Pattie writes a weekly column for www.boston.com and the Boston Globe. Read Pattie’s recent Job Doc blog posts below.
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
Hiring “hard to fill” roles
Could an employee referral program help? Q: I am a manager in a biotech firm. We are still having trouble hiring developers. I want to use a refer a friend effort. If a... READ MORE
A degree? Or not
Q: I completed over 5 years of college courses at a prestigious college in Boston. I never “officially” completed my degree, but I learned a lot, the equivalent of a degree. I had... READ MORE