours of leaving a job interview, so I wait a few da

Hiring 81

Hiring ATS 81

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APRIL 27, 2022

This post, my family member says it’s bad to withdraw from a hiring process even if I know I don’t want the job , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I had a really frustrating interview situation recently. I applied for a job based on the posted job description, which was for a generalist, with a list of maybe 10 areas of responsibility.

Hiring 114

Hiring Immedis Compliance Training Meeting 114

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FEBRUARY 8, 2022

This post, should you refinance your student loans? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. And now a word from a sponsor… If you have a student loan, you might be painfully aware that the CARES Act is expected to expire on May 1, which means millions of student loan borrowers will need to start paying their loans (and interest) then.

Compliance Training 67

Compliance Training Study Course 67

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FEBRUARY 8, 2022

This post, my coworker says I bullied her … should I tell her boss she needs more of a backbone? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I recently received feedback at work and need to know how to respond. I think my boss is very wrong, but I am unsure of the best way to make her see that. I started my job last year.

Compliance Training 94

Compliance Training Training Examples Competencies 94

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FEBRUARY 8, 2022

This post, can you end a job interview early if it’s not a good fit? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: A few years ago I was in a situation that I’d like some insight on. I applied for a job that, based on the description, seemed like I was qualified for (a mix of admin and marketing work). However, once I got into the interview, I realized it was much more about complex graphic design and publishing than was previously indicated (work related to

Screening 103

Screening Groups Examples Hiring 103

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FEBRUARY 6, 2022

This post, naked saunas with colleagues, avoiding eating lunch with a boss, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Naked saunas with colleagues. I work in the international affairs arena, although based in the U.S. Some of my Finnish colleagues have invited me to a private sauna event, with the invitees limited but not provided to other invitees.

Handbook 105

Handbook Policies Discrimination ATS 105

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FEBRUARY 4, 2022

This post, open thread – February 4-5, 2022 , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on anything work-related that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to talk to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in m

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FEBRUARY 4, 2022

This post, it’s your Friday good news , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s your Friday good news! 1. “I recently accepted a job offer and I put so much of your advice to good use! Especially around salary, negotiation, and just keeping my cool and not stressing about it. Throughout my job search, every time a recruiter asked what I was looking to make, instead of answering I politely asked them what their range was, and almost always they did give some kind o

Retirement 88

Retirement Course Hiring Wellness 88

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FEBRUARY 3, 2022

This post, new hire with a criminal record, backing out of a job offer, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go…. 1. Should I tell my boss about our new hire’s criminal record? A couple months ago my company posted an administrative support position and last week we made an offer.

Hiring Software 98

Hiring Software Background screening Hiring Interview Software 98

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FEBRUARY 3, 2022

This post, how can I get time off work for therapy? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. Most people don’t hesitate to tell their boss they need time off for a medical appointment – but when that appointment is for therapy, they often get a lot more reluctant. And understandably so. Frustratingly, mental health can still carry a stigma at work, and people are often unsure how much they really need to share and how much would be TMI.

Discrimination 68

Discrimination Survey Meeting ATS 68

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FEBRUARY 2, 2022

This post, do I have any recourse when an employer ghosts me? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I know you’ve written that when job searching it’s best to assume you won’t hear back at every stage , and then to let any positive news be a pleasant surprise. I like the idea of this, but I can’t get past the fact that ghosting is still incredibly rude , especially at the later stages of a process.

Screening 113

Screening Competencies Hiring Course 113

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JANUARY 31, 2022

This post, my employee quit smoking and has become cranky at work , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have an employee, “Joy,” who is a lifelong smoker. Joy is a member of my leadership team, and has been a great asset for the three years I’ve worked with her. Recently, she decided to quit smoking.

ATS 82

ATS Wellness 82

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JANUARY 26, 2022

This post, a great job working for someone I can’t stand, coworker is on reality TV, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Should I take a great job working for someone I can’t stand? There’s a job opening up at my company that is a more specialist position compared to what I’m currently doing.

Video Recruiting 94

Video Recruiting Industry Meeting Report 94

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NOVEMBER 1, 2021

This post, drama over kids’ fundraisers, can I charge for dream time, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. I supported my coworker’s kid’s fundraiser and he didn’t return the favor. I supported a coworker’s kid’s Boy Scout fundraiser. I did last year too.

Time and Attendance 103

Time and Attendance Hiring Course Compensation 103

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OCTOBER 29, 2021

This post, it’s your Friday good news , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s your Friday good news! 1. “I left my old job several months ago and can’t thank you enough for your job searching advice which was a HUGE help to me in securing my new position. I left an industry that is notorious for overworking and underpaying, and since it was the only professional experience I have out of college, I had a hard time gauging what my skills were rea

Immedis 90

Immedis Industry Wellness How To 90

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OCTOBER 28, 2021

This post, I used to drink on the job with my new boss, quitting with no notice, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My new boss is someone I used to drink on the job with. At a previous job, when I was young and dumb, I joined in with two other “rebel” coworkers, Rachel and Monica, to drink on the job.

Training 99

Training Compliance Training Guidelines Hiring 99

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OCTOBER 27, 2021

This post, are better managers … ever actually worse? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have a big-picture workplace question. I was at my previous company for five years, three years with Jane as my boss, and two years with Jack as my boss. Jane and Jack had very different management styles. Jane was extremely hands-off, while Jack fit the textbook definition of a “good manager” much better (at least as I understand it), but hi

Meeting 110

Meeting Course Resources Examples 110