Ask Savvy

Ask Savvy: How Should I Critique My Co-Worker?

SavvySugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:38 -0800

Dear Savvy,

Today, my manager called me asking me to write up a report about a fellow co-worker. I had mentioned that she was having some difficulties adjusting to the workplace, that she was rude to us, and where she was getting better but that she still often isn't on task. I told her that I would, but I just sat down to write it and have no idea what to say, how to say it, etc. Any suggestions?

Savvy says: Your manager is essentially asking you to put your spoken criticism in writing. See my thoughts on this situation when you read more.

Your manager is taking your co-worker concerns seriously which means they need to be added to her employee file. It's not a test for you; it's simply your manager's job to make sure that all complaints are recorded appropriately, and it's more legitimate to have the report coming from the person that has witnessed reportable behavior.

You obviously had enough to say about the situation when you originally presented the complaints, so just expand on what you've already told the manager. You say that she's having difficulties adjusting to the workplace, so you should state that along with a deeper explanation of why you feel that way. Each judgment should be paired with a real-office observation to illustrate what's going on with your co-worker - this will keep your report sounding professional.

You don't need to go off on tangents about the co-worker, just write enough to get your point across. Also keep in mind that you don't have to include every little imperfection you've seen in the individual. It's better to focus on the big things (like the fact that she's often off-task) rather than her habit of taking an extra five minutes at lunch (or something equally minimal).

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Ask Savvy: Should I Buy a New Car?

SavvySugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00:57 -0800

Dear Savvy,

I recently got a letter in the mail from a local car dealership requesting that I trade in my 2001 VW Passat, saying that they are getting lots of requests and stating the blue book value for my car. I wouldn't mind buying a new car, but promised myself I would drive my car until it is unrepairable or I graduate from college, whichever comes first. I still have two more years to go, but if this offer is legitimate, I don't want to let the opportunity go. Any advice?

Savvy says: The car dealership is reaching out to people who aren't in the market for a new car and convincing them to consider busting an auto move. That's a pretty successful campaign on its part, but are your best interests at hand? Find out what I think when you read more.

You have a car that isn't causing you headaches and you're still in school, which makes me assume that you're probably better off without the additional expense of an updated vehicle. While trading in your car would reduce the cost of the newer one, I'd put money on you walking out of the dealership with more bills to pay than when you walked in.

Car dealerships are fantastic at making us think the deals they're advertising right now are once-in-a-lifetime bargains that won't be seen again. They want you to worry that you'll regret not jumping on their current offerings so that you buy now instead of later, and as you put it, you don't want to "let the opportunity go."

Bottom line, a deal isn't a deal unless you're shopping for something in the first place and can afford the terms. And that lost opportunity? Think about the money you'll save by keeping your current ride for the next couple years, and don't be surprised when there are deals to be had when you're in the market for something different.

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group and I may answer it on the site!

pdf resume

mo p — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:18:28 -0800

Dear Savvy-
I'm job searching, and I recently read your post on submitting a resume as a Word document or as a PDF. I liked the reasons for submitting a PDF resume, and I just got asked to do so by a company. My question is, how do you turn a Word doc resume into a PDF?
Thanks!

Weird Interview

fishbulb — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:38:44 -0700

I applied for a receptionist job at a plastic surgeon's job (i have experience in this field). Yesterday, I was called back and interviewed on the phone for about 15-20 mins by the office manager. She asked if I'd come into to be interviewed by the doctor. I came in this morning for my interview. I met and spoke with the doctor for a while and he called the office manager and other receptionist to come and speak to me.
It seemed to be going well, but the doctor came in and asked to speak to the o.m. I could hear them in the hallway saying something about "she's here early". They came back in and said, "I'm sorry, but I have to cut this interview short. We'll get back to you (or we'll be in touch, i can't remember verbatim)." So, I went and got my coat from the closet. As I was walking out, The doctor and office manager were greeting what seemed to be an important patient, judging from her chanel jacket. The receptionist was rushing coffee over to her.
Now, I'm confused. The interview seemed to be going well and I'd understand if something came up, but it seemed very odd and like I was being shuttled out so abruptly. I'm not sure if it was just the circumstances or if I was being given the brush off. If it was a brush off, it was a very unprofessional way to go about it. I'm disappointed because I felt a good vibe coming in and they were initially very nice. I just wrote and sent out a thank you note, I guess it's all I can do. Any insight into the situation?

New Car?

taylor350 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:20:52 -0700

I recently got a letter in the mail from a local car dealership requesting that I trade-in my 2001 VW Passat, saying that they are getting lots of requests, and stating the blue book value for my car. I wouldn't mind buying a new car, but promised myself I would drive my car until it is unrepairable, or graduate from college, whichever comes first. I still have 2 more years to go, but if this offer is legitimate, I don't want to let the opportunity go. Any advice?

How do I follow up on this job prospect and score an interview??

PeachyKeen19 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:14:20 -0700

I have question about a recent job I applied for early this month (October 4th) the following day I did get a reply the next morning but only because my resume didn't download. I replied with an apology a few hours later and another attachment. I didn't hear back and wasn't sure what to do.On October 14th I got an email saying that they still had some part time positions available and if I was still looking for employment to which I answered yes (that I was available and still interested). I asked if I could call (I don't have a phone number I emailed her because a counselor at our local career center gave me her email address) and asked for a number and offered to come in to discuss details or interview.
I ended by saying that I looked forward to meeting with her and thanked her.I haven't gotten a reply since. I really need a job and this one is in my hometown, so it is nearby my home. How do I proceed? Should I look up the business phone number, call the career center or follow up with another email?What would I say in an email? I'm not sure what to do and I would love to snag an interview if at all.
I did some looking on the company website and the person I was communicating with is a VP for the credit union. Maybe she is busy?
Just yesterday I was wondering whether I should call and chickened out. I wrote one more email instead, I said something like "I wanted to follow up on my previous email reply. I am interested in a part time position and I was wondering if I may call sometime during the day? Thank you for your consideration...."
Should I call instead? What should I say? They are closed by 4:30 pm and it's almost November I want to get an interview and hired before any spots fill up.
Do you have any advice?
Thank you,PeachyKeen19

Reopening a credit card or not...

starofsorrow — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:37:42 -0700

I've just paid off one of my credit cards that was in the Debt Mangement Program through a credit counseling service, which is something I'm proud of! It's nice to have accomplished that!
The only issue is, I got a letter from that company offereing to reopen the credit card line since I paid everything off. I'm not 100% sure if it'd be a wise thing to do or not, since using credit cards got me into the DMP in the first place! The upside would be that I'd have more available credit line, which could be a good thing for my credit rating, and since I've already learned my lesson the first time around, I know what NOT to do this time around, which was to charge without making sure I could pay it off pretty much immediately. The credit limit would be a lot lower than what it was orginally, so I wouldn't be able to charge a lot, and it is a store credit card...so it'd only work only for that store, and not anywhere else. The cons would be...well, my credit card useage is kind of what got me in my debt situation in the first place, and I'm not so sure if I should be opening up cards so soon. The offer is only for 30 days, as well, so after 30 days, I don't know if I'd qualify for a new credit card due to my history.
Should I go ahead and accept the offer to reopen the account and "start" over and be more wise, or should I just let it go?

Projects as part of interview process...

twirtygrrl — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:20:37 -0700

Recently, while involved in the interview process, two different potential employers have asked me to submit a plan as part of their evaluation process. In both situations I have submitted the plans only to be disappointed to not be extended a job offer. I spent a great deal of time on these plans and asked the employers for feedback about where they felt my plans/experience fell short but never receive a response. This is leaving an incredibly sour taste in my mouth about doing this again in the future. Can I decline to do these types of exercises, am I obligated to submit a project as part of the interview process? I put a lot of energy in to these plans and am irked that the employer doesn't show me a bit of respect by providing me with any feedback.

Job search while temping?

starofsorrow — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:30:06 -0700

Hello. I'm not sure how common this is, but right now, I'm a temp at my current job, and when I started this assignment, it was supposed to end on August 31st, but it was extended to October 31st, and a few days ago, I found out that the status of my temp assignment changed to indefinite. I'm happy that I'll be working longer than the 31st of October, since that's what they said, and they said that there might be a possiblity that my assignment might change to a permanent position.
While I would be happy if my temp assignment becomes permanent, it's not set in stone. What my question was, do I keep looking for jobs? I haven't really had a chance to look for jobs since I'm working 40 hours a week, and I always assumed that I would start looking again when my assignment ends. Now that there's no concrete end to the assignment, what do I do? Keep looking for a permanent job, or just wait and see with the temp position?

What to put on my resume?

sorano916 — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:52:24 -0700

I did a certificate program at another university than the one I graduated from in which I had to take seven courses and then make a portfolio. The program had to be completed in two years. I did the courses but I wasn't able to do the portfolio in time, thus I didn't receive the certificate. How do I list this in my resume?