Pattie writes a weekly column for www.boston.com and the Boston Globe. Read Pattie’s recent Job Doc blog posts below.
Do you really need a 4-year degree to build a career in Mass.?
As college costs climb and employers put more emphasis on skills and experience, a four-year degree may no longer be the only path to a good-paying career in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has some of... READ MORE
AI may be deciding whether you get a job interview. Here’s what to know.
From resume screening to chatbot interviews, artificial intelligence is transforming how employers hire — raising new questions about bias, privacy, and the candidate experience. Artificial intelligence is rapidly impacting the way companies hire... READ MORE
What is skillfishing? How employers can spot real skills in the AI hiring era.
AI tools are helping candidates look like perfect hires — even when they’re not. Has your company ever hired someone promising on paper — only to see the candidate fall short of expectations?... READ MORE
Looking for a job in 2026? Here’s why hiring feels frozen — and what to do next
Hiring is slow, unemployment may inch up, and many workers are staying put — but job seekers still have chances in healthcare, construction, and skills-based roles. The job market in 2026 is shaping... READ MORE
Why ‘job hugging’ is on the rise as workers face a cooling job market
A mix of rising unemployment, slower hiring, AI anxiety, and industry layoffs is pushing employees to stay put — even in roles they don’t love. Fear and uncertainty are both contributing to concerns... READ MORE
Pay transparency is now law in Massachusetts. What does it mean for you?
A new statewide rule makes salaries visible in job postings. Here’s a breakdown for workers and employers. Effective October 29, Massachusetts joined several other states in enacting a new pay transparency law “An... READ MORE