Age-based battle likely to backfire

Q: I have a part-time job that I love, but it doesn't pay much. I really want my manager's position, with all the full-time perks. He's in his early 60s and should be on the verge of retirement. I do a lot of his work, but he gets most of the credit. He has blocked my attempts to get a raise, and I believe he is hampering my career progression.

I need to become a full-time employee or find another job, but there is only one full-time position in this department. How can I let senior management know that my boss is aging, forgets important details, cannot finish projects and leaves the office early? Not to mention that, at his older age, anything can happen, and someone may need to replace him soon. I am staying here to inherit his position, but I want to speed up the transition.

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A: Since you view your boss as a senile old dinosaur whose job you wish to steal, I'm not surprised that he's trying to obstruct your career. Although you're eager to take his place, your manager apparently is not ready to depart. And your hope that he will succumb to the ravages of age is rather ghoulish.

However, I certainly understand why you're ready for a change. You are paid a pittance, receive little recognition and have been refused a raise. This has to create financial problems.

To make wise decisions about your future, you need to know where you stand with senior management. But trashing your boss is the wrong approach, especially if the higher-ups happen to like him. Your efforts to make him look bad might make you look even worse.

Instead, indicate that you truly love your work and hope to continue your career there. Discuss your accomplishments and ideas for improvements. Then ask whether you can expect your position to become full-time in the near future.

If management says "yes," your problems may be solved. But if the answer is "no," it's time to start looking for greener pastures.

Q: I am a mother of three who wants to return to the work force. I keep sending out resumes but can't seem to get an interview. I know that I would be hired if an employer could see my commitment and willingness to learn. How do I get back into the working world?

OFFICE COACH

Marie G. McIntyre

A: There are two paths to an interview: sending out unsolicited resumes and making personal contact. Because your positive attributes may outshine your lack of recent work experience, personal referral is a better bet for you.

To identify people who might aid in your job search, ask family members, friends and acquaintances for suggestions. When you call these networking contacts, briefly describe your career goal, offer to send a copy of your resume and see whether they can suggest others for you to call. Then ask if you can touch base by e-mail every month or so.

You also might consider "informational interviewing" -- that is, calling people simply to learn more about a particular type of work. If you make a good impression, they may offer some job-search advice.

Local job-seekers groups also provide leads, since one person's rejected opportunity may be another's perfect position. These gatherings usually are advertised through newspapers (see page 2 of this section), job-search Web sites or churches, where many of them are held.

Finally, look for books or online resources to help you create a top-notch resume. Be sure to include any relevant unpaid experience, such as volunteer work or community leadership roles.

- Marie G. McIntyre is an Atlanta-based workplace coach. Her weekly column is syndicated by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Send questions at www.yourofficecoach.com.