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NOVEMBER 14, 2022

This post, I work at Twitter … what do I do? , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I work at Twitter and have been there for many years. As I’m sure you’ve seen, Twitter was just bought by Elon Musk and ever since the deal closed two weeks ago, the company has been literally falling apart. I was fortunate enough to survive the round of layoffs in his first week that cut 50% of the company, but since then things have gotten exponentially

ATS 135

ATS Background screening Meeting Policies 135

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NOVEMBER 14, 2022

This post, how can I stop my office’s “I’m sorry” culture? , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: Do you have any advice on how to stop the “I’m sorry” culture in the workplace? I’m finding my colleagues have created an extreme case of this culture, saying they’re sorry for being out sick, sorry for asking a question, sorry for needing to leave early to pick up their kids.

How To 68

How To ATS 68

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NOVEMBER 14, 2022

This post, my new boss scolded us about our private chat messages , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m wondering how to address a doozy of an email my new boss sent yesterday, which has left my coworkers and me uncomfortable and a bit panicky. In this email to my whole department, she stated HR and senior leadership had informed her about a private chat group connected to our team which often “contains negative and unproductive conversati

Groups 102

Groups HR Software Course Company 102

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NOVEMBER 13, 2022

This post, my boss keeps weed in the office, should I warn coworkers about my chin tuck, and more , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My boss keeps marijuana plants in the office. I live in Texas where cannabis, recreational or medical, is enough to get you sent to jail. It also doesn’t help that we’re in a conservative rural town with law enforcement eager to take you down for such a thing.

Report 91

Report Hiring ATS 91

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NOVEMBER 11, 2022

This post, weekend open thread – November 12-13, 2022 , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. Here are the rules for the weekend posts. Book recommendation of the week: Little Children , by Tom Perrotta.

Meeting 79

Meeting 79

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NOVEMBER 11, 2022

This post, open thread – November 11-12, 2022 , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it

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NOVEMBER 11, 2022

This post, it’s your Friday good news , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s your Friday good news! 1. “I was headhunted for my current job as the only person in the world at the time to do what I do, and after 3.5 years received a raise that brought me to more than double what I had been at the old job. I really enjoy the people I work with (some of the best I have ever worked with), the culture of the company, and the work I do.

Time and Attendance 81

Time and Attendance Meeting Hiring Competencies 81

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NOVEMBER 10, 2022

This post, we can’t get the highest performance rating 2 years in a row, holding a retreat at a coworker’s house, and more , was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go…. 1. Our performance rating can’t be “exceeding expectations” for two years in a row. I joined my current company a little over two years ago, where I work on a team of five people within a larger department of about 100.

ATS 94

ATS Conference Meeting Hiring 94

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AUGUST 8, 2022

This post, will it hurt me to stay in a job where my boss doesn’t like me, cheating in the office bake-off, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. I’m off today for family stuff. Here are some past letters that I’m making new again, rather than leaving them to wilt in the archives. 1. Will it hurt me to stay in a job where my managers don’t like me?

Hiring Software 107

Hiring Software Wage and Hour Training Compliance Training Training 107

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AUGUST 8, 2022

This post, I feel terrible performance-managing an octogenarian , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have a long-time employee who I’ll call Joe. I’ve been his line manager for the last five years or so. Before my time, Joe expressed a desire to wind down to retirement. The organization supported that with a part-time arrangement which went on for several years — well past Joe hitting and sailing past the usual age of retirement.

Performance Management 86

Performance Management Retirement Planning Tools Interview Software 86

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AUGUST 8, 2022

This post, my new hire was secretly working a second full-time job during his hours for us , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader asks: My company hired a person to start in January as a sales development rep. At the time, he told me he lived about an hour and a half away, but he’d be moving to be closer to work shortly.

Hiring 98

Hiring Recruiting Software HR Software Recruitment 98

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AUGUST 8, 2022

This post, is it still OK to wear a mask to a job interview? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I am a new grad from an MLIS degree and I am also high-risk for Covid. I am now starting the job searching process, and I just got an email asking me to come for an interview. I am still masking everywhere in my life, which is non-negotiable for me, but I’m worried about the optics of wearing a mask at the interview when the vast majority of people wher

Interview Software 109

Interview Software Hiring Software Assessment Software Screening 109

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AUGUST 7, 2022

This post, my coworker told HR I’m resigning when I’m not, boss wants daily task updates, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My coworker told HR I’m resigning when I’m not. I recently got a job offer from a company that I was super excited about, but when the details came through about a day later, the offer turned out to be really, really bad.

HR Software 122

HR Software Hiring Software Interview Software Discrimination 122

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AUGUST 5, 2022

This post, weekend open thread – August 6-7, 2022 , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. Here are the rules for the weekend posts. Book recommendation of the week: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow , by Gabrielle Zevin.

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AUGUST 5, 2022

This post, open thread – August 5-6, 2022 , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here,

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AUGUST 5, 2022

This post, it’s your Friday good news … with updates , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s your Friday good news — but this week it’s a little different. Here are four updates from people who shared good news here in the past. 1. The person with the new teaching job (#5 at the link). “I LOVE my job and could not be happier.

Training 94

Training Compliance Training Hiring Conference 94

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AUGUST 4, 2022

This post, updates: the awful summer intern, the too-low salary, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. Here are three updates from past letter-writers. 1. I have an awful summer intern, and I can’t fire him (first update here ). Thanks so much for taking my original question! I wanted to reach out with a somewhat amusing update.

Background screening 79

Background screening Time and Attendance Meeting Conference 79

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AUGUST 4, 2022

This post, do I have any recourse when an employer ghosts me after saying a job offer is coming? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m really frustrated at the way employers treat potential hires and would like to know if I have any recourse for the way I’ve been treated. Over the last three months, I’ve been interviewing for executive assistant roles.

Recruitment 106

Recruitment Meeting Hiring ATS 106

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MAY 6, 2022

This post, it’s your Friday good news , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s your Friday good news! 1. “It feels surreal that it’s finally my turn to write in for Good News Friday. I’m very grateful to be a long-time reader of AAM because I don’t know how messed up my sense of business norms would be right now if I wasn’t.

Video Recruiting 98

Video Recruiting Hiring Software Interview Software Screening 98

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MAY 5, 2022

This post, flowery goodbye emails, very fast interview invitations, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go…. 1. Sending flowery goodbye emails to the whole company. I’m writing with a question about the etiquette around announcing your departure from a job. I’ve had a full-time office job for the last several years, since I got my degree in the field I’m working in now.

Interview Software 99

Interview Software Hiring Software HR Software System 99

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MAY 5, 2022

This post, what kind of leave policy should a small business offer? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’ve only ever worked at small businesses with less than 25 people. During my time as a manager, and now as a small company owner (consulting/professional services type firms), I have struggled to come up with fair policies on things like PTO and family leave that also don’t really hurt t

Policies 71

Policies Training Compliance Training Examples 71

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MAY 5, 2022

This post, updates: the filmed pregnancy announcement, the dress code, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. Here are three updates from past letter-writers. 1. My coworker tried to film her pregnancy announcement and now there is chaos. I have a kind of wonderful update. Abby knew I wrote in, so she feels very supported and extends thanks to you all for having her back.

Report 88

Report Course Company Industry 88

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MAY 5, 2022

This post, an acquaintance blabbed when I sent him a confidential email … and now I might become his boss , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have been approached by a mid-size private company, Company X, for what would be my first IT executive role. As part of my due diligence on the company, I have been quietly reaching out to my network where I know people who work there or used to work there or have had business dealings with them.

Hiring 101

Hiring Company Report ATS 101

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MAY 4, 2022

This post, team sleepover, firing abusive clients, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My team is having a weekend sleepover at a coworker’s house. I just started a new job last month and joined a small team at a big international company. Our team is just 10 people and very tight-knit.

Compliance Training 106

Compliance Training Meeting Discrimination Groups 106

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MAY 4, 2022

This post, my rock star employee needs time off for health … and her coworkers are complaining , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I directly manage a team of eight entry-level job employees, who are part of a 175-employee company. My eight employees are the only ones who truly work with every single other employee we have — the rest are separated by departments and don’t mix with other departments very often.

Policies 94

Policies Immedis Wellness Course 94

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MAY 4, 2022

This post, should I hire family members for my new business? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I run a popular website and have decided to expand my business by getting office space and taking on two employees. I have never managed anyone in my career, so I know this is going to be a challenge. I am looking to hire someone in a digital marketing role, full-time, and an administrator for two hours per day.

Hiring 85

Hiring Meeting How To ATS 85

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MAY 4, 2022

This post, can I push back on my company’s Mother’s Day activities? , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m a woman who, like many, has experienced infertility and pregnancy loss. It’s made me sensitive to things like work baby showers, certain family-centric holidays, and pregnancy announcements in general.

Discrimination 114

Discrimination Conference Trends Wellness 114

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MAY 3, 2022

This post, I’m on a “positivity” committee, job applicants whose voicemail doesn’t work, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. I want to be a force for good on our “positive culture” committee. My large department inside a very large corporation recently went through a fairly chaotic reorganization.

Hiring Software 105

Hiring Software Interview Software Planning Tools Comparison 105

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MAY 3, 2022

This post, jobs that require a time-consuming exercise before you can even apply , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: What are your thoughts on tests that are required as part of a job application? I work in marketing/content creation and even though I have a portfolio of samples of my writing work, I have no qualms about generating new material if an employer is truly considering me for a job.

Exercises 82

Exercises Screening Hiring Data 82

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MAY 2, 2022

This post, job candidates keep ghosting us, coworkers sharing a house, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Job candidates keep ghosting us for interviews. We’re a small nonprofit, with a total of five staff. We recently hired for two positions, one entry-level and the other more senior.

Hiring Software 123

Hiring Software Interview Software Harassment Time and Attendance 123

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FEBRUARY 4, 2022

This post, weekend open thread – February 5-6, 2022 , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. Here are the rules for the weekend posts. Book recommendation of the week: All This Could Be Yours , by Jami Attenberg.

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FEBRUARY 4, 2022

This post, open thread – February 4-5, 2022 , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on anything work-related that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to talk to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in m

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FEBRUARY 4, 2022

This post, it’s your Friday good news , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s your Friday good news! 1. “I recently accepted a job offer and I put so much of your advice to good use! Especially around salary, negotiation, and just keeping my cool and not stressing about it. Throughout my job search, every time a recruiter asked what I was looking to make, instead of answering I politely asked them what their range was, and almost always they did give some kind o

Retirement 88

Retirement Course Hiring Wellness 88

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FEBRUARY 3, 2022

This post, new hire with a criminal record, backing out of a job offer, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go…. 1. Should I tell my boss about our new hire’s criminal record? A couple months ago my company posted an administrative support position and last week we made an offer.

Hiring Software 98

Hiring Software Background screening Hiring Interview Software 98

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FEBRUARY 2, 2022

This post, we have to assess our spiritual strengths, a nail-clipping coworker, and more , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My company asked us to take a religiously-themed strengths assessment. My work asked us to take a strengths assessment ahead of a retreat. The test asks you to rate statements on how much they describe you.

Hiring 88

Hiring Company ATS Wellness 88

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NOVEMBER 3, 2021

This post, we hired without checking references … and it went badly , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: We recently interviewed some one who seemed okay but I had reservations. We didn’t have many good options, so we asked for her references. She has 10+ years of work history and we could not get in touch with anybody.

Hiring 85

Hiring Resources Compliance Training ATS 85

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NOVEMBER 3, 2021

This post, my husband has to discuss his eating habits with the CEO , was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: My husband started a new job about a month ago and things are going well. Yesterday, there was an online “wellness and energy” meeting conducted by an outside vendor that everyone in the (small, less than 100 employees) company had to attend.

Exercises 110

Exercises Groups Wellness Trends 110