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"EMPLOYER'S WISH FOR "YOUNGER EMPLOYEE" PROVIDES "OLD BAG" WITH LAWSUIT AMMUNITION!"

Dear Kathryn:

I have been unjustly terminated from my job all due to the partner's wish for a young thing and not the old bag they perceive me to be.

At my thirty and ninety-day review, my work was evaluated as "good" with the only suggestion being that I bring up my energy. That same day, I overheard a few of the partner's discussing their wish for someone "younger and more alive than the old lady" they had at the front desk.

Obviously, I wasn't hiding my age under a bag when I interviewed. Anyone could plainly see I'm no twenty-five year old. As for being "more alive", juggling ten phone lines and a constantly jammed lobby obviously indicates I was doing more than barely breathing when I was on the job.

I want to report those nasty comments to the labor board. In addition, my unemployment slip indicates "other" with no explanation for my being fired. How am I supposed to explain this termination to future employers?

MARIANNE T., Norwich,CT.

Dear Marianne:

I discussed your situation with Atty. Brian Clemow, head of the Shipman & Goodwin's Labor Dept.

While there is no guarantee you'd win, Clemow feels it would be a worthwhile exercise to bring the matter to the attention of the CT Commission on Human Rights. An isolated comment may not be enough for them to justify an investigation and hearing; however it's sure worth a phone call. CCHR's phone number in the CT is (860) 566-7710.

As for the unemployment slip indicating "other", obviously the employer wished to avoid providing further explanation as to the firing incident. Employers are not obligated to provide details unless they're opposing your receiving unemployment compensation.

As to explaining the short-term employment and termination to future employers, you have three choices.

1- Explain the cultural match was not a good one for either yourself or the employer (you wouldn't have wanted to continue working for an employer who thought you were "dead and old" anyway.)

2-Explain to a potential employer you had been given good reviews, however when terminated, no further explanation was given. (this is a very tough option to get a potential employer to swallow. Do this only if you're very brave.)

3- Leave the position off your resume as it was a short-term employment stint. I personally don't think you should be punished by carrying the baggage of that employment experience because the employer concluded they should have hired someone younger.

Choose your next employer with special consideration being given to the mix of ages of the rest of the staff working in the office. Good luck.

Dear Kathryn:

I've decided. Searching for a job on the Internet is a waste of time! There are thousands of web-sites and it is hours before I figure out which career websites I'm even interested in, and I haven't even submitted one resume.

Before I permanently revert to the "old-fashioned" method of job-hunting, any advice?

FRANK F., Wethersfield,CT

Dear Frank:

No question, searching the 50,000 plus employment-related sites can be a mind-boggling experience. Before you begin, determine` what features the site may offer that are important to you. For example:

-Are you looking for sites that offer a database which recruiters and companies scan? -Is it important the site compare jobs posted on the site to your employment objective, notifying you privately when a match is made?

-Are you looking for help on writing your resume, negotiating a salary, or planning your job search?

My next suggestion is to only look for sites that specialize in your industry, field and location you want to work in. If its job opportunities you're after, focus on just that. You can get peripherals, like resume writing and career counseling from other sites.

The two books I like best on Internet job searching is The Guide to Internet Job Searching by Margaret Riley Dikel and WEDDLE's Job Seeker's Guide to Employment Web Site by Peter Weedle.

Last, don't ignore traditional methods. Remember, some of the best job opportunities only come through extensive networking with the ultimate position actually being created for you by an impressed employer.

My advice: exercise every avenue of job-hunting!