When former boss clams up

DEAR JOYCE: I thought I had a new job locked up, but my former employer will not verify my employment. There wasn't any trouble in my old job -- I just felt like a fish out of water. Twice my old boss simply has not responded to my potential employer's requests to verify employment. It may be too late, but what can I do in a case like this? -- M.J.

You can prepare a short statement of employment dates and duties, go to see your old boss, make nice and ask him to sign your verification statement.

If this simple corrective strategy doesn't pan out, check with the labor department in your state to determine your recourse by state law. (Search for "state labor offices.")

Your question reminds me to remind readers: When you leave a job, always ask for written reference letter or dates-and-duties verification document before you're out the door.

DEAR JOYCE: No one in my department has seen a pay raise for two years. We're hesitant to push it, but several of us are single moms with families to feed. We're thinking about negotiating as a group. Good idea? -- C.M.

I can't think of anything better. Meet off-site with co-workers to draw up lists of your individual and collective accomplishments. Encourage your department mates to read a couple of books on effective negotiation techniques, and then practice negotiating with each other.

When you're certain your company really is cash-crunched and that you can't jar loose another thin dime, think of alternatives. Examples: extra vacation, one-time bonus and company catered lunches. You may have to consider working a second job; if so, perhaps the company will agree to cut a day from your workweek but still pay you the same money.

DEAR JOYCE: How can I determine a potential employer's financial soundness when the company is a small, private business? -- C.E.

Try these short-cut clues: Search for the business on your city's website pages that deal with taxes to see if you can discover whether the company's tax payments are overdue, and whether the company's tax bill includes charges for unpaid city services.

While there could be legitimate reasons for unpaid taxes, you can explore the issue at a job interview. Having this information arms you with knowledge that can reveal if the interviewer is, at the very least, answering questions truthfully. Trust your radar.

Another easy clue that can provide insight to a prospective employer's financial position is to ask whether the company offers direct deposit for your paychecks. If the company doesn't have a high enough balance in its account(s), the firm can't provide that accommodation.

You can, of course, tap into more formal research methods to validate fiscal stability with a prospective employer, but these two basic tips can save time in a job hunt.

DEAR JOYCE: I had three internships during college but none resulted in a job offer. Am I wasting my time applying to those companies now? -- M.K.

If you believe you left a good impression as an intern, apply right now. You'll probably be high on the list when an appropriate position opens.


REACH OUT. Ask your supervisor or an experienced co-worker to be your mentor. This shows that you are very serious about your role and that you are looking to the future.

ASK QUESTIONS. Gain a thorough understanding of the tasks you've been given and think what purpose they serve in a larger project. Questioning shows your genuine interest in learning about the company and your future in it.

ACT LIKE EMPLOYEE. Think not like a short-termer. Instead, imagine that you are a full-time employee succeeding in the company's culture. Demonstrate that you are capable of handling the workload of a junior executive. Exhibit enthusiasm for the work you're doing. By showing interest in company outcomes, you help others visualize how valuable you could be as a future employee.


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