If you’re planning to take leave through FMLA, there’s a certification process where your doctor will need to fill out forms with pretty limited information — just enough to demonstrate that you do have a serious medical condition that requires the leave. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Are offers to stay in touch with old coworkers really sincere? recently resigned from my first professional job post-university. I had been there nearly five years. Are these invites sincere? If they are, I don’t want to shun them by not dropping by or staying in touch. salary MORE

decided that in addition I would give them all gift certificates (paid for by our company) as a thank-you for their hard work. In order to give them these gift certificates, I had to spent a lot of time getting permission for the funds and ordering them for the employees, all on top of my already demanding work load. I was hurt when it got back to me that employees were grumbling that the gift cards weren’t enough. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My employees complained about the reward I gave them. But do you think they were treated unfairly? MORE

Putting degrees/certifications in your email signature. How do you feel about email signatures with degrees/certification in them? It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Talking to a depressed coworker/friend about B.O. have a very good friend who’s also a coworker (on another team from mine). happen to know that she’s suffering from very bad depression, and I’m very proud of her for getting through it as well as she is. Here’s my dilemma–in the last few months, she’s developed a definite problem with body odor. I Avoid. Do both. MORE

would say this to your new employer: “I certainly don’t want to offend anyone, but this is my name, it’s what I’ve gone by my entire life, it’s how all my professional contacts know me, and it’s what’s on my birth certificate. A reader writes: I am starting a new job next week. Somehow another employee, who is a favorite of the regional manager, objects to my name, so I have been told I cannot use it. My middle name is King and it is a name that has been in our family for years. This entry-level employee says it offends her religious beliefs. What are my options? Is this even legal? MORE

The background:   A couple of years ago my friend was doing a post-degree certificate in HR through a reputable (but mid-sized local) community college. A reader writes: I’m wondering if you can settle a rather heated discussion between me and my boyfriend? Just before the end of the fall semester, her fellow students decided to have a Christmas party and invited all the students in the cohort as well as all the professors and some admin staff to attend. The party was held at Hooters. believe there were about 30 people in total, with about 10 professors/admin. What?! Supreme Court. MORE

Since the letter was posted I have been working to develop my skills in this area by reading, taking classes, getting certifications in the field, and joining some national and local organizations. I’ve also been reading your site daily and bought your book on how to get a job. Remember the letter-writer wondering how important it is to answer every question perfectly during a job interview? She worried that she’d flubbed two questions in a recent interview and was wondering how much it would matter. Here’s her update. They seemed very enthusiastic about me. updates MORE

My assistant let us believe she has a key certification that she doesn’t actually have. Here are four updates from people who had their questions answered here recently. 1. Since I wrote, my boss at the time (Old Boss) announced her retirement (and has since retired) and a new person (New Boss) was hired. During the transition process, New Boss was asking about my employees, strengths, weaknesses, etc., and this incident came up along with previous issues. He, like most everyone else, felt this was grounds for dismissal and pushed HR on the matter. Bottom line, she stayed. Not quite. MORE

Don’t put any weight on professional certifications for this work (like someone being certified Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches), because they’re not a guarantee of quality. There are people who are great at this with no formal training or certification, and people with formal certifications who suck. A reader writes: I have been out off work for three years. So I was wondering, will having my resume professional done worth the price or will it be waste of money that I honestly don’t really have? For example, see the advice here.). MORE

Now Jane has sent me a link to the county’s vital records sites that shows a death certificate (with date of passing) is being processed under the name that she has provided. A reader writes: Our company’s bereavement policy is pretty standard. In another case, a relative was not deemed as being eligible for bereavement time, and I was told that I would need to use PTO time for the absence. Now, I am a supervisor of my department of about 20 people. I’ve had to apply for bereavement time for two employees since taking over, and it was as simple as my own experience. MORE

In addition, he has been putting in hours towards a certification for his field and will lose three years worth of time if the employer doesn’t certify that he put that time in. At the most, he might be able to get his hours certificate back and negotiate what will be said to future employers seeking a reference. If his former employer was feeling willing to verify the hours for his certification and/or to negotiate a decent or at least neutral reference, they’re really unlikely to be willing to do that if he tries to turn this around as something they  did wrong. MORE

Mom and dad are refusing to give their children their Social Security cards and birth certificates. One of our students had to order their birth certificate and order a replacement social security card because their parents wouldn’t give up the documents. One student didn’t have the funds to purchase a birth certificate, and his mother refused to mail him any of his documents. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. I was accused of plagiarism. I was accused of plagiarism earlier this year. My manager presented the paper and facts to me plainly but forcefully. MORE

Including a fitness certification on a resume. Should I list a fitness certification on my professional resume? I am currently undergoing a rigorous training program to become certified in a fitness sector. I am seeking a position that is not in the fitness industry (for now). It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Do I need to help my coworker improve the quality of her work? At my job, we work in pairs. I’m considered a top performer, and I’ve recently been assigned to work with someone who’s not very motivated. would prevent that. ” 5. MORE

At the first interview, I gave them a hard copy of a resume “portfolio” I created that included a letter of introduction, resume, letter of recommendation, work-related documents, numerous training certificates, and feedback from a program I initiated. I was thinking about creating some type of digital resume/portfolio highlighting my experience and skills. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Sending a group photo to a grieving coworker. have a question for you about a coworker who recently lost her child to horrific circumstances. feel uncomfortable with this idea. MORE

Instead, she gave me lists of resources (training manuals, online certification classes, etc.) to go through, checked in with me maybe once a day, and assigned me a “starter project” so that I could “learn on the job.” A reader writes: Last summer, I decided to re-enter the workforce after five years of raising my kids. applied to a bunch of jobs that I thought I could do, and got an interview at this one very small  company (~20 employees). proved myself and they brought me on full-time. . Needless to say, I was more than a little insulted by her attitude. . MORE

Is it worth getting Microsoft Office certifications? I am currently job searching and am considering completing the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification program to add to the skills section of my resume. Is such a certification worth my time and money? With a few exceptions, hiring managers aren’t generally that impressed by certifications at all and would much rather see what you have DONE with the skill. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. How can I ask my manager to respect my personal space? started a new job as a trainee a few weeks ago. MORE

Listing a certification that I’m working toward but don’t yet have. have a question regarding adding certification on resumes. Currently, I am logging my work hours for my PMP certification (Project Management Professional) from PMI and do not have the certification. Is it a good idea to state the hours I’ve logged in required areas on my resume or cover letter despite not having the actual certification? It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Fired for printing my resume at work. interviewed for a position 3 weeks ago. MORE

Am I hurting my chances by telling employers I’ll be leaving in 6-12 months? I’m studying for medical coding certification and have no experience in the healthcare field. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My employee won’t copy me on his emails. One of my subordinate is trying to sideline me by not copying me on his emails. Should I send out an email to all departments, asking them to copy me when sending emails to my subordinates? If so, how should I put the email in order not to sound too odd? ’” 3. short answers MORE

The software is complex — everyone on my team has certification and a lot of hands-on experience. He requested that the company pay for his training and certification (~$6K). explained that budgeting doesn’t necessarily work that way and that even with certification and formal training, he still wouldn’t have hands on experience and would not qualify to replace Simone. Martin deferred to me in the meeting and I told Ernest that certification was not enough. Simone was pregnant and planned her four-month maternity leave starting in May. being the boss MORE

couple years ago, I was received my first promotion within the contract company I work for, supervising the other professionals in my certification area.  It became clear in my first few months working with the new contract that, due to the increasing demands of my newly adopted responsibilities, I would be unable to continue both managing both the professionals in my certification area and the new contract. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. As we’re ending, I’ve had people ask both A) “Could I take a look at your resume?” short answers MORE

They didn’t bat an eyelash at my salary requirements, and had no difficulty with offering me the refresher training I would need for some lapsed certifications. imagine had I pursued the various security guard and food service, flight attendant, astronaut jobs I have been propositioned with over the years in spite of having no training, certification or experience in them, the other hiring managers would have felt the same way. “No, thanks, I’m very happy with what I’m doing.”. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. an in-person interview.) Anyone? 4. MORE

My newly appointed “supervisor” has a bachelor’s in motion science ( he wanted to be a physical trainer but that didn’t pan out, so he too started as a call center rep and worked his way up). I’m a few terms away from graduating with an accounting degree and a CPA certificate on top of my masters in Psychology. A reader writes: I work in the business/finance office for a large health care system that has hospitals in 5 different states. It is driving me insane that my regional director of finance does not have any sort of finance education. Oh my goodness. MORE

” Is the three bullet points rule so important that it’s worth leaving off training/certificates directly relevant to the opening? A reader writes: I intern at a nonprofit organization that assists low-income community members with resumes. My supervisors provide us with very limited autonomy during the resume development process, and each resume we build must follow the style guidelines of our organization. For instance, my supervisor requires that every bullet point answers how the task was completed. What exactly does this clarify? ” Isn’t this a given? MORE

They were undergoing some certification in order to get approval to operate the new center when they realized that the certification of the employee who was to be the principal of the new center would take a much longer time to approve, compared to my certification. They asked if they could just use my cert just for the certification of the center before switching out the name to hers later when the new center was approved for operations. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Then I was later asked the same question by HR. Is this illegal? MORE

happen to have a software certification that I think they will have trouble finding in other candidates, and I wouldn’t mind helping with that aspect in an unpaid volunteer capacity because I’d like to be involved with the organization and I enjoy that kind of work. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go…. 1. badmouthed my employer to classmates and now feel awful. work at a organization at a university. As part of my appointment, I get to take a class at the university. Should I reach out to my classmates and apologize for my behavior? Should I speak to my coworkers? MORE

Employer wants me to repay notary certification cost. About six months ago, my employer sent me to get my notary certification. If you didn’t have an agreement that you’d pay her back if you left within a certain period of time, she has no standing to require you to repay her. I’d say this: “I obtained a notary certification at your direction, as part of my work for you. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Dealing with an unpaid intern who’s chronically late. have a couple years of work experience, and I am currently managing an intern on my team. MORE

And it has the dates of my PRINCE2 certification, which was two years ago.”. A reader writes: I have a question about an interview I had recently. I am an experienced IT Infrastructure manager (running teams of up to 30) with project management experience – and was invited to an interview on the strength of my CV, which clearly stated that I was a “PRINCE2 certified IT Infrastructure Manager with five years management experience and ten years technical experience for both public- and private-sector employers.” My question is, broadly, did I do the right thing? MORE

started the employment paperwork on schedule and just had to provide proof of citizenship to the HR representative requesting many sensitive documents (birth certificate, social security card, or passport). finally was able to drop off my employment information to the payroll office. A few days later, I received an email from the HR office informing me I was late on my employment information and asking me to come in with my proof of citizenship and my marriage certificate. also asked why my marriage certificate was required to start employment. Here we go…. 1. It’s legal. MORE

Nobody raised an eyebrow at it while I was still in college, but now I’m done with school for the foreseeable future (I got an associate’s degree and a professional certification in the healthcare field), and everybody’s starting to ask when I’ll be moving on. I don’t mind their asking, but it’s made me start to wonder if future potential employers will think it’s odd if I stay at my current job for a while — say, a year or two more? It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. What?! Who … why … I don’t even know how to comment on this. MORE

Mentioning that I took an interviewer’s certificate recommendation. I am wondering if there is an unobtrusive, non-annoying way to mention that I’ve enrolled in a program recommended to me by an interviewer in a follow-up email. During the interview, a post-graduate certificate program was recommended to me by the hiring manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My new job wants me to sign a paper agreeing they can dismiss me without investigation if they suspect theft. They agreed and made an offer knowing about all of that. No, it’s not standard. MORE

After the Skype interview, they asked me to come down (on their dime) for an on-site interview and said that the starting salary based strictly on my experience and certifications would be $X-2/hour. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. How can I ask my manager and coworkers to stop talking about politics at work? Do you have advice on how to suggest a rule of no talking about politics at work? Some of them are HUGE fans of a certain politician who I find repellent. Can I ask that a second job be added to mine, and my salary increased? So it’s pretty damn tricky. MORE

When we’ve talked about this, she says her work is paying for some certificates that will make her more valuable, but I think they’re kind of bogus sounding. Also, telling you that her current company is paying for certificates that will make her more valuable sounds an awful lot like “I’m going to be staying here for a while.”. A reader writes: I know this is sort of out of your core expertise, but I figured it was worth a shot. My girlfriend and I have been together for three years, and we are very happily deeply committed. My girlfriend works in tech. MORE

Luckily I got a job in a dialysis clinic doing admin work, but they know my career path and are very supportive, and I will likely work with them when I get my license. I’m very happy with my current job, but I am getting my CNA (certified nursing assistant) certification this month and may get a job with a nursing home for extra work. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. have to work with someone who sexually harassed my friend. very well-respected member of my small professional field sexually harassed my friend while working with her. Thanks! appreciate it.”. MORE

Would it be okay to give her a gift certificate? gift certificate might make her uncomfortable, or it might not — but I promise you that if you give her the letter on its own, she’s not going to think “That’s all?” So I’d just stick with the letter, which will mean far, far more to her than a restaurant gift certificate. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go…. 1. Was my vacation request unreasonable? We are a very small company, and I understand that this would possibly be hard, but I am still unhappy about the decision. Yes, your request was reasonable. MORE

Explaining why I’m not licensed yet. I’ve been working in Human Resources for almost two years now and am ready to take on more responsibility so I am actively job searching. A lot of the job advertisements I see are asking for the professional certification; I’ve never been licensed (as a certified HR professional) because the cost of the designation is about a month’s worth of my current salary. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Turning down an internal promotion. applied for a pricing analyst role in the same department. received the offer letter. ” 5. MORE

have been to my GP, who said I can self-certificate (Ed. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Employee gets drunk and belligerent on business trips. need to know the proper way to handle the fact that one of our employees drinks at night while on the road with the crew. Our company pays for the hotel rooms and the guys bunk two to a room. We are getting complaints that one of the guys drinks every night and becomes loud and belligerent and it is difficult for the other employees to share a room with him. What’s going on?”. …. Are employee referrals effective? MORE

spent the last two years putting aside all the savings I could to build a safety net for myself while I got started in this new location and was looking forward to a couple of years of dedicating myself to part-time work while spending the rest of my time on unpaid professional development (volunteering, networking, picking up additional credentials and certifications and expanding my skillset) as well as shaking off the stress of the 9-to-5 grind I just left. The thing that’s jumping out to me here is that you said the job is entry-level. More on that here.). job searching MORE

Although man would it be AWESOME if you had an AAM certification system for management!). It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. I’m addicted to job searching. have a weird problem. I can’t stop looking for new jobs. spent nearly all of 2014 job searching, applying, interviewing, etc. I was barely making enough money to make ends meet at the time, so finding a new job was crucial. I had success in landing a lot of interviews, but it took time to find a good match. just celebrated my one-year anniversary at this new job, and overall I’m happy. just want to keep looking. MORE

My coworker is misleading our boss about when she’ll have a certification. I am one of two new practitioners, in the same position, joining an established practice. My coworker has yet to even pass the certification exam, but has stated repeatedly in the past she will have her credentials in a month. Beyond that, though, you could certainly say to your boss, “I’m not sure if this matters, but I know that Jane has said a few times that she’ll have her certification as soon as a month from now. I don’t think that’s possible — it takes at least five months after passing the exam.” MORE

thought I wanted to be a mental health counselor in undergrad, and a masters is required for licensure and certification, so I wasn’t just going willy-nilly to grad school. A reader writes: I have a bachelors and masters degree in counseling psychology. Unfortunately, I realized in my grad school internship that I didn’t enjoy counseling as much as I thought I would. graduated with my masters approximately 10 years ago. ” (!!!). found this insulting, patronizing, and highly inappropriate. truly don’t know what else to do at this point. Let’s talk soon.”. MORE

And if you’re right that they know, it won’t be a big deal to verify it. 5. I can’t find a job with the certifications I just got. I am having a very hard time finding a job. I am trying to start a career in medical billing. have certifications relating directly to the jobs I’m applying for. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. No-show employee wants a bonus. We had an employee who stopped coming to work with no call, no text, no warning, nothing. After two days of not hearing from her, we called the police to conduct a welfare check. He asked for a bonus for her. MORE