Career Track Live

Advice for Young Professionals

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.

Mary Ellen Slayter is author of Career Track, a biweekly column in The Washington Post's Jobs section. She focuses her chat on issues affecting young workers.

Read Mary Ellen's latest Career Track column.

Transcript follows below.

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Mary Ellen Slayter: Good afternoon! I hope all is going well in your work world.

I'm working on a column about workplace rivals. Have you ever had one? Did it help or hurt you in the long run, do you think? Send me an e-mail after the chat if you're willing to talk about it for a column. slayterme@washpost.com

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The commute: I live in one close-in suburb of Washington, D.C. and commute to another close-in 'burb -- it's about one hour each way, or more if I take the subway. I like my job, but between the commute and the long-ish hours, I have little to no time for anything outside the basics. My commute is one hour each way. I work 10-11 hours days, which is not unreasonable to me (for now). But the 10-11 hour days on top of two hours of commuting is becoming hard.

I see two options: work less (8-9 hours a day), or get a job that cuts the commute time. I like what I do, and want to grow, so I don't really want to work less. I wonder whether its too soon to look for something closer, and whether that's a good enough reason to move on. I've been here two years, and it's going very well. But there are definitely options that are more local.

I should say that I know tons of folks in the area do mega-commutes worse than mine. I don't claim to have the worst commute, but I can't get by on six hours of sleep anymore so something has to give ...

Mary Ellen Slayter: There's another obvious solution: move. Is that not possible?

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Washington, D.C.: Mary Ellen: I hope you will take this question, as HR is expecting my answer this afternoon ...

This morning, I was offered a start date for a government job -- for next Monday! While I'm glad they want me to start so soon, they can't honestly expect that one week notice is a reasonable amount of time to give to my current employer, can they?

Also, I haven't yet had the salary discussion with this new agency. I know at what grade I'll be entering, but haven't been told what step. Do you know when in the hiring process I should have this conversation, and with whom? Thank you!

Mary Ellen Slayter: Have that coversation now, before you accept the job. It needs to be part of your formal offer.

And unless your job is crucial to national security, they're being unreasonable expecting just a week to start. Just tell them no, that you need to give two-weeks notice to your current employer.

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Herndon, Va.: Mary Ellen: Thank you in advance for answering my question.

I am 26 years-old, and I work for a defense/aerospace contractor and I am finding I only have two career paths...

(A) I can work as hard as I can for 10+ years to get promoted, for a 10 percent raise.

or (B) I could job hop between companies to do the same work for 15-20 percent raises each time.

Questions....

What motivation do I have to work hard? I see other people getting certificates for 10 years of service with the company and people give them applause, and I think why are they clapping? because he/she is a sucker for staying with the company this long? What is your advice for me?

Mary Ellen Slayter: You actually have many, many career paths. Work in the same place as long as it suits you. Leave when it doesn't.

There's more to a job than money, and there's (hopefully) more than money to motivate you to do a good job. For some people, security and stability is more important. Others like working with the same people.

You just have to know what *you* want. And if you think people who like to stay put are "suckers," I guess you know which kind of person you're not!

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Silver Spring, Md.: Quick question: When sending your resumes in response to positions posted on Monster or Careerbuilder is it important to include a cover letter?

I only ask this because I typically spend my application a night a week and it can become exhausting personalizing every single letter. Combined with an unhappy work environment currently I'll take any advantage I can get!

Mary Ellen Slayter: It depends on what the ad asks for. The more personalized the application is, the more likely it is to catch someone's eye.

In that same vein: Vary your job search tactics. Are you putting feelers out there with former colleagues? Attending job fairs and networking events? Just hitting the send button over and over in response to job ads seems easy, but it's actually not a very efficient way to look for a job.

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Washington, D.C.: My question is in regards to trying to go to school and work. I'm 27 and I have been working for quite awhile, but I really want to go to school and obtain a degree. The problem is that I don't want to go to school and spend all these years and hard earned money and come out and not be able to compete with others in the same field. What I want to know is how can I go to school and obtain a great education that's not going to send me to the poor house while I continue to work? I don't what to take classes online and I prefer not to attend a huge school.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Go part time. See if your employer will pick up part of the tab. Do you know what sort of program you're looking for?

It's tough, but doable. I finished a master's program at UMd while working here full time.

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N.Y., N.Y.: I have currently been in my position for a little over a year. However, over the past six months I have been working on my law school applications, which I intend to attend next Sept. I don't particularly care for my current job, and I would like to get something that will gear me more for law in the interim year. Is it wrong to try to find a job in that time period without mentioning that I plan to leave in a year. What should I do? Thanks!

Mary Ellen Slayter: This is what temp work was made for. See if they can get you an admin gig in a law office.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi, Mary Ellen. How do you express excitement about a job opportunity to a prospective employer? I've been in the workforce for a little over six years and have changed jobs only once. When I changed jobs the last time, I was excited about the new opportunity, it was a logical next step, and I expressed that during my interviews. However, last Friday, I had an interview for a position that is, in every respect, my dream job. I expressed enthusiasm at the interview; I reiterated my excitement about the opportunity in the thank you note that I sent afterwards. However, I am on the verge of couch-jumping, and I'm not sure how (or if) I should convey my sincere excitement about the work they do and the possibility that I may get to be a part of it. I'm not concerned about maintaining my reserve so as not to affect salary negotiations, as it is a government job with a set salary and benefits. However, I am afraid of scaring them off, making it seem like I'm begging for the job, or otherwise offending in some way. I should hear by the end of this week whether I've made it to the second and final round of interviews. How should I proceed if I do?

Mary Ellen Slayter: It sounds like you've made things clear enough. Keep your cool.

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Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.: I am 33, was a housewife but now deciding to work( as marriage didnt work as i thought) would like to work in an office that pays well and make my brain work ... currently work in retail. How do I look for jobs that will accept me of my experiences then and now and advance myself? I am willing to start below and work my way up. Is there some sort of training you may know of or companies that offer training on office positions?

Mary Ellen Slayter: What's your education background?

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks for these chats. This may seem a bit silly, but I'm finding myself dissatisfied in my current job, but not sure where to go from here. I am a lawyer, three years out of law school, and have been a the same firm since graduation. I know that I'm not happy here, but am not sure where to go. In the past, there always seemed to be a roadmap for transitions, whether it was the end of a semester or the end of an internship. Now, I feel a bit foolish for not knowing where to go from here. Any words of wisdom?

Mary Ellen Slayter: Not silly at all! Where are your interests and passions drifting these days? Is there a way to bring your law background more in that direction?

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Washington, D.C.: Mary Ellen: My boss recently sent an e-mail full of spelling and grammatical errors to a client (he cc'd me). He obviously wrote it in a hurry and was very careless, and I feel it projects a negative image of our company. Should I have said something to him, perhaps jokingly, pointing out that he should write more carefully? It's a tiny company and I have good rapport with my boss, but I didn't want to seem disrespectful.

Mary Ellen Slayter: It wouldn't do any good to say anything now, would it? It's not like he could un-send it. Does he always do this? Or just this one time?

It would be awkward to scold your boss about this, but if he does it chronically, you could offer to review correspondence for him if he likes. Is he the sort that would take an offer like that well?

I wouldn't make a "joke" about it, though. It's either an issue, or it isn't.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi, Mary Ellen. Thanks so much for the chats. My question is about temp agencies. My daughter just graduated from college and is having problems securing a job. I've been out of the job market for quite a while, things seem so much different now. Thus, which temps agencies are considered the best in this area? What should my daughter have in hand when approaching a temp agency. Thank you.

Mary Ellen Slayter: She just needs her resume and references, as well as a list of whatever computer programs she's skilled in using.

She should take her meeting with the recruiter seriously. Dress and behave like it's a job interview, which it is.

I can't recommend particular agencies, but she can find one with little trouble by looking through the Jobs section or the phone book.

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This is what temp work was made for. See if they can get you an admin gig in a law office. : I'd differ. In your last year before law school, you want to be able to relax, try to finish up other loose ends you won't have time for during law school. It's the last time I"d want to be undergoing the stress of getting used to a new job. Stay put, take advantag of the know environement, focus on finishing up life projects you won't have time for during law school, and the 12 month countdown won't last long at all. I really question if a secretarial position in a law company will help you with law school or a career as a lawyer.

Mary Ellen Slayter: No, but it will give them a clue as to whether they like working in a legal environment.

If it were mandatory to spend at least one summer working in a law office before attending law school, the number of incoming students would drop by a third. Too many people have no idea what lawyering for a living really looks like.

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Money Question: I've been a staff writer for a publication for about four years now - twice as long as any of my co-workers. My employer has given me a five or six percent raise every year that I've been here. My next review is still months away but lately my editor has been dropping hints that I've hit some sort of salary maximum. I haven't seen anyone stick around here long enough to know for sure whether salaries max out after a certain number of years. What is a polite, calm way to ask my boss about this? Is it typical for employers to have salary ceilings? And if so, how do/should they make this known?

Mary Ellen Slayter: Most jobs have salary ceilings. If you've had the exact same job all this time, I'm surprised you've gotten raises that generous. To make more money at this point, you'll probably need to get a promotion.

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Thoughts for housewife: Make sure you aren't expecting to be on par with your age mates when you start in a position. For example, if you worked for 2-3 years of out college and then were out of the work force, you likely are not going to be able to get any thing other than entry-level work wtih corresponding salary and expectations (lots of grunt work). Any work experience you have is dated, as is any education you have. Getting the first position is going to be the hardest part.

Mary Ellen Slayter: This is a good point. She should be able to catch up quickly, though, if she works hard. Education could be an issue if she didn't graduate from college.

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Md.: If someone who worked for me commented on my spelling in an e-mail, I would find a lot more work for that person to do, because obviously he or she has an awful lot of time on his or her hands.

Your boss could be dyslexic for all you know, or was responding on a Blackberry. Not an excuse, but get over it.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Another take on the e-mail errors ...

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Washington, D.C.: I am looking for a home based job to get extra income that covers my bills. Can you facilitate situations for me to get such jobs? I have got the readiness to do the job. Also I have computer and e-mail access to help me to enable me perform such duties.

Mary Ellen Slayter: I'm afraid I can't. Most of these jobs you see advertised as such are scams.

Legit work-at-home jobs are often arrangements made between regular employers and workers who they already know and trust. Some jobs are more compatible with working remotely than others. What type of work are you looking to do?

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Arlington, Va.: I just got my first management position -- I start next Monday. It's a great job, and I'm thrilled, but I've never been the boss before! I'm also an external hire (no one internal was going for the job, thank goodness), so I'm not really familiar with the environment, except that I know it's fairly casual. Any tips for being a good boss? My current boss, who is fantastic, just said "if you have a meeting, bring bagels." Which is good advice, but there must be more than that!

Mary Ellen Slayter: Only one: Listen. Spend some time getting to know the people working for you and the culture of the organization before you act.

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The commute: Good suggestion (moving). I do love my apartment, my area, etc; and always thought it was unwise to move locations (especially across state lines) for a job, given how fluid the job market is, and that I doubt I'll be in this job for more than a few more years.

Mary Ellen Slayter: A few *years* of commuting like that, though? The ability to pack up and move in situations like yours is one of the chief virtues of renting. I could understand if you said you had a spouse who worked near the current place, or if you had kids in school there. But if it's just you? Pack up and move! Get those hours of your life back!

Of course, it ultimately comes down to which you like more: where you live or where you work.

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Va.: I am contemplating what would be best for my career. I have background in dental and medical apprentice, I just completed my undergrad in Health Sciences. Now I am highly interested in Pharmaceutical Marketing Business, do you suggest getting an MBA in marketing will make me more marketable at the age of early-30s. Thanks.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Work for a while, then get an MBA later if you need it. And have your employer pay for it.

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Rockville, Md.: I'd love to hear some HR responses to the second question posted today -- HR wants a decision from a prospective candidate before stating a salary and wants them to start by giving inappropriate notice to current employer. What are folks thinking? I ask this curiously, not with frustration.

Mary Ellen Slayter: HR folks out there today?

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Washington, D.C.: I work at a nonprofit where I actually have a pretty non-stressful, but boring and unfulfilling job. I know that I want to move on to something else, outside of nonprofit world. Ideally it would be a government job, but I have seven years of work experience now and don't want to have to start all over again from the bottom. I also make some money now and can't afford to live off a $50,000/year salary. Is it possible with a federal job to start at a mid-level job? Where does one begin the search for federal jobs? Thanks.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Of course it is. In fact, the easiest shift would be to do your current job, but for a federal agency. Have you checked out USAJobs?

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Washington, D.C.: To the lawyer three years out, I think you'll find, as I did, that just when you get to a point where you can't be there another day, a bit of kismet will step in and change it. I'd suggest lobby for new work assignments as that will expose you to new people to impress and new opportunities. A law career is thankfully a long one but the challenge is getting through the rough patches so decide on someone who can counsel you who has your best interests at heart. Anyone else, don't share your pain to them.

Mary Ellen Slayter: This is really good advice for anyone, not just lawyers.

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Arlington, Va.: I started a new job five weeks ago and things just aren't clicking. I don't necessarily hate it, but it feels more like work than any job I've ever had and at the moment I don't see that changing.

My old boss (whom I love) has invited me back (with a minor promotion and raise) and some of the key concerns I had about my old organization were unexpectedly cleared up just a week after I left. Had I known the change was coming, I wouldn't have left in the first place.

When should I cut my loses and go back? Or is quitting after a month reserved only for truly desperate situations? And if I leave, how can I help minimize the hurt feelings at the new job?

Mary Ellen Slayter: With an offer like that, go back!

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Silver Spring, Md.: I am attending a career fair next week. First time ever. How are these typically run, and what are the expectations for the applicants? Also do you submit your resume and expect to talk one on one with a recruiter? How does one do this without being to aggressive?

Finally how do you move from this meeting to the next step to an actual interview?

This is a dream job opportunity -- hence the many questions!

Mary Ellen Slayter: Bring lots of extra copies of your resume and business cards. Be polite to everyone, not just recruiters for companies you want to work for. Follow up by e-mail afterward.

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Maryland: It seemed the young professionals at my company think they are too smart because of the degrees they have; dress provocatically because their colleges days were all about their tank tops or t-shirts; and refused to listen to old-timers advice. Anything?

Mary Ellen Slayter: Well, the ones at my company generally ARE pretty smart, work long hours, dress fairly conservatively, and work quite well with senior employees. So much for stereotypes.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi, Mary Ellen. I have recently encountered something in the work place I have never experienced before: an entire department unable to constructively criticize or professionally correct anyone because it might hurt people's feelings. I am new to this company and am terrified. I have seen emails that are very professional sent from one coworker to another that are then considered rude and improper by other coworkers and managers. I have always worked for larger companies and have even had email etiquette training and am confident these e-mails are fine. Is this typical for smaller companies to be so feelings oriented? I feel so alienated from certain coworkers because of their overt sensitivities. Any advice?

Mary Ellen Slayter: It does seem that people in smaller companies are more sensitive about stuff like this. I've noticed a similar trend in nonprofits. It's the negative side to the intimacy and comraderie that such environments can foster.

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New York, N.Y.: My cover letters are often over a page long because I tend to go into a lot of detail about my accomplishments. Is this too much?

washingtonpost.com: For more cover letter and resume writing tips and advice, check out our special feature: Hard Copies.

Mary Ellen Slayter: Definitely too much. The idea is to introduce yourself, not tell your life story.

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Mary Ellen Slayter: Thanks for all your comments and questions! See you in a few weeks.

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