Tory Answers More of Your Career Questions
April 4, 2007 — -- "Good Morning America" workplace contributor Tory Johnson answers more of your career questions below.
Many of you have asked about work-from-home opportunities. Please check out Tory's updated list of suggestions by clicking here.
Many others have asked about changing your career path later in life. Click here to read that story.
Question: I am a 29-year-old female who was laid off from a major pharmaceutical company in June 2006. I have had numerous job interviews, both in pharmaceuticals and other positions. I seem to get almost hired and then a "dear John" letter arrives a few days later, telling me I am overqualified, underqualified or they are hiring someone else. I cannot figure out what in the world is happening here. They almost hand me the position at the interview. I have had someone check my references, done an Internet search, and a background check and there does not appear to be any negative things out there. Help! I am at a loss of what to do next.--Adrienne Chipas
Answer: You have to ask for candid feedback from the people you're interviewing with. Let them know that you felt very confident during the interview. Cite specific things they said to give you that impression. (For example, "You said you'd looked forward to the next steps with me." Or, "You asked how soon I could start if I received an offer.")
Admit that you were taken aback about their decision to pass over you and you'd appreciate some candid feedback so that you can learn and grow -- and perhaps change something about your interview skills or job search strategies -- based on that feedback. Reiterate your strong interest in the position and say you're determined to overcome whatever is holding you back because you believe so strongly in your ability to succeed. The goal is to get insights and feedback into what could possibly cause them to do a complete turnaround.
Question: I'm 35 and a three-time cancer survivor. All within the past 5 years. I have a great job and fantastic benefits, but I'm having trouble being able to balance getting healthy and the work environment. Sometimes, my co-workers make it hard for me, as well as my managers. Because I'm a manager myself, I'm being told that I can't perform my duties, but I haven't seen a change since I got back from my leave one year ago. I'm trying very hard, but it seems to be a uphill battle. Do you have any advice on how to talk with everyone, to help them understand what I'm going through and what I need? -- Stephanie Frederick
Answer: Sometimes if people haven't been impacted by cancer, they find it difficult and even uncomfortable to address the topic.Come up with a wish list of one or two things that you feel you need in the way of accommodations to enable you to feel healthy and to perform at your best professionally. Have a direct conversation with your manager about what you've been through personally -- without appearing to be a victim who's asking for special treatment -- and say you're committed first and foremost to your health, as everyone should be, but you're also incredibly passionate about your work. Explain what would make your life a bit easier and ask the boss to take it under consideration.
At the same time, ask for the boss's advice on how you might be able to better manage your health and well-being inside and outside of the office. Sometimes a boss is more likely to give you what you need when you've allowed him or her to suggest the solution at your urging. And if all of that fails, you might find a person within the company who's gone through a similar circumstance -- either directly or with a close relative -- and ask what's worked for them within the company. You might find a powerful ally who can help you navigate the internal politics.
