WorkWise Q&A: Lack of ethics, etiquette

LACK OF ETHICS

Q: Dear Dr. Culp, I really need your help. I’ve been getting jobs off of Craigslist from small companies for over a year now. I am a bit overqualified, but I need to work. I end up frustrated because I think I am working for people who are taking advantage of me. They usually aren’t hiring me long term but say they are. Then they either don't pay what they promised or say they don't like my work and give me the boot (or say I quit). Then I see that they use everything I did for them.

I really need to find a job I am qualified for and settle down. Our market is one of the worst in the country, but if it’s something I’m doing wrong, I’m entirely willing to change. Fed Up

A: Dear Fed Up, Congratulate yourself on getting work when others aren’t! However, you’re being taken advantage of over and over by companies advertising on one site. That’s not the site for you.

Rechannel your energy to open more doors. Network. Stand out among competitors by calling companies or dropping by to see if they need help. In the remaining time job hunt through newspapers and really good job sites. mlc

ETIQUETTE

Q: Dear Dr. Culp, My full-time position is alternately boring, frustrating and stressful (depending on the day). I've been actively seeking a new position for almost a year while trying to start my own writing business.

I've set up profiles on the major job sites. One e-mails local positions. I apply to one or two of those a week. I may spend an hour a week, but I spend less and less time and effort since I'm receiving nothing in return. I’m also keeping my eyes and ears open in my current industry.

I get little to no response when I send out resumes to businesses advertising positions. Is it too much to ask for a quick "you don't meet our qualifications" or similar e-mail? Irritated

A: Dear Irritated, I used to think that employers should acknowledge e-mails, but times change. Many people complain about e-mail overload.

I’m changing my tune on this one. Poor etiquette should be one more indication that investing almost exclusively in this method of job hunting is an exercise in near futility. mlc

Dr. Mildred Culp welcomes your questions at culp@workwise.net. Copyright 2010 Passage Media.