Joyce Lain Kennedy
Joyce Lain Kennedy, author of the nationally syndicated "Careers Now" column, has been an expert in the employment field for nearly four decades. She is the original careers columnist in syndication and her work is now distributed twice weekly by Tribune Media Services.
Kennedy estimates she has received more than 3.5 million letters from readers and has answered more than 5,500 queries in her columns since 1968. The vast majority of her reader mail now comes by e-mail to Kennedy at her Web site, www.sunfeatures.com. Her advice on jobs and career management issues addresses the problems experienced by virtually all working people: job search, layoff, discrimination, specialization, keeping up with technology in the workplace and networking both on land and online.
She began her writing career by offering advice to teenagers and young adults before broadening the scope of her column, which now relates to all ages. Kennedy is the bestselling author of seven career guides, including "Resumés for Dummies," "Cover Letters for Dummies" and "Job Interviewing for Dummies."
A former resident of Washington, D.C., and New York, Kennedy grew up in St. Louis, and earned a business administration degree from Washington University. She now resides in a suburb of San Diego.
Joyce Lain Kennedy Samples
How welcome is your dog at work?
DEAR JOYCE: My dog, a well-behaved border collie, looks at me with soulful eyes each morning when I leave for work. Full disclosure: You're asking one of those people whose children have four paws.
Mismatch between jobs and skills?
DEAR JOYCE: We see news stories claiming that some companies can't find enough workers to fill their jobs. The worker-shortage issue relates to a skills gap, which is found chiefly, but not exclusively, in manufacturing and high-tech industries.
Handle tricky questions with care
DEAR JOYCE: Please help me with job interview questions that tie me in knots: "Why have you been out of work so long?
Tips for this year's 'average' grads
DEAR JOYCE: Most model resumes are aimed at graduating college seniors who shine with super grades or impressive achievements. Louise M. Kursmark tells you how. WHO'S WHO.
How to boot a non-compete contract
DEAR JOYCE: I've been offered a better job, but because I was pressured to and did sign a non-compete contract, I'm apparently out of luck.
A low-tech tool you must have
DEAR JOYCE: Last week a hiring manager asked for my business card and gave me a questioning look when I said I didn't have one. That's a possibility, but only if it's true.
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