I am in the process of setting up a meeting with the head of an organization I would like to work for in the spring. It is not an interview exactly, but more of an "inquiry session" regarding job possibilities in the spring. What are the differences in how I should approach this rather than a formal interview?

When relating to job interviews,I know it's best to arrive ten minutes before the actual interview. However, does it look bad if i was to arrive 20 minutes earlier? Would it make the secretary feel uncomfortable and the person leading the interview if I was waiting there?



See March 9,2006 for Coach Kathleen's answer.

I know it not particularly right to go before into a job interview drinking coffee. What exactly do you recommend I can have before a job interview that will give me have high enegy and contains caffeine?




See Monday March 6, 2006 for Coach Kathleen's answer.

What is the plan of action if you show up to a company party (say, a cocktail party), and you are wearing something that is not conducive to what everyone else is wearing? (ex.: a dress as opposed to a suit)

I don't know if my last questions were sent, so here goes again...

When is it a good time to break the news to colleagues that you are expecting?

I have had many experiences where going to a job interview was stessful for me. How can I reduce the stress and be prepared for the interview?

I am dealing with a co-worker that is unsocialable, how do I initiate in conversation with this person?

How do I handle another co-worker that is trying to make me look bad? She is sneaky, backhanded, and she continues to double cross me. I do not want to be the "complainer" but I am starting to get very aggitated with it.

Question:
I want to know how to handle an angry co-worker. We are on the same level, and she is always acting like she is overworked. Can you help?

Answer:
She may very well be overworked, but her obligations and resulting display of anger may not be all work related. Very few employers, have what is known in the business world as a "zero drag" employee. Meaning, the only obligation the employee has is to the workday. Married men with a stay at home wife are considered the ideal "zero drag" employee.
With that in mind, consider that your co-worker might have domestic, child care, health care and aging parent issues. She may not have sufficent coping skills to relieve her stress. She has an unmet need that she is inappropriately trying to meet at work, by verbally or non-verbally signaling to you her feelings of overwork.

Now, what to do? First, if you have a reasonable working relationship ask her how things are going.
Ask her too if she has spoken with her boss regarding her feelings of overwork. While all employee's are responsible for contributing to a positive workplace climate, if the first step does not work, ultimately, your leader is responsible for coaching and counseling this employee.
Second, if that approach does not seem possible, invite your boss to connect with this employee, since you have noticed a pattern of stressed-out behavior.
Third, reasonable people and reasonable companies, do all that they can to help employee's contend with the pressures of everyday life, through employer sponsored counseling. If you don't see an improvement, you may be working for the wrong company.

Coach Kathleen

Question:
How do I handle a difficult boss?


Answer:
Dealing With a Difficult Boss
Your question infers that there may be some friction between you and your boss. The best bosses I have seen are able to recognize their employees special talents and unique gifts. Beyond that recognition , they are able to deploy those gifts and talents to the appropriate teams and projects to ensure success for their employees. Frequent communication with your boss can help reduce areas of misunderstanding.

No greater resource for understanding the boss exists, than the executive assistant. If the boss is not as accessible as you would like, check in with their assistant to ensure you are "delivering the results" in the manner the boss prefers.

7/10/05 Coach Kathleen