How to Get the Lowest Raise Possible

For many companies, it’s time for managers to be determining year end increases for their employees. I know this is a dreaded time of year for people like you, because you have so much money you can’t spend all of it now, and what on earth would you do with a big raise?

Sigh. Life can be so difficult, can’t it?

How to Get the Lowest Raise Possible

Why Am I Not Getting Any Respect?

Dear Evil HR Lady,

I have an employee who is 11 years older than I am and he thinks he knows more than and is more qualified than I am. He ignores my requests, won’t cc me on e-mails and doesn’t provide me with information about what he’s working on. I’ve tried meeting, talking, and sending him e-mails, but nothing seems to work with this silly man. What do I do?

Why Am I Not Getting Any Respect?

Can I Ask An Employee Why He is Going to the Doctor?

No one wants to invade an employee's privacy or violate any laws, but if an employee seems to be abusing the system, can you ask why he's going to the doctor?

Can I Ask An Employee Why He is Going to the Doctor?

Help Me Escape the Secretarial Pool

Dear Evil HR Lady,

About 18 months ago, I was hired as an Administrative Assistant to the VP of Human Resources of a smallish company (<2K employees). Within a couple of months, my job duties began to change as I acquired tasks previously belonging to other members of the HR staff. Then there was major restructuring of the HR functions of the company, and I became responsible for several specific functions. For almost a year, I have bided my time to address this change with my manager. I wanted to give ample time to prove that I was capable and fully responsible in this new (unofficial) role.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity I was looking for at my annual evaluation. I had just received a superior score and praises for my work, so took the leap. I presented the drastic changes to my job duties; I presented the difficulty I had being able to represent as an authority on my specific functions due to the “just a secretary” mindset of certain managers and outside vendors; I offered a full listing of various HR titles with tasks to show which might be more appropriate with all the changes. We discussed my desire to obtain PHR certification and the changes that would need to be made to my title/position in order for me to do that. She agreed with all of my points, but said she couldn’t give me a definite answer just yet. I followed up with her yesterday and got a response filled with business double-speak that translated to a resounding “no”.

What have I done wrong here? I have a college education and business degree, over ten years of experience with half of that specifically in HR, and I have proven myself over and over with any task given to me. I am on a first-name basis with the executives of the company and my reputation is solid. What can I do to officially break free of the secretarial pool?

Help Me Escape the Secretarial Pool

How To Tell If You Should Get an MBA

People have been badmouthing MBAs as of late. But, should you get one? Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before deciding to embark on that academic journey.

How To Tell If You Should Get an MBA

Managers: 3 Times You Must Push Back Against HR

There are some times when the Human Resources department makes decisions that are detrimental to the actual humans at a company. Managers, you need to know when to push back.
Managers: 3 Times You Must Push Back Against HR

I'm Clearly the Best Candidate--So Why Am I Not Getting the Job?

Dear Evil HR Lady,

I heard that 85% of the time it’s not the most qualified candidate that gets the job. I’m still searching for that 15% job.

I’m an Accountant. Not to toot my own horn but I’m kinda good at it. I’m considered extremely intelligent, however my social graces aren’t up to par. I’m usually well liked and I do impeccable work.

I’m doing something wrong in the interviews. I’ve been a finalist a few times now but not gotten the job. Sadly, I used to be good at interviewing.

So as to not go on too long and bore you I’ll just say while society has become “super positive”, pretentious (in my view anyways) and from what I’ve found and been told “game players”. In other words, you’ve got to play the game. It seems like, and according to one source, it doesn’t matter if you can do the job but can you tell them what they want to hear.

Anyways, if nothing else you could tell me a couple of great subject lines to use.

I'm Clearly the Best Candidate--So Why Am I Not Getting the Job?

The Interviewer Said I Have the Job, But No Offer Has Appeared

Dear Evil HR Lady,

I’m currently unemployed, but I interviewed with a past colleague heading a new company department. I was told after the interview that “they wanted me” and I just had to talk to a couple of other guys. At that interview the guys seemed like they were indifferent. They were preoccupied and knew little about me. After the interview, I was told by HR that I was it and they stopped looking for others. I was also told that although I would start as a Senior Art Director, that would be fast-tracked to Associate Creative Director.

I would be contacted that evening or the next day. Two days later, I finally make contact and things have stalled. They have to assess the skills of ALL of the candidates to determine the right mix. And they thank me for my patience.

They know I am looking at another company and ask me to keep her informed so she can keep the team informed. A couple of days later I get an update that they should know more about next steps this Wednesday. I am wondering are they considering another candidate OR are they considering a restructure of the department to take advantage of getting me or am I not going to get the role due to extenuating circumstances?

What’s the best play?

The Interviewer Said I Have the Job, But No Offer Has Appeared

My MBA Isn't Helping My Career

Dear Evil HR Lady,

About a year ago I finished my MBA. While working on my MBA, I had imagined that there would be plenty of opportunities when I graduated. Unfortunately even with an advanced degree, my two years in finance are not enough to qualify me for advanced positions. My current employer gave me a great retention bonus, yet no raise. Senior management told me that I do an outstanding job, and that they do not want to lose me. My current salary is only a couple of thousand dollars more than when I started with the company and is significantly less than what my current position was advertised for.

I get the bonus in December and am not sure that they are going to offer me the salary I have in mind. I am wondering if you can give me some tips for negotiating. Also should I be looking at other jobs so that I have firm counter offers to come back to them with? My student loans are all due and I cannot afford to pay those and pay all of my other monthly bills like my mortgage and car payment.

My MBA Isn't Helping My Career

Don't Let Your Mom Find You a Job

You're dying to help your loved one get a job. You'll do anything. Just stop it. They've got to manage the job on their own, so let them manage the job search.

Don't Let Your Mom Find You a Job

I’m Doing a Bad Job. Can I Still Get a Raise?

So, you're not a stellar performer. In fact, you think your performance is mediocre. But, you are still underpaid. Is there a chance for a raise anyway?

I’m Doing a Bad Job. Can I Still Get a Raise?

How To Explain That You Were Fired

I just read the best interview advice for explaining a firing in your past. I wish I could say that I had written it, but alas, I didn't.

It's from Alison Green, also known as Ask a Manager:

In a Job Interview, How to Explain You Were Fired

Seriously, people, if you've ever been fired, read this.

Want the American Dream? Don't Go to College

In order to be "successful" you must go to college--and when times get tough, go back and get that MBA or Law Degree, right? Maybe there's another path to the American dream.

Want the American Dream? Don't Go to College

Title Bait and Switch

Suddenly, the job you're interviewing for gets a lesser title. Was this a classic bait and switch, or do you not have the experience needed?

Title Bait and Switch