- Bruce M.

I have a job interview for a position that has a lot of statistics. I know some basic statistics but I’m not an expert. I have statistics listed as a proficiency in my resume. What’s your advice?

- Kevin M.

First off, don’t lie on your resume - inevitably, you’ll eventually get found out. If the job has a lot of statistics, you need to consider if that is something you could learn and would enjoy doing. Statistics is a discipline that can be easily applied incorrectly; you really need to know statistics if it is an integral part of your job. I’m pretty sure you know what to do just by the question you asked. In the interview, I suggest you ask about how statistics is a part of the role, what your responsibility would be regarding statistics and be honest with your expertise and knowledge of statistics in the job interview. In this case, honesty is the best policy.

- Eric Hinrichs

I had a job offer that seems to be a good one, but I like what I am doing now. How do I decide what to do?

- Bruce M.

This happens a lot. You’re not in love with your current job and are open to seeing what’s out there. Then a job opportunity comes along and you are undecided whether you take the job offer or stay where you are.

Your decision depends upon a lot of factors. Is the commute longer? Can you work remote? Is it more money, responsibility? Does it involve travel, more travel? What are the benefits? The list of things to consider can go on and on.

What I found works is to break the two jobs down. List all of the job aspects yu can think of and are important to you. Then weigh teach of these against the two positions and check the job you feel is the t option. This method helps you visualize the pros and cons of the two jobs When you get through your list add up the check marks and see if there is a clear difference. If there is, and you were honest in your decisions, then it is clear what you should do. If the check marks are about the same, well, then you need to ask yourself, “Is the new job going to be worth it if it does not bring more to the table or stay where you are and maybe a better offer will come along.” Ultimately only you can make the final decision. Only you know what you really want from a job. Stability, growth, new skillsets, or new responsibilities.

- Eric Hinrichs

My manager gave me a mediocre bonus this year. My review was very vanilla too. When I brought up a promotion, my manager was evasive. Should I be concerned?

- Jennifer D.

I think you know the answer and don’t realize it. Your manager is sending you all kinds of signals. Your bonus was ‘mediocre’, your review was ‘vanilla’ do these sound like what a manager would do if they liked the work being done by their direct report? No. The real key was how evasive your manager was when you asked about a promotion. To me, this means they do not have the confidence in you that should be there. If your company is struggling or has cutbacks, then you may be vulnerable. I suggest you evaluate what you want from your job and career and look at other opportunities. The sooner you do this, the better. Good luck.

- Eric Hinrichs