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Employment Today™


"WHEN REALIST EXEC OPTS FOR NEW FACE, WIFE FREAKS"

Dear Kathryn:

I'm hoping your employment expertise in the real world will declare me the winner in this "sparring match" between my wife and I.

I'm fifty-five, a sales executive with a stellar track record about to accept a severance package and start a new job search. My credentials are excellent and if it wasn't for the fact that I look fifteen years older than I am, a new job search would actually find me motivated. I'm convinced that my appearance will definitely hinder my getting my targeted job.

I've been telling my wife that age discrimination is alive and kicking and that we need to use some of the severance money for cosmetic surgery. I'm in a public oriented position and my face needs to match my high energy, rather than distracting from the overall package I've to sell. My wife says I'm nuts. She's convinced that with a track record like mine my "seasoned" look (more accurately, "craggy and old") won't be a factor.

My wife's has had only lower level jobs; hasn't worked in five years and doesn't have a handle on what's real. Some sensible input, please, on what's really the story.

FALLING FAST, (face only, not attitude), JIM, Enfield, CT

Dear Jim:

You have to admit it sure is nice your wife sees past the age lines and focuses on your real value. However, in this particular instance, statistics weigh in your favor.

Nearly 23% of all complaints filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the first half of 2006were age discrimination charges. That number's pretty darn high, as it's a radical increase of 21% more claims filed than in 2001!

John Challenger, President of one of the nation's leading outplacement firms, Challenger, Gray & Christmas says "appearance in a tight job market becomes even more of an issue." As Challenger's firm specializes in preparing and making marketable the fifty-plus executive, he's a savvy realist on the appearance issue and would side with you. Your peers also agree with you as nearly 85% of adults surveyed by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery said they believe employers strongly factor in appearance when hiring and promoting workers.

So, Jim, you now just need to make your wife comfortable with the idea of male cosmetic surgery. Let her know that the "old Jim" she reveres will still be there, post surgery, more marketable and looking better than ever!

Dear Kathryn:

My inconclusive drug test result and a stone age employer is keeping me from working. I was told when extended a new job offer that I would have to take a drug test. No problem, I said, and proceeded to give my resignation. "Not so fast" said my new employer's Ms. Human Resources. She said my drug test came back "dilute". I was asked to take it again, and again the results came back the same. When I inquired as to how this could happen, human resources said they didn't know the details but they weren't going to be able to go forward with my employment!

What's my legal position here? As this was a drug test and I didn't test positively for drugs, how can they withdraw their offer? I'm steamed!

JEFF R., Shelton, CT

Dear Jeff:

There's not a hard and fast rule on this, however Attorney Brian Clemow of Shipman & Goodwin feels that even though the test proved inconclusive, the employer will win this round. Their policy is that your drug test should indicate that you're "drug free". That's not happening, thus the employer feels justified in withdrawing the offer.There's not a hard and fast rule on this, however Attorney Brian Clemow of Shipman & Goodwin feels that even though the test proved inconclusive, the employer will win this round. Their policy is that your drug test should indicate that you're "drug free". That's not happening, thus the employer feels justified in withdrawing the offer.

On the flip side of this issue, a recent incident of a somewhat more wild nature ruled in the employee's favor. When the employee was drug tested, no drugs were found…but, the chemical that's used as a masking agent for drugs was found!

The employer subsequently fired the employee, as it was obvious from the follow-up test with duplicate results, that the employee was a drug user, masking his use with this chemical.

The employee screamed "foul play". An arbitrator was brought in to settle the dispute and the employee won! The arbitrator ruled the employer's drug test did not surface the existence of drug use, only the use of this masking chemical agent!

Stay tuned for more interesting workplace stories.

Dear Kathryn:

I'm interviewing for a new job and the money issue has me a wreck. Once I tell them what I'm making and what I'm looking for, their eyebrows fly up and the conversation gets cut short.

Kathryn, the reason I'm looking for a new job is that I'm paid slave wages. I hate disclosing my peon pesos, as employers then think they'll be able to hire me cheap. Once I enlighten them as to my real worth, the interview's a wrap.

How can I get around the salary issue and get them to offer me the job? I'm stymied!

RACHAEL T., Waterbury, CT

Dear Rachael:

You're right, that awkward discussion of compensation sure can turn the interview into a "churnin' urn of burnin' funk", so try a few of these responses.

When they ask you what you're making explain that your current position doesn't compare in areas of responsibility with the one you're discussing. As you're motivated to find a new position with a greater challenge and a fair compensation to match, you're excited about the job you're there for. Immediately then ask what type of salary they'd be paying for this job for someone with your level of experience.

Typically the company application asks for your current comp-- leave it blank. When interviewer points to the blank and asks you for the number, explain any salary freezes, poor financial condition of the company, or other mitigating reason which might have kept you at your current low pay before you provide the actual figures. If you took your current job to gain particular experience, bring out that fact. Anything you can use to justify your current lower than normal wages will help.

When they ask you what you want for compensation, respond with something like this-- "Equally important to me as the salary is the responsibility involved, the total package offered, and the stability your company offers. I'm open for salary discussion based on what my responsibilities would be as well as time frame for increases."

If they continue to harp as to a specific number, offer a range, and don't high ball them. It's a delicate area but with a little rehearsal, you'll do fine.