eFinancialCareers

You chose a demotion over a layoff. How do you tell that story when looking for a new job? During the restructuring at Countrywide, the retail branch I operated was shut down. Instead of taking a severance package, I opted to take a demotion so I could stay employed. Should I disclose this information to potential employers? How can I word it to explain the demotion was due to downsizing and... Read more

Are "stress interviews" tactics to see if you're really interested in joining a company, or red flags of an unprofessional organization? I had a set of interviews with a well performing, but not top-tier, asset management company. During an interview, I thought I was connecting with one of the hiring managers on a personal level. Then, in the middle of the interview, he told me I was overqualified and should apply... Read more

How should you handle a less appealing job offer that's already in hand, while awaiting an answer from a second employer you'd prefer to join? I've been offered a job at one firm, but also interviewed for a position at another, a place where I'd prefer working. How do I hold off replying to the first firm until I have a sense of what's happening at my first choice? It's possible to... Read more

How do you handle the nuts and bolts of looking for a job in New York while you live in a distant state? I live in North Carolina but would like to move back to the New York area - specifically to my native New Jersey. I've been looking for a job there for over a year but have had no luck in landing interviews, let alone securing a job offer.... Read more

Investment banks pride themselves on hiring the best and the brightest - but your college GPA is decidedly average. What can you do? Robbie Miller Kaplan plots a strategy. During my first two years of college, I struggled when it came to establishing an effective routine for handling classes and assignments. As a result, my grades weren't all that great, and I graduated with a GPA of about 2.5. Do you... Read more

How should your resume or CV treat your involvement in a corporate gay and lesbian network? To start, keep it in the context of your job search. During my years at a U.S. investment bank, I played an active role in the firm's gay and lesbian diversity network. In searching for new employment opportunities, should I mention that involvement in my CV? I don't want to be disadvantaged by recruiters or... Read more

"I take advantage of my company's networking and mentoring programs, but sometimes feel like I see the same people at each event. How can I extend my network beyond this regular circle?" Q: "I'm a minority professional with a few years of experience under my belt. I try to take advantage of the networking and mentoring programs offered through my company, but I sometimes feel like I see the same people... Read more