SavvySugar

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.

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Ask Savvy: My Interview With a Plastic Surgeon Ended Abruptly

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:32 -0800

Dear Savvy,

I applied for a receptionist job at a plastic surgeon's office (I have experience in this field). Yesterday, I was called back and interviewed on the phone for about 15 or 20 minutes with the office manager. She asked if I'd come in to be interviewed by the doctor. I went in this morning for my interview. I met and spoke with the doctor for a while before he called the office manager and other receptionist to come and speak to me.

It seemed to be going well until the doctor came in and asked to speak to the office manager. 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 even 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 that I was being abruptly shuttled out. I'm not sure if it was just the circumstances or if I was being brushed 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?

To see my answer, read more.

Savvy says: Now I'm dying to know the identity of the woman in the Chanel jacket! Kidding, kidding. But important client or not, the interviewers handled the situation unprofessionally. How could you not leave asking yourself, "What just happened?" Your seemingly positive interview was cut off without explanation except for the small pieces you could put together, and it's just enough to leave you both frustrated and confused.

From your description of the way events played out, it doesn't seem like you were simply brushed off, but I can't say for sure. I think you did the right thing by sending them a note right away, and hopefully you included something along the lines of, "I really enjoyed speaking with you and our interview was unfortunately cut short; if there's anything else you'd like to know about me please feel free to ask." You've left the door open, and now it's in the employer's hands to knock again.

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Ask Savvy: How Do I Follow Up on a Job I Want?

SavvySugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:00:31 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I have a question about a job I applied for earlier this month (Oct. 4). I got a reply the following morning because my resume didn't download, and I replied with an apology and another attachment a few hours later. I didn't hear back and wasn't sure what to do.

On Oct. 14 I got an email saying that they still had some part-time positions available if I was still looking for employment, to which I answered, yes, I was available and still interested. I asked for a phone number and if I could call, 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. 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 - do you have any advice?

Savvy says: Job searching etiquette can be such a guessing game. To see my advice, read more.

You got lucky when the employer reached out and asked for your resume when it didn't work the first time. Many would move on to the next one without blinking. You lucked out again when they followed up with you to see if you had interest in part-time opportunities, and you did the right thing by responding promptly. The two week gap after they reached out to you makes me think things have changed on their end, but you'll never know unless you ask.

Because they contacted you via email and you haven't spoken before, use email to get in touch with them now. When you do email your contact, say that you'd been alerted of job opportunities a couple weeks ago and are following up to see if that's still the case. Be friendly, say something kind regarding the company, and keep it short.

If this job doesn't work out in your favor, keep chugging with your job search and learn from your mistakes next time around. Triple check any attachments you send to a hiring manger, making sure they are the proper attachments and they open correctly. Good luck!

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group.

Ask Savvy: Six Answers For Your Co-Worker Conundrums

SavvySugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:31 -0700

Working closely with others has its challenges. Sure, teamwork is rewarding and it's helpful to have someone you can bounce ideas off of, but cubicles can get crowded quickly. You've asked me a series of smart and challenging questions about co-worker relations that I've had the pleasure of answering to the best of my ability. Here's hoping my advice will help you solve your current conundrums.

1. I Don't Want to Share My Office With a Co-Worker	2. How Do I Tell My Co-Worker Her Lunch Stinks?	3. My Lazy Co-Worker Is Affecting My Morale
4. My Co-Worker Has It in For Me!	5. Co-Worker Gives TMI About Sex Life	6. Relating to Work Friends

Submit a career or finance question for me to answer while giving other readers the opportunity to weigh in. Why rely on a Google search to satisfy your concerns when you can get help from your trusted community of Sugar friends? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group and I'll answer them on the site.

Ask Savvy: Should I Reopen My Card After Being Deep in Debt?

SavvySugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:00:36 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I've just paid off one of my credit cards that was in the Debt Management 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 offering to reopen the credit card line since I paid everything off. I'm not 100 percent 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. 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 originally, 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 usage 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?

To see my advice, read more.
Savvy says: Congrats on paying off your credit card! It's great that you made the effort and stuck with it - and that you feel like you've learned the important lesson of spending within your means. Even though you've made great strides in managing your money, I don't think it's in your best interest to reopen the card that triggered your financial troubles.

You say that opening the card will boost the amount of available credit and therefore help your credit score, which tells me that you are the owner of at least one other credit card. Instead of trying to manipulate your score, improve your number by working on paying off other debts and keeping all accounts in good standing by paying on time. Focusing on these habits will help you much more in the long run and keep you from reentering an out-of-control credit situation.

If you need more convincing, consider that you'd be setting yourself for a potentially damaging situation if you end up maxing out your new card, even if the limit is lower than what you had before. Store credit cards are, in general, not the most desirable pieces of plastic to have in your wallet. Aside from their typically astronomical interest rate, they can feed a shopper's rationalization that she's actually saving money by shopping because of whatever points or discounts she gets through using the card.

Get this card out of your head and stay on the right track of building a solid credit score. It takes a bit of self-restraint, but you'll be much better off when you need to borrow money for something that doesn't come in a store . . . like a car or house.

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group.

Ask Savvy: I Don't Want to Share My Office With a Co-Worker

SavvySugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:00:21 -0700

Dear Savvy,

A few months ago I was asked by one of the company's directors if I would be willing to share my office with my direct co-worker/teammate and I declined and said I did not feel comfortable with it. My company complied with my request, and I shared with another person.

The situation has come up again, but this time my boss will be asking. Our team is small: boss, me, teammate. My reasons for not wanting to share an office with my teammate are personal - she is horribly messy, she smells funny, and overall she is not overly friendly. I am not the only person in our company who has noticed all of these things. I tolerate her as a teammate, but that's about it, and I don't feel comfortable at all sharing my personal space with her.

How do I tell my boss that I am not comfortable with this without making it seem like I am not a team player? I don't feel I should have to work in conditions that I'm not comfortable with. Any advice?

Savvy says: Work is one of those places where personal space is inevitably compromised - like a college dorm, except you get to leave at the end of each day. See my tips for handling your dilemma when you read more.

Be aware of the way you criticize your co-worker when talking to your boss. Pointing out that she isn't "overly friendly" won't convince your boss that you and this person are a bad match - you don't have to be best friends. Instead of saying that she "smells funny," you can suggest that she has questionable personal hygiene, but this is a really sensitive issue, so you better be confident in your accusation.

You'll have the most success by asking your boss if you can work together to find another solution. Go into the meeting with your own ideas to show your boss you've thought this through; that's evidence of how important it is that you don't end up sharing an office with this person. Along with your alternate solutions, go into the meeting with handful of reasons why this work arrangement would negatively affect not only your work environment but your performance as well.

If there's simply no other way to pair you up with someone else or find you a desk somewhere else in the office, you might just have to deal with it for now. Try to make the best of this potential situation by making your own area as pleasant as possible - and by giving this co-worker a chance. Give her the benefit of the doubt, and if she fails to live up to good co-worker standards, revisit the issue with your boss after a reasonable chunk of time.

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group.

Ask Savvy: Can I Decline Projects That Are Part of the Interview Process?

SavvySugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:30:13 -0700

Dear Savvy,

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 received 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.

Savvy says: I understand why you're embittered by your job search process that has involved work that goes beyond writing a cover letter - it involves a lot of time and energy, and you're emotionally attached to the projects you submit. See my answers to your questions when you read more.

If an employer requires that you submit a project as an applicant, you should only decline to do so if you don't want the job. Employers use the interview process to find someone who's the best fit for the job - someone who is qualified for the tasks involved and truly wants to work for the company. If you don't do what's asked of you, you're telling the employer that you're not willing to put in the extra work now, and in their eyes, later.

Keep in mind that you're not the only person who has completed these projects and wasn't extended a job offer. The other candidates who applied for the same positions are in the same boat as you. I commend you on reaching out to the hiring managers for post-interview feedback, but it's not unusual for them not to respond. Because you haven't had luck getting external feedback, it's your responsibility to look within.

Examine every part of the package you offer as a candidate and consider reasons why you might have fallen short in receiving job offers. Additionally, it might be beneficial to reach out to your network and ask them questions that would be answered anonymously, like, "What three words come to mind when you think about areas where I could improve?" Try to move past your negative job hunting experiences because your attitude will come through on future interviews - just take what you've learned from those situations and move on to the next opportunity.

Ask Savvy: Should I Job Search While Temping?

SavvySugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:00:17 -0700

Dear Savvy,

I'm not sure how common this is, but right now, I'm a temp at my current job. When I started this assignment it was supposed to end on Aug. 31, but it was extended to Oct. 31, and a few days ago I found out the status of my temp assignment was changed to indefinite. I'm happy that I'll be working past Oct. 31, and they said that there might be a possibility for my assignment to 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 is, 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 ended. 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?

Savvy says: It's highly common for companies to extend temporary assignments like yours. Find out my tips for how to proceed when you read more.

When you're working a temporary job, your supervisors fully expect that you're simultaneously looking for another, more permanent position. There's nothing sneaky about it - you're called a temp for a reason. Instead of passively waiting around for your current employer to tell you how much longer your services will be in demand, consider how you'd ideally like the situation to play out.

Go to your supervisor and discuss your desire to work at the company in a permanent role, and ask her what you can do to make this a reality. If you don't speak up about your interest to transition into a permanent employee, then the company doesn't know whether or not you're just waiting it out until something better comes along. There's a good chance the employer might not be able to give you straight answer about your future there, but it's still a good idea for you to be up-front about your desire to be there long-term, so they understand you want more than just a temp job.

You have at least another month on-board with your current employer, but I suggest taking the steps to look for a permanent position somewhere else by updating your resume and searching for work that appeals to you. Keep your options open, so that you're in control of your career path.

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group.

Ask Savvy: My Husband Spends More Money Than He Should

SavvySugar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:30:10 -0700

Dear Savvy,

My husband and I share a bank account. We both work (he makes more money than I do) and it was his idea to combine bank accounts when we got married a year ago. The combined money situation was going smoothly until recently, when he started spending like he did when he was single.

He used to be a pretty bad impulse shopper but improved so much over the course of our six-year relationship - now, it seems like he's falling into old habits, but this time it affects me. I'm not someone you'd call super frugal, but I'm also acutely aware of how I spend our money. How can I talk to him about this without making him feel like I'm trying to parent him?

Savvy says: Your man's defenses might spike when you start a conversation about his spending, so instead of placing blame on him and starting a fight, find a way to pin-point the problem without a lot of finger-pointing. See my advice when you read more.

Begin the conversation by saying that you've noticed the bank account has been lighter than usual, and you think it would be a good idea to look at your transaction history together to see where your money is going. If you use an online money management system (like Mint), this will be an even easier process. If not just take the time to itemize transactions from the last month or two. Categorize your expenses as an online system would, looking for grocery, gas, household bills, and of course, retail purchases.

When it becomes obvious that your man has been spending more than he should, ask him if he thinks it would be a good idea for you both to have your own smaller accounts for discretionary purchases while using the joint account for shared expenses. Say that because there are two of you using one account, it makes it difficult to really pay attention to where your money is going and it would make it easier for you to track your own expenses. You could automatically transfer a certain amount of money into your individual accounts on paydays.

Because you and your husband have different spending profiles, I really think the best idea is for you to get separate accounts to use as you wish. If your husband blows through his personal account and starts using the joint account for his shopping habit, then you can have to have another, more serious, conversation about your shared financial goals.

Have a question for me? Ask away by posting your questions in my Ask Savvy group.