Unused vacation time in 2020
Q: I run a small consulting firm. Thankfully many of us have been able to work from home since the middle of March. Now I am worried about vacation time. Many of our employees have been unable to use their … Continued
Post-layoff, what are “recession-proof” industries?
Q: I have recently been laid off and I want to look at opportunities in a more secure industry. In March, I was terminated from a travel-industry software company. What companies are recession-proof? A: Many job seekers are looking … Continued
Meal breaks in Massachusetts
Q: I am in a job, and I think I am eligible for paid overtime (at time and one-half) after I work forty hours. I live and work in Massachusetts. However, no one has mentioned lunch breaks. How does this … Continued
Video conferencing interview – tips for a first timer
Q: I am doing my first video interview this week. I am experienced interviewing face-to-face onsite with a company. This video interviewing is all new to me. What can I do to prepare? A: A great question, and timely for … Continued
COVID-19 – some employee questions answered
Q: I work for a retailer in downtown Boston. Foot traffic has almost stopped. I am not sure how long my business owner can stay open with the coronavirus concerns. I think my boss wants to lay us off temporarily … Continued
What are your leave rights if you are having twins?
Q: I am expecting in September, 2020. I live and work in Massachusetts. My company is a start-up in Cambridge with about 35 employees. I am about to share this information with my employer. Although overwhelming, I am expecting twins. … Continued
The first step in the interview process, telephone and video conferencing calls
Q: I have been unemployed since early January. This is my first time being unemployed and it is nerve-wracking. I am struggling with the concept of a telephone interview or video call. In the past, I always did well in … Continued
Updating an old resume
Q: You have probably commented on this before, but I have not written a resume in a long time. Where do I start? My last resume is probably 10 or more years old. HELP! A: Great that you are updating … Continued
How to respond to a PIP
Q: I was recently put on a PIP, a performance improvement plan. This was a surprise and I was shocked that my manager gave me some very harsh feedback. In my last company, there were progressive discipline steps. If there … Continued
My former employer isn’t paying me my commission
Q: I am wondering if you can help me. I was recently terminated and I have sales commissions earned but my former employer is refusing to pay me. What is the rule of law here? Should I sue them? What … Continued