Career Track Live

The Washington area is a magnet for smart, ambitious young workers. Post columnist Mary Ellen Slayter writes a regular column for these professionals who are establishing their careers locally, and offers advice online as well.

The transcript follows below.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Mary Ellen Slayter: Good afternoon, everyone! Hope you're all getting ready to enjoy a relaxing three-day weekend. Lots of questions today, so let's get started.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi there! I'm a recent college grad. (if last May still counts as recent) who has lived in D.C. for less than a year. After a very passionate conversation last night about the fate of our careers, a friend and I decided that we need to go after our true dreams and pursue our areas of true interest, acting and journalism, respectively. The only problem is we don't know what to do! We both currently work for large non-profits, I with local elected officials, and she with international leaders and we are both unsure of where to start. How does she break into acting, and I into journalism? Are either possible in D.C.? Thanks a lot!

Mary Ellen Slayter: In her case, she probably shouldn't look to make a living at acting anytime soon. It's better to look at it as a hobby while she continues to pursue paid work elsewhere.

For journalism, there are two common routes. One, start writing freelance on the side, pitching your story ideas to small local papers so you can build up your clips file. Clips are everything in getting journalism jobs. You might be able to practice your writing through your current job, but it's hard to say without knowing specifically what you do. The second route is to go back to school, through one of the many master's programs in journalism. The one at the University of Maryland, where I am currently studying, is awesome. Most of my classmates are people just like you: They've studied something else and worked for a little while, and now they want to switch to journalism.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Mary,
I've just been granted a TS clearance and want to know what I can expect (or request) for an increase in salary. Coincidentally, my yearly review is next month. I'm employed by a large contractor and it appears that they don't typically increase pay for the clearance in my situation. That is, it's not required for my current job function -- but will still be maintained by the company.
Is there typically room for more negotiation? I've read a TS is worth over $10k annually.

Mary Ellen Slayter: What it's worth depends on the value of the job you do and how crucial the clearance is. I'm not familiar with the $10K figure you mention. Since your current job doesn't depend on the clearance, I would not get my hopes up about some big, fat raise because of it. If you want more money, consider using that clearance to help you move to a different job, within the company or elsewhere.

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Washington, D.C.: Well, today I need to break the news to my current employer that I will be taking a new job in 3 weeks. I've only been in my current position for about 8 months and it has been a great experience. However, another great opportunity has presented itself (I wasn't actively looking, but kind of stumbled up the new job). So, my question is, how do I approach this subject with my current boss in a way the conveys that I wasn't unhappy or actively looking for a new job, but can't pass up this opportunity. Thanks for your help!

Mary Ellen Slayter: I wrote a column about this a couple of weeks ago. Basically, don't procrastinate in telling them, thank your boss for the experience and support, and offer to help with the transition. It's not ideal to leave in less than a year, but it happens.

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D.C.: Hi Mary Ellen -- I left my last job because my boss was a micro-manager princess, to put it bluntly. In my new position I am the manager, and am now having some difficulties with the person who reports to me. She complains a lot, particularly about medical issues that I really don't want to hear about. In both of these circumstances I have always vented to my boyfriend, and I think he's getting sick of it. Do you think it's ok to vent about work, or am I doing something wrong where I always have problems with people I work with!

Mary Ellen Slayter: Venting is OK. It just depends on how much you do it. In the case of the woman who complains to you a lot ... consider that your boyfriend probably feels about *your* complaints the way you feel about hers.

At a certain point, your boyfriend is probably thinking... OK, so what are you going to do about problem X? If the offending behavior isn't a firable offense (and sharing TMI about medical problems isn't), learn to live with it and let it go. Why pass on the unhappiness to the people around you?

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Washington, D.C.: Hello,

I work in an all-male environment and feel very disrespected. As far as not being perceived as an equal and having to maintain cleanliness in the office. I am an administrative assistant not a maid how do I approach this without being offensive or fired?

Mary Ellen Slayter: Honestly, there is no way that I know of to stick up for yourself in situations like this without risking getting fired, especially if it's a longstanding pattern. This doesn't mean you *will* get fired; it just means you need to seriously face the possibility, accept it, and come up with a back up plan if the changes you want don't happen. Your negotiating position will be much stronger in that case. Tell them what bothers you and propose a couple of solutions. If you're not satisfied, leave.

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Philadelphia, Penn.: When is it appropriate during the "get to know one another" process for a prospective employee to ask the potential employer about how, in their work culture, they measure their employees' performance how they enable their employees to succeed... their collaboration methods, etc.? I have been told, by some, that these are somewhat "radical" questions. Yet, experience tells me these are some of the most pertinent issues that can make or break a person's career in an organization.

Mary Ellen Slayter: I think those are completely normal--and very important-- questions. I would try to weave them through pretty much all the conversations I had with the potential employer.

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Follow-up poster: Hi, Mary Ellen! I am the poster who had laryngitis but whose boss wanted her to make phone calls and fax, etc. In a meeting on Feb. 16th, she told me I had to "pester her" on her deadlines because she is too busy to read all her e-mails etc etc. I told her nicely that I think she needed to hire a part-time assistant.

She said that was a "fascinating idea" but that management would not give her such staff. I told her that was not the job I was hired to do.

She then said it was not administrative but "program responsibility". Then she capped it off by saying -- "Oh, evaluations. I was supposed to do one for you at the end of December, but let's do one before you go on vacation on Friday."

As I have written, it was February 16th.

I want to file a complaint on her. How do I go about this? I think the main issue I want to bring up is the 1.5-month late evaluation and the manner in which it was brought up.

(I also have a job interview on Tuesday, for a job almost identical to my most favorite job which had to lay me off! so the universe is a bit balanced.)

Mary Ellen Slayter: File a complaint? To who?

I think it's time to get a new job.

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Anonymous: The other day, I witnessed some illegal activity at work: a coworker attempted to sell me something he most certainly should not have had in his possession. Without saying too much, no, it wasn't drugs, nor was it something stolen from the company -- let's just say that it violated copyright laws.

At the time, I told him I wasn't interested and didn't pursue it further, but I'm wondering if there is something else I should do. He is an excellent worker and I like him as a person (at least I did until this incident), and I don't want to see him lose his job or get in any legal trouble. At the same time, I'm not comfortable with knowing about this and not saying anything.

Maybe I should just take him aside and say, "You know, you could get in a lot of trouble for having/trying to sell those things - and I don't want to see anything happen to you." What do you think?

Mary Ellen Slayter: I think a warning would be the most reasonable thing to do in this case. No one's life is in danger here, right? Does this put the company at risk in any way?

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Hyattsville, Md.: Hi, I graduated with a B.S in computer science 2 years ago and have found it very difficult to get entry level positions without any prior work experiences/interns. I have submitted hundreds of resumes online or by fax, to no avail. What do you think would be the most efficient method to secure an interview and possible IT position. Do you suggest, actually going to the perspective employers and speaking to HR.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Fax resumes pretty much never work. I have no idea why companies even include that as an option any more.

Have you tried networking events for IT workers? What about asking your college's career office for information about internships? Are you temping?

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RE: Temping: Your profile mentions that you spent a mind boggling amount of time temping for government contractors. I'm in the same boat. How did you finally get free of this indentured servitude? I'm in a never ending cycle of looking for jobs that actually require brain power, but all I seem to get is frustrating clerical work. How can you prove your worth to employers if you're not given any responsibility? Help!!!

Mary Ellen Slayter: My situation was a bit different since it was during the tech boom, but I suspect the same principles still apply. Do the best possible job you can at each temp job. Show up early... volunteer to stay late. Dress like you take the job seriously. Get to know the people you work with, and make sure they all know what kind of job you are looking for. Keep in touch with people at old assignments even when you move on.

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For Anonymous: When ever one of my co-workers does something sketchy or I am not comfortable with around me, I let them know, in a joking manner, that if I am ever called to testify I'll have to tell the truth. The co-worker usually laughs (as I do) but I think it has gotten the message across that 1. I won't rat them out, but 2. I don't agree with what they are doing/saying, and 3. They can get in trouble for their actions.

Mary Ellen Slayter: That works for me, assuming it's a non-danger (or non-Sarbanes -Oxley situation)

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Washington, D.C.: Hi MES,

A co-worker was recently promoted and I was approached about filling his job. It is more or less the same job function, but working with different people in my company.

My heart is not really in what I do now, so to take on more responsibility does not strike me as a good idea. I am actively looking for jobs elsewhere in the company and feel like taking an increase in responsibility and then turning around and switching jobs in 4 months isn't the best career choice. Not that I'm guaranteed to get the job I want.

How do I break this to my managers, who have really molded me into what I am today and desperately want me to fill my co-worker's place?

Thanks,
RBP

Mary Ellen Slayter: These people clearly like your work and have a lot invested in you professionally. Tell them what you actually want to be doing, and ask their advice on what you need to do to get there. If you don't speak up, they will just assume you're happy with the track you're on.

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Washington, D.C.: Just a brief follow up to your answer concerning the "phone interviews" question that appeared in the February 4 "Career Track Live" column.

The "phone interviews" were actually formal interviews that lasted for 45-60 minutes each, in which there was a structure to the conversation, a significant exchange of information about myself, my background, the job, how I would approach it, etc. We arranged them in advance after they had received a resume and expressed an interest in my candidacy. They were not simply "conversations about the job opening."

Thank you for your observations just the same.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Thanks for following up.

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Alexandria, Va.: At some point in the near future, I'm going to leave my job because I'm moving. My job is a huge beauracracy, and talking to those up the ladder really isn't done. But I do have a good relationship with one principal who is very well connected where I'm headed. Upon my departure, would it be OK for me to approach this person and ask for a reference or an idea of who I could talk to about jobs in my new area? And would I contact the principal directly, set up an appointment with his secretary, just send an e-mail? I just don't know the protocol for this, but he really could help me out and I hate to lose a potentially great contact.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Why not go see this person NOW, long before you leave. Send an e-mail asking for a meeting. The worst they can do is tell you no.

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RE: International job search: Maybe you could help me with this...

I'm really interested in working overseas. Where's a good resource to search for overseas jobs? I'm also interested in making somewhat decent money abroad. I've heard that many of the international jobs for someone like me involve teaching English for minimum wage.

Thank you!

Love your column.

Mary Ellen Slayter: The best jobs overseas are through American companies that have global offices. Expect pay is often quite lucrative. It's hard to steer you more specifically without knowing your background/industry.

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RE: CS Major: You couldn't possibly be qualified for 'hundreds of jobs.' Maybe you need to just send your resume for positions where you are qualified. And join associations; take some more courses that are looked on by employers as pertinent (find out what that is) make informational interviews with people to ask them what that is. They don't need to be courses at a college (i.e., six sigma) just something that will help you stand out in the crowd. Narrow your search rather than expanding it. What is it you really want to do? Code? Create systems? Systems admin.? Then apply for positions like that...

Mary Ellen Slayter: That is a very good point, and I should have caught that. It's such a common mistake jobseekers make, going for quantity over quality. Especially when it is so easy to apply for all these jobs all over the place with a push of the "send" button.

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Manassas, Va.: I need a clear unbiased opinion, so I come to you. I read this article in the Post about a Fairfax County teacher upset that the county won't be getting a big raise this year. Now, looking at all the Northern Va. teaching salaries, doesn't Fairfax County have the highest pay salaries in the area? I have friends who are struggling in Stafford, making almost $8,000 to 10,000 less than Fairfax. I work in Prince William and make at least $4,000 less than the "suffering" Fairfax County teacher. Am I just flat wrong? As an educator, I knew the job didn't pay what it was worth, but how can a teacher in a school district that gets paid more than any other in the area complain about their pay? Is that just blindness or selfishness? Maybe that teacher should go to work in Stafford!

Mary Ellen Slayter: Three words: Cost of Living.

Fairfax County is one of the wealthiest counties in the country, with housing costs to match. Stafford and Prince William are also pretty pricey, but I suspect those pay gaps correspond pretty well to their respective communities.

I'm sure teachers in Bristol make even less than teachers in Stafford. Does that mean teachers in Stafford have no right to ask for more money?

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Anonymous again: Just to clarify, the illegal activity most certainly did not/would not result in any physical danger, nor did it harm the company in any way since the items my coworker attempted to sell me (rather discreetly, I might add) did not have anything to do with company business. Although I don't agree with what he's doing, my biggest concern at this point is that he'll try to sell to the wrong person, who will go to HR or even the authorities, and he'll lose his job or worse. So, I definitely need to find a way to express my concerns, for his sake as well as the sake of what's right.

Mary Ellen Slayter: I think your original suggestion gets that job done. You'll be doing the guy a favor.

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Arlington, Va.: For Hyattsville looking for a computer job: My friend moved across the country for a new job and her husband, a recent graduate, looked for a job in the computer industry for nearly a year. He finally started doing volunteer computer work for a local non-profit just to get out of the house. He ended up meeting the director of another non-profit who was looking to hire computer professionals and liked the experience he had volunteering at the non-profit. He now has a paying job, good career expectations, and will begin traveling internationally for the non-profit.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Thanks for the tip!

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Alexandria, Virginia: Hi Mary, I am about to graduate from law school this spring and I would love to work as an attorney for the Federal Government. From what I know about federal employment, it is REALLY hard to find a job. I go to a top 20-law school -- I have average grades, but I do have prior work experience. Is this possible, or should I start applying for lower level jobs such as a secretary, paralegal, etc. and hope I can move up from there?

Mary Ellen Slayter: Maybe try to get a law job in the private sector, and then move to the government? I'm not sure which track is more effective. Government lawyers out there ... what do you think?

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D.C.: Do you know of any consulting firms that focus on environmental sciences, agriculture and natural resource management? I'm sure there are plenty out there, but I'm just not sure where to look.

Mary Ellen Slayter: There are plenty! Often they are officially engineering firms of some sort, though. I worked for one in Baton Rouge. Look for environmental engineering firms, wastewater treatment companies, etc. Find out who the local and federal governments contract with for these services. It's public record.

EPA Acquisitions

You can find similar listings for USDA and other agencies.

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I've been waiting three years to actually use my latent aged degree knowledge to answer a question in this chat. Ha.

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Mary Ellen Slayter: And that's it for today. Have a great weekend!

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