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Negotiating after disclosing Salary Expected i am likely to get a job offer with a company for which i am very excited but i did a mistake by disclosing my salary expectation in start itself. After checking the current market trend and another job offer which i have, i feel that i asked for less initially whereas at my...	If they challenge you that you asked for less before, remain calm, polite and friendly, but explain that you are convinced you are worth the salary you are asking for, and that you can deliver a lot of value to their company - and believe you should be compensated accordingly.
Are startups expected to have low salaries, no bonuses, no raises? My company (< 300) is currently offering below-market wages, no shares, no bonuses, no raises, with the constant promise of "opportunities for growth" as the company develops.Plus, we are quite top-heavy, and each time we make an acquisition we bring in...	If a startup is well-funded, then there would be hefty salaries. No one would be convinced by the promise of "growth opportunities".
Why are places specifying "(m/f)" in the job title? I often see "(m/f)" in the description of software developer jobs. Even in jobs in progressive countries like Germany, France or Switzerland. I assume that m/f means "male or female". I'm wondering: Why specify that in the job title (isn't it obvious that both gen...	As per this answer , its because German job titles are gendered, and m/f is just a translation artifact in many cases Companies are interested in finding someone to do the job.
Should i ask for more work , when i have completed all the tasks assigned to me for the day? I work as software test engineer in a medium sized IT company. My lead usually assigns me task for the day which I try to finish asap. Sometimes when there is no build to test or when all the test execution is done, i have noth...	Even better than asking for more work, demonstrate some initiative.
Should work computer/tech work colleagues be judged depending on whether they attended a computer science university? I just witnessed an incident at my company where one of my colleagues accused another colleague and his arguments were based on the University he graduated from. Is it correct to engage in such despera...	Even so, usually it's inappropriate to mention one's university education as a point in a debate or argument while it's advisable to be respectful of someone that has earned respect (either by formal education or job experience). It is not something that is typically appropriate
I feel like I'm underpaid, how do I prove it? I'm in a tough situation, since I'm a UX Designer who has a tech background too. I create prototypes through code which allow them to be as accurate to the real finished product. What I do is rare and not many people do what I do and have been told by numerous people from ...	You could talk with your employer and indicate that you should be paid more.
Is it rude to ask when a position will be available again? I recently applied for a job online. I followed-up with the HR coordinator who then responded by telling me I'd be contacted by one of the supervisors for the department I applied for. Later, the HR coordinator e-mailed me again saying that the position was clo...	It may not help, but as long as it's respectful and not begging, it definitely can't hurt. Do not expect HR, the hiring manager, a recruiter, or anyone else to get back to you when a position is available again. Given that you made it through the HR screening it is perfectly acceptable and really it is the logical thin...
What benefit does an employer derive from hiring employees as salaried nonexempt? I can see why employers might hire hourly employees - you pay employees for the amount of time they spend working. Straightforward. Likewise, salaried exempt makes sense - you pay employees a fixed rate to get a job done, and expect them ...	Being non-exempt is appealing to workers who don't want to be asked to work extra hours, because they know the company will only ask if its absolutely necessary (since it costs them money).
Quoting correct salary expectations for jobs in foreign countries Average salary of a software engineer: In India : 395k INR = €5.53k . In Germany : 3340.8k INR = €46.4k What salary figure shall a developer from India quote to a German (foreign) company with relocation? <Q> It's a different country. <S> You ca...	If you come up with a salary that is either too high you will not get the job, when you were perfectly willing to accept a reasonable salary. Your best bet probably is to tell them that you tried to get information about German salary structures but the range is so wide that you'd rather hear their offer first. Best is...
Is it unprofessional to ask to be paid as a contractor for additional work after a two weeks notice period? I perform work for a company with somewhat frequent travel requirements. I intend to put in my two weeks notice next Thursday, the 31st of Dec. This would make my final day Thursday, Jan 14th; I'm hoping for a lo...	Over the time of a career, this probably doesn't matter either way.
What do I write in my sick notice? Unfortunately for me, I had to leave my job at midday last Monday. I thought it was a normal case of flu, until today I had a fever and infection. My question is how and what should I write in a quick email to my supervisor? It is very unlikely that I will be able to go to work tom...	He wants the information and only the information, and you don't want to write a novel while sick. Unless you are say going to be out for an extended period of time, because of either a planned or unplanned major medical issue, it's generally accepted most places to call in each and every day you are out sick. "I am ou...
Junior staff posting film spoilers around the office Well not a great situation as you can imagine. Some members of staff (not in my department) have taken to spoiling the plot of the latest Star Wars film, upsetting other members of the company.This manifests by people writing notes with plot details an sticking them ...	If you know who it is, and know their Manager, it could be best to relay the complaints to their Manager and work out some way where both of you can continue without needing to address this ever again. It wouldn't be a good move career wise to tattle on these employees at all.
Verbal resignation and counter offer should I give a formal resignation letter I am currently quite happy with my current company and role except the commute to workplace, it got to a point that I could not longer do it so I applied for a new role near my home and offered a new job. I then set up a meeting with my man...	A letter of resignation is to notify the company that you no longer intend to work for them as a matter of record.
Boss never tells me when I perform poorly I'm not sure what to make of this situation. Over the years, my manager and I have developed a personal relationship at work. Aside from the regular communication of responsibilities, we joke with each other (and the rest of the team), talk about our lives, families, and other...	Bosses owe it to their employees to give honest feedback, both good and bad.
Is it professional to wish Merry Christmas to somebody I don't know personally? Currently I am in the process of discussing some job related business with my future manager. I have been accepted on the job, subject to his final agreement, which he appears to be willing to make. I do not know him personally nor his back...	Most people would be indifferent with either Merry Christmas or Happy New Year, but some people may take offense/have problems with it (especially Merry Christmas). I would say it is appropriate.
Taking Vacation Days During Peak Times I have a few vacation days saved up that will expire soon. However, this is the busiest time of year at my office. How do I go about using these days without putting an undue burden on my coworkers? <Q> This was as a win/win for both employee and employer: the employee doesn't los...	In a company that I worked for previously where I had a similar issue, by talking to our managers, we could get the expiration date on the vacation days extended by a few months.
If you leave of a company for a better job, can you be rightly badmouthed for abandoning projects? I spent the last year at a company where I created a new department, but I got no raise, bonus or promotion -- just five-star feedback and promises of future growth. I found a better job at another company which pays be...	Badmouthing you is a very risky business. If this department goes down because you left, that's not your fault and not your problem. Unless you have a personal services or an employment contract there is no legal obligation for you to stay (and even if you do and leave early, the contract will spell out the consequence...
Is it ok to share official evaluation report with your mentor? I have a mentor that does not work in the same company but is in the same industry. She has been very helpful as a sounding board, in guiding my career, etc. Is it ok to share my personal evaluation (by my boss) with her? Or would this be a burden on them a...	Yes - you can share things that related directly to you, and that do not expose company secrets, or classified information.
Is eating smelly things in the office unprofessional? I don't necessarily mean a bad smell like cheese for example, even oranges or a hot soup. Especially if it's in an area where customers pass by. (might seem unprofessional) <Q> This is highly workplace dependent. <S> Some workplaces have a lunch room and expect you ...	Also - even with a break room, if you end up in a high-demand business, you may end up in a situation where you have no choice but to have food with you, so you can eat in meetings. So, by eating anything that has an odor that carries beyond your immediate vicinity in an office, unless you are keenly aware that everyon...
How might extended remote work affect my employment status? I have been working for 5 months within the IT department of an organization, and have chosen to work remotely (telecommute), as do many other people here. So, I don't need to be physically in the office every day. But with the holiday season, however, I have...	You need to make a deliberate effort to communicate with your manager and co-workers, to kedp them informed of what you're doing and what you need, and to get input from them on everything from what they need from you to what opportunities are opening up that you should jump on.
How do I get noticed at work? I work as a junior SQL developer in a small software company. In my project, my team leader assigns me tasks on a daily basis and I usually finish my coding tasks on time. At the end of day, I send a daily status of my tasks to my team lead and no one else. I have received feedback from ...	You should mention what you do, the reports you provide your lead and pretty much ask for their advice, implying that you want to grow and learn how to do that properly. Raise key points or system improvements in meetings in front of the whole team rather than to your team lead directly. Volunteer for committee assignm...
Music played through speakers I recently joined a software development company. I was warned in the interview that it was common to have music played through speakers in the office. I remembered the times in my old workplace, which seemed dull at times and music cheered everyone up, so I said "that's okay". Then I rea...	Accept the music as a condition of the job Buy noise-canceling headphones
Meager raise after herculean effort Throwaway as we use SO/SE to recruit. I work for a digital agency where I have been employed for 3 years. I am a senior developer with 15 years of experience in my field. I hold all major certifications and I am very recognized in our community as an authority. I also am a mod on a...	You may have other options, these would include looking for another placement with a better recompense in either monetary terms or other benefits.
Invited for a New Year party, should I go? I have been invited to a New Year party at a company where I have accepted a role, but as yet haven't joined. My joining date is more than 10 days after New Year . I am very happy that they have invited me, however I am not sure about attending as I will only know the 2 or 3...	The point of the invitation to current employees is that they can get to know some of the people they work with better. However, if you don't want to go it's perfectly acceptable to decline the invitation and state you already have other plans (which you don't need to specify).
Do I owe my ex-boss any loyalty? I worked in a company for more than a year and then my boss decided to shut down the company and found me a job before doing it. I thanked him and accepted the job that I was offered, but after a month, he came up with a freelance job offer to me and I felt like I owe him a favor and be...	I do believe you owe your ex-boss loyalty.
Barred from former work premises. What can I do? So I worked at my previous job (in a pub. Bar and kitchen) for 2yrs. No issues. Found another job with better hours, handed in my notice, worked it and then started with my current employer. About 6months ago.Beginning of December I got told that I was banned (from the p...	Speak to the owners - either the licencee or the brewery.
How to build strong social network at work We need help of others to achieve our goals Though I understand this I feel I'm not sure how to connect with people at work. And being introvert makes it very hard for me. Can anyone please guide me through this <Q> In my experience, simply working with people -- asking them...	Be friendly (without overdoing it), be a good listener, be helpful, pose interesting and relevant questions, and you sorta can't help getting to know your coworkers. Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.
Acknowledgements: Dr or Prof? I am presenting my research work at a conference. In my poster, I am crediting my research advisor. For anonymity purposes, say his name is John Smith. He is a PhD so he is often addressed Dr. Smith but he is a professor at my university so his students call him Prof. Smith. In my poster, ...	Another Short Answer: Use "Dr." or "..., PhD." Acknowledging the PhD
What does "please keep in touch" mean when rejected? I had an opportunity to get an internship recently and made it through a few rounds of interviews, but on my last interview, I didn't do very well. This resulted in getting rejected for the potential job offer, and in the email I received from my recruiter telling me...	You should not read anything at all into it NOT being said, and the MOST you should attribute to it if it is said, is that they don't think you are someone they could not work with.
Dollar value changing fast and salary doesn't change US dollar is changing very fast in my country now. I'm working for a foreign company and I get a very satisfactory salary. But my consideration is as the US dollar is fluctuating rapidly, should I drop a email to HR division to point this out? Foreign company might ...	Fluctuating exchange rates are not a valid reason to base salary negotiations on.
Who would make a good programmer for an academic department? My academic team is looking for a programmer to take our individual outputs and integrate them together into a single graphical user interface. The job will last at most 6 months and at most we can afford a junior developer salary. The separate pieces of code...	I think this sort of job would be best done by a consultant, freelancer type, who is used to planning and implementing things themselves rather than relying on a team. If you can get hold of a skilled person in another country where your junior dev pay is worth a decent amount, that might be the way to go.
Do I risk losing an interview if I can't pay the trip? I am based in UK and I got invited to the US for a 4-days trip as part of a job application. However, travel and accommodation would cost me more than two grand, which I can't afford right now. I would rather not accrue debt to go on this trip, and while they wil...	For me, if they didn't offer to book the arrangements themselves, I'd just put it on a low-interest credit card, pay it off as soon as the reimbursement arrive, enjoy the mileage or cash back from the credit card purchases, and eat the very minor interest expense (if any) as a cost of doing interview business. As far a...
How to deal with colleague that uses you as a crutch to complete their tasks? I have this colleague, that when she joined our team, I could clearly tell that she was having a hard time picking up the speed (She taught programming before, but never actually coded anything). So I put in my 110% to make sure her ramp-up b...	When she asks a question you should respond with, "I expect you to be able to know that by now" or "I expect you can find the answer on your own by this point. I think the one at fault is you, when teaching someone don't let them depend on you to much, usually I tell them google 1st
Am I a programmer or a developer? Are the term programmer and developer interchangeable? Is it that programmer is more an old usage, and developer is more trending, or there is more to it? I can understand a coder is someone that may only code according to low-level designs, but programmer can start t...	Programmer as you said was used earlier, but developer has no difference that I can think of.
Should I tell colleagues I'm leaving I handed my notice in some time ago. My boss (director of the company) has asked me not to say anything to my team and colleagues. She says she needs to protect the business as she is worried about a domino effect of people following me as I am quite influential within the business....	It's awkward to oppose your boss, but I think it is wise for you to tell people before you go. If you don't, it's going to be quite shocking when everyone discovers you are gone, and they had no idea.
Safely applying to a company where multiple coworkers previously worked Many of my coworkers all worked for the same employer previously. That employer is now hiring. Knowing that my coworkers are still in contact with some current employees of that company, how can I apply with minimal risk that my coworkers will be...	All it takes is for one person who is friends with one of your coworkers to pick up the phone and informally laugh it up with their buddy that you're coming to work for them.
How can I mitigate the negative effects of refusing my manager's request to be complicit in a crime? I am a junior software developer, and my colleague, a senior software developer, is transitioning from a work visa to permanent residency. There will be a gap in between the work visa expiring and the residency being gr...	You should take your manager at his word, the business has a lot more to lose than you do. A flat out "No" is unhelpful and nonconstructive.
Is it possible to ask reference letter from customer/client for remaining projects after resignation? I am working at software development and consulting industry as consultant and developer. However, I will resign tomorrow from my current company and still do the remaining projects as part time. So I will ask custom...	If your are hired by other organization for doing job, you can't and shouldn't ask for any reference letter.
Should I send a thank-you email for answers received? This is not always a workplace scenario but if I ask someone a question by mail and they reply with an answer, should I reply with a thanks or not? I am always thinking maybe they will think I am being too chatty or wasting their time with stupid emails or maybe th...	Yes You should be thankful and reply in short.
What to be aware of when reporting to multiple managers? As someone who has never been in a role where I'm managed by two different people, are there any pitfalls or common issues that I should be aware of? There is a position opening up soon for which I am told I am the prefered internal candidate. One thing that co...	The biggest risk in this sort of situation is that you get pulled in two different directions by your two managers - if they both say "X should be your top priority item" for different values of X, you have to know which one to work on.
Presenteeism, How should I phase questions to discover if a job has a stay late culture So what questions would give me answers to discovering a stay late culture. What should I look for with responses that give it away. I'm a single dad, with 2 girls aged 7 & 10 and my wife died of stage 3C BC. My last two employers...	A good employer would recognize a good employee that is able to be good at organizing. Once you get an offer, when you’re asking whatever other questions youneed answered, ask about typical hours too. Find a company where the people you're going to be working with are in a similar situation (have family).
Are pre-interview "tests" common for frontend development positions? I'm a full stack developer (whatever that means, I'm a code monkey tbh) and I'm trying to break into frontend dev positions. One company that nibbled on my resume is asking me to take a "test" to evaluate me pre-interview. Its essentially to create ...	This is quite common these days, certainly in the UK, and with some of the American Banks I know. If they're asking you to do weeks worth of development work before they'll even grant you an interview, I'd just pass on it. It might be a scam to get you to do development work for them without being paid.
How can I make a case to be moved back to my preferred shift? When I started this contract, I was working 4 ten hour days Mon-Thur on swing shift. Then I got hired full time and was essentially forced to work three 12 hour days Fri-Sun or I'd lose my job. Is there any way to skillfully demonstrate why I need to be mo...	So your best bet is to see if you can get someone to switch with you.
Which way should I put pens in a container: pointing up, or down? On my desk, I have a ceramic container with pens in it. I would like to know which way is more appropriate, pointing the pens up or down. If the pens are pointed down, it would be "safer", but it would risk ruining the pens and damage the container. If ...	Store all pens with the point down.
How can I help a "meet the team" interview to succeed? We are looking for a third developer. I have reviewed the applications, conducted initial on-site interviews with the most interesting applicants (classic interview questions, FizzBuzz etc.) and, thus, finally reduced the number of potential candidates to two. Now...	Pick something that you can explain well enough to somebody just coming in and that doesn't have a lot of hidden interactions that are specific to your product, and then work on it together. Invite them out to lunch.
My co-worker left without me Earlier today me and my coworker (whom I considered my supervisor as I'm relatively new to this workplace) went to attain a seminar related to our work. We sat separately as she came to the place late, but we got to talk during the break. Our home is quite close so after the siminar I loo...	IMHO, it can be fine to be friends with co-workers, although that obviously depends on the situation, and the burden is on the friendship to address business separately, not the other way around. Well, she might have something urgent that she forgets to inform you, or just want to have some privacy.
Conflict with a colleague: How to explain the situation when asked As this is a common question amongst the upper tier tech companies, I thought I'd seek some advice. The question typically goes in one of two forms: "Tell me a time when you had a conflict with a coworker" and the same respectively for a Manager. The wo...	A common interview question is: "Tell me a time you had a problem with a coworker and how you dealt with it." Go back over this whole job you just finished, and the one before at the hot company, and find a story that you can accurately and honestly tell that shows some aspect of yourself you're proud of.
Relocation service is asking for more than initially agreed. How do I handle this? I got a new job in a large corporate and they provided relocation (rent, flight tickets, etc.) to Ireland. Three months after I started working there, I asked for a breakdown of the relocation costs for my records. Since I am leaving ea...	You're being ripped off, I would tell them I'm only going to pay what was on the original and leave it up to them to get a lawyer if they want to dispute it. You can be disappointed, but you really can't expect to pay less because the estimate wasn't completely accurate.
Am I sensible or paranoid about job security? I am in a situation with a part time, temporary position and poor health (such that working FT or more is not very advisable). As a PT employee, I do not have healthcare coverage or any "guarantee" of employment (not that anyone does, in the US). I was "let go" many years b...	There's no way to tell if the foundation of your fear is correct or not.
Is it possible to handle breaking a contract in a professional manner? I work for Staffing Firm A as a Contractor, currently working at Company A as my assignment. The contract is slated to last a year — June 2015 to June 2016. I have been freelancing for Company B in my nights and weekends, and now Company B would l...	If the work is such that leaving without notice does not leave them in a bind, your relationship with you boss is good, and the contract allows it, then asking to leave early may work. There's no way that you won't come across as jumping ship - that's exactly what you're doing. Face the fact that you might simply have ...
Should I include a cover letter? I am looking to apply to a test automation position and on the online application it asks me to attach my resume, but then it has a text box with a caption along the lines of "You can use the following space for a cover letter and any extra information". I have never written a cover le...	In general, more senior people benefit most from cover letters as it gives them a chance to explain their career and how they will fit in the new company.
Can a job be added to a resume even if I was only there for a short time? I accepted a job which I resigned after the third day as I felt it was not meant for me, finding it intimidating and overwhelming. I am not sure if I should add those "three days" to my resume as part of my work experience. I am afraid I will be ...	No need to mention it.
Strategies for filtering candidates where you can't do or trust a background check I have a strange situation where I have had to take over a network from a newly employed IT professional (4 months) because he now is in jail pending serious fraud charges (unrelated to the job). I was present at his initial interview wh...	Sometimes a large internal referral bonus can help bring a good "known" candidate to apply.
Explaining incorrect responses during interviews, should we do it? I recently wrapped up an interview with a very young and unprepared internship candidate. He got a lot of the questions wrong, even the very easy ones, and would frequently inquire about how to solve the problems. While I quickly realised that he was n...	Bottom line, I think walking the candidate through some things, even if you don't plan on hiring them, really provides them with some insight.
Asking a friend for a job referral at a company after I have already applied Last week I applied to a position at a software company. Today a HR contacted me and told me,that they have received my application and will contact me in a couple of days, if they see me fit for an interview. On another note I have also foun...	If your friend is enthusiastic about getting you in, then he (she) will be glad to pick out your resume and ask the boss to have a look at it. Your friend could easily be happy to help.
Boss spends the company's money and endangers employees' paychecks Somewhat related to this question . A few months ago, a family member (it's not me, really) got a job at a small office with under 10 employees. The salary is low but not indignantly so, and she even got a small raise shortly after joining the company...	There's no way to ensure uninterrupted income.
Counter or Close Negotiations I was recently offered a job in which I was sought out as a candidate and I hadn't originally applied for the position. At this time I was made aware of a salary I was not interested in, and in the interest of everyone's time I expressed that I made a salary of $X and would not be interest...	If they contacted you it's perfectly fine to ask them to give you the salary range for the position. It certainly couldn't hurt to make a counter-offer - at worst they can only say "No".
Haven't got the job yet... But I plan to leave it in a few months. How do I handle this? I've been hunting for a job for about 6 months at this point. I'm currently living paycheck to paycheck, and I'm in the final stages of interviewing for a job that will quadruple my pay. (I really need this.) Near the beginning ...	Take the job if offered.
Should I mention my published short story in my resume? I've written a completely unrelated science-fiction/horror story set to be published in a forthcoming anthology. I'm being paid for the story. Should this be anywhere on my resume? I'm applying for a paralegal position. <Q> Some people include a "hobby" section ...	Only include this information if writing skills are important in your line of work (no idea for paralegals).
Software Manager tech skill's have gone soft. How to resharpen skills? I am a development manager with a 20 years experience. Unfortunately my tech skills have gone soft. I try to pick up a tech project at work but I get distracted by the fire of the day and usually drop it. I am getting quite frustrated. My group...	If you are not sure if a certain framework will fit to a task at hand, ask the ones that do programming for a living: your developers.
Why would German companies hire professionals from abroad? Is there a viable and significant benefit for a German software company to hire abroad, other than having a higher-skilled professional for lesser pay? Is it worth the preliminary legal work when a small company hires the first foreigner and doesn't plan to exp...	Secondly and this happens a lot, they have a qualified skillset that is in short supply and come from countries where they're willing to work for less than a local with the same qualifications. If a german company wants to go into the mexican market, for example, some mexican employees would help a lot.
How to handle numerous temporary positions in a resume or application form I have several short term temporary positions in my employment history (1-3 months general admin positions) that I undertook due to relocating (needed a job ASAP before finding a suitable permanent position) or because I had to leave a permanent...	I would advise briefly listing the reasons for those short job stints right next to the dates on your résumé to avoid this obvious red flag. Be upfront about it, you are the best and everyone should know that.
Not allowed to work for company? Can a potential employee tell me they are not "allowed" to hire me? I have no criminal record, was born and raised in US, worked part time for the employer with positive feedback, went back to reapply for a different part time position I was told they weren't allowed to hire me....... F...	I guess if you asked and the reason really was some legal constraint and it wasn't true, like they said they couldn't hire you because you are a convicted felon and you're not, there'd be a point in challenging that.
Can I tell my manager that I don't believe him? I have some signs that my manager is not giving due credit to my work. To come out of that I requested him to send the mail for any work assigned. He politely told me that, that is not required and I know that you are working. But after that he will take the ownership ...	Document whatever work assign to you and share it to your manager/superiors or boss. Break it to him as softly as you can.
Is work culture different between geographic locations? I always assumed that the work culture of an office is heavily dependent on the general culture of the city it is in. For example I would expect for workplaces in NYC to have certain commonalities versus some small town in South Carolina that would have different ...	Most companies have a unique-ish culture and that's normally location or team specific (probably not even company specific).
Asking for references on a small team I am a programmer on a fairly small team. I am planning on seeking new employment sometime this year. What is the best way to go about asking coworkers to serve as references without alerting my employer? I have six coworkers that have worked with me enough to serve as proper refe...	If you do get someone to agree to be a reference, tell them as soon as it appears they may be contacted by a recruiter or employer. You need to decide if, among your 3 coworkers, there is at least one that you can confide in.
How to respond to an apology email from boss? I have received an apology email from my CEO for springing last minute, poorly managed company duties one late Friday afternoon which resulted me to work back and deal with an urgent matter that resulted in making an international call to my CMO in LA. In short, my CEO's ...	You take it in good spirit and reply positively.
Filling a gap on my resume, is this ethical? I have a few long gaps in my resume. I spent a lot of that time traveling the world. This isn't just one gap -- there's two or three gaps over the past decade and a half. I also worked on my own personal software projects during these times, but nothing ever came of them....	These gaps aren't an issue as long as : you were employed for the majority of this time The personal projects you describe simply don't hold up as substantial experience, especially when you have nothing to show for it. Many times the gaps are easily explained, "went back to school", "took care of an ill family member"...
Can I sell my business idea in exchange for a job at the company that might be interested in it? Me and my brother have an idea for a brand new product that would solve one widespread problem among the smartphone users. But due to the fact that we don’t have required resources and opportunities to make that idea come...	If you really believe in your idea and believe you can make a successful business out of it, then try to scrape money together, just enough to build an MVP and nothing more. You would not negotiate purchase or employment terms in an NDA.
How to politely tell coworkers that their input is unnecessary or unneeded? I am a manager at a company which has struggled the past 2 years with the changing market and due to this has had several budget constraints. Just recently I finally got a budget to redesign one of our web products that actually will be conside...	Report about your project and ask for feedback, but explicitly ask about those aspects which don't really matter to you at all and which can be changed with very little work. Try to keep them from getting too involved by having them get involved at a more appropriate time. Explain the current status of the project and ...
How to write an email to ask my subordinates to attend meetings My subordinates have not been attending monthly meetings for the past few months. How do I write an email to nudge/drive them to attend meetings? <Q> If the meetings are mandatory, then go to the individuals, point out that they need to be attending the me...	You can ask if there are things that need to change for them to attend (less work so they have time to attend, more value in the meetings, a charge code to cover the time spent in the meeting), but even if you change that, if the meetings are optional, then let them not attend.
What actionable steps can I give to an unintentionally careless programmer to improve? Consider a programmer who has become known for writing careless code. More specifically spelling mistakes and generally mistakes related to not reading things properly. Although not having dyslexia, he describes his situation as fol...	(2) Tell him that by not taking a little extra time to review his code before checking it in, he causes everyone else - including, possibly, his future self, to be confused by what they are reading.
Is a reference letter weighted less if the hirer was a good friend? A recent job that is very relevant to the jobs I'm applying for was a 6 month contract that a close friend from childhood hired me for. Is he obliged to mention that relationship in the letter, and if so, will that mean it will have less weight? <Q> I'...	If this is a very close friend with a relationship that is largely outside of the workplace, it's not wrong to mention it, and it may be the most ethical thing to do. It should be about the great work you've done and the professional skill set you've demonstrated on the job. It's a grey area.
Should I send a second follow-up email to schedule an interview? 10 days ago, I received an e-mail on a Friday from a potential employer offering me a Skype interview for a position I applied for. They said directly, "I'd like to speak with you this coming week," and asked for my availability. After giving them my avai...	Remember, when searching for a job, the only time you stop pursuing companies is when you have a written offer in front of you that you are willing to sign.
How do I approach my boss about dissatisfaction with current project? Background. I like the people I work with, but I hate the project I'm in. The business knowledge is kept inside one person's head and that person is remote and always busy, so it is incredibly hard to understand the application from a business per...	There is zero chance you can turn this into your dream project by persuasion. Concentrate on the tasks you are given, document and comment them.
How to tell my superior that they are making a misinformed decision? I would like to first inform you that I am being vague with specifics intentionally to protect myself, as I am aware that some of my coworkers browse Workplace Stack. My superior often goes to one of my coworkers, a man who has been in the field for ...	I think try not to make it personal. Perhaps mention that your recent experience has lead you to believe X Y Z and then perhaps use some form of evidence or relevant example to back it up.
Boss accused me of incompetency and misrepresenting my skillset. How to respond? I was assigned a task of staging some code on our dev servers. Most times this is an easy task. However this time my boss only gave me the FTP credentials and IP address of a client's server. He also suggested using a WordPress plugin to h...	Also try to accept that somebody may just need a reason to blame you, or anyone else for that matter, and hat appearing modest and humble is better than just retaliating.
Connecting with social media Is it ok to try and connect with coworkers on social media, ie Facebook or Instagram? I genuinely like my coworkers and enjoy their company at work, and I do have one friend who has since left the company on Facebook. I would never add my boss or manager on social media, but what about othe...	If you have a nice rapport with your manager and/or your boss, you can definitely go ahead and send them a connection request on social network. As Joe mentioned in his comment - some people are more guarded about who they add on social media, so don't read too much into it when someone rejects or doesn't respond to a ...
What actionable steps can be taken to refocus discussion on solutions rather than problems? I'm on a small scrum team at a software development company. I've noticed that all of us, including myself, tend to speak and think in a very negative way. Just some examples; please don't focus too much on the specifics of m...	I would suggest Googling team building exercises and other things like that - I'm certain you'll find a lot of resources relating to this topic.
Is it an acceptable move to work for a low-quality company when looking for an entry level job? First full disclosure - this question is actually about my wife, but she comes to me for career advice, and I'd like to give her an accurate answer. Recently, my wife got an interview with a local company involved in drop ...	When you're just starting out, any experience can be helpful in finding your next job, and as long as she would have no particular contractual obligation in that position, she could still continue to search for a better job, and then she would be able to afford to be picky.
How to deal with being the 'loud person' There are already a few questions and answers from the perspective of workers who deal with loud colleagues: Loud and unprofessional employee and What can I do about a very loud coworker? As someone who is aware that they often speak loudly how can I deal with/overcome this is...	So you can explain to your listener , "Hey I need to whisper because I have a REALLY loud voice, and though I may try to reduce the volume - it'll be too loud." See someone who specialising in speech problems if you must.
Dealing with a negative reference from a old hostile employer Long story short, I worked in a small start up company as a developer for 5 years, and by the end of it things went sour. The problem laid mainly with management and the way they were structuring their project - they did not run it in an agile structured way...	Negative situations aren't the problem, how the negative situations are handled is the indicator of how you will perform if a similar difference of opinion were to arise at the new employer. A reference doesn't necessarily have to be a manager or director.
Should I mark up my normal rate when using a freelancing site which takes a cut? My rate for direct freelancing projects is X. A client has asked me to use Upwork, which takes a 10% cut. Should I increase my rate to X + 11%, putting the overhead on the client, or keep the same rate and take the overhead myself, or so...	It depends on the relationship with the client, if it's a long standing client with an agreeable relationship I might consider covering the costs. You should add all extra costs to your bill, either factored into your rate or separate.
Is it ethical for an employer to force its employees to take vacation time? My company, like most every other company, has a published list of paid holidays. In December, the only paid day off is the 25th. Last year, everyone was notified that the office would be closed the entire week of the 25th and that we would be ...	Employees expect to be able to use their vacation days or PTO however they want.
Why would interviewers ask graduates if they want a master's degree? As a bachelor student looking for a job, I get this question a lot. I tell them that I maybe want a masters degree later, but looking to gain experience for now. Is my answer bad because they fear I leave after a short time? Why do recruiters ask th...	But it is also possible that the interviewer wonders whether you're going to be interested in getting an advanced degree because that would be a natural way to progress in the role your interviewing for. I think the recruiters probably are looking to weed out people who are going to leave them after a short time for ot...
Leave company and NDA A company X is coming to show their product to my company(IT and around 400 employees) and we're probably going to ask them to sign a NDA before we describe our activity in details. Could this NDA prevent me from leaving my current company and joining X with a clause like you agree not hiring an...	Companies put non compete clauses in employment contacts. It is possible that there would be such a clause. In summary you are worried about something that would be very very very unlikely. An NDA simply says you won't disclose the information you learn to people outside company X. Joining company
Am I obligated to take my lunch break during a meeting where lunch is provided? I don't have a set time where I take my lunch and I typically take it at abnormal hours of the typical 8-5 workday. If a meeting is called during the typical lunch hour of 12-1pm time frame and lunch is provided, am I obligated to take my ...	IF you were working, then you are most likely legally entitled to a lunch break if your local laws require one.
Unofficial telecommuting brings the envy of colleagues. What if there is an HR confrontation? Original post from Jan 2016: I'm a contracts manager for a public biopharmaceutical company. We do not have a work-from-home policy absent inclement weather. I'm not a lawyer by training but spend most of my time redlining ...	The majority of people couldn't care less unless they perceive you as someone who deserves a bite.
How to set correct expectations and still not lose a job for which I may be underqualified I am based in UK and I tried my luck interviewing in the Silicon Valley. After three full days of interviews, I asked the company for the equivalent of a 10% raise in my current salary, and they came back offering to double my sa...	I don't think they'd give a job offer if they know (or have the idea) that you won't do well.
I'm not exceptional, but how do I get a raise after 5 months of being in the company? Background I started my first corporate job in October 2015, and will be having the company-wide annual review in a month or so. When I took the job, I was desperate and scared, and asked for a salary that’s about 5-7k lower than sta...	No, you can’t really ask for a raise after three months, not unless there are very exceptional circumstances (like the job dramatically changing). As Alison Green says , there needs to be a substantial change to your job or responsibilities to argue for a raise this early into the job: I’d just plan to go in ready to l...
Is it wrong to give a specific time when asked for your availability for an interview? I recently had an interview with a recruiter. The interview was ok and today I received an email about a follow-up interview. The interviewer asked for my availability for the next week. I replied "Is it ok to have the interview on...	It is definitive without being pushy. Also would be good to give a range of days and times, since flexibility increases your chances of getting the interview.
Is an employer allowed to deny a job to someone who withholds work history? My relative is currently a temporary employee at a community library. Having demonstrated good performance and fit over 6 months, she was recently encouraged to apply to an internal posting for a permanent position. Not only did she apply, but ...	While unfortunate, and perhaps rather unfair, the answer is Yes - an employer can deny employment for not disclosing all prior jobs while certifying that you had.
How do I say this in a non-confrontational manner? After a joining a new workplace, I am trying to familiarize myself with everything around in the lab and I am getting my experienced seniors to help me out with every experiment or lab instrument. Now I appreciate their support and help but they have tendency to go v...	If you first develop their trust by demonstrating skill and understanding in how things are currently done, you will eventually be able to prove out some of your own ideas. When engaged with a senior who is instructing you, take careful and organized notes.
Already applied to a job via a recruiter - pros/cons of following up directly via the company? Was contacted by an external recruiter and told of a role over the phone. My initial thoughts were hesitant and so thought about it for a week or so. Eventually decided to contact the recruiter and apply for the role as after...	Keep in mind that if you try to take matters into your own hands, you are giving the recruiter a very strong reason not to trust you. no it would not benefit you, not at all.
How do I quit my current position when my management chain is all unavailable? I've been offered a position at a new company. I'm excited about it, I've negotiated a start date a month from now so that I can wrap things up at my current job. However, I have a problem that I wasn't expecting: My direct manager is taki...	If it is important to you to leave the right impression, you might hand in your notice to HR with a letter to your boss, offering him to come and talk about your reasons when he's back from his holiday.
Is it ok to offer cash to a colleague to do a task that I do not want to do? I was given this task that hardly anyone wants to do and is so boring. It is also on a boundary of my expertise. The DB gives some general recommendations when I tell him politely that I am stuck with it. Hiring a contractor is not an option. ...	If you think the other person is suitable for the task, perhaps you can arrange to swap tasks with them, through your manager or whoever assigned the task to you.
How can I sell a willing demotion to my management? Two years ago I received a promotion. Since then, I have paid off my mortgage and feel I have my finances in order. Therefore, I no longer wish to work a position with the same level of stress as my current one. I would love to step back into my old role. How do I s...	You might also consider if a transfer to a different department within your company would be a viable alternate solution. You don't need to get into the reasons so much ( now that I am financially stable, I don't need to put up with the stress ) unless you are specifically asked why. If you have a decent rapport with y...
How can I tell when I'm working on a Sinking Ship? From an employee's perspective, what are some obvious signs that a company is about to go under? <Q> Good ones I've seen: <S> Senior management openly hostile towards one another. <S> Suddenly difficult policies for minor purchases or expense approval. <S> Sudde...	I think one point missing in the answers is the direct sign - bad financials. People leave, especially management. Not replacing managers or key employees, but "redistributing" their functions on remaining staff, stretching them beyond capacity, and with very short-term deadlines on projects. People spend extended peri...
Introduction of hoteling at office I work as a research analyst in a fairly large company and split my time between two different sites, alternating between them on successive weeks. One of the sites is running out of space and is therefore requiring that employees who aren't on the site at all times begin working from...	Some companies will let these two workers share one workspace. If the arrangement breaks health and safety laws, then you can use this to make a very strong case for the change not to go ahead. Hoteling, is just an extension of cost-saving measures like tiny cubicles, open workspaces, etc that have made work environmen...
Potential employer/client is vague, texts me on WhatsApp I am a software engineer looking for short-term employment and/or work on a for-hire basis (for a number of reasons - I know I'll have other commitments in 2017-18). Now - there is this guy, who got my contact through a mutual acquaintance, who claims to be "in ...	You should better avoid making business with such people, unless you are OK with investing time and effort into something which will never get you a cent of payment.

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