First Beacon Group LLC

New Website

2017-03-16T06:49:00.002-04:00

Please visit our new website at: http://firstbeacongroup.com/.

This blogspot site will not be updated after 3/13/17. All new job postings and Pattie's Job Doc blogs will be available on the new site.

In memory of Bob Gatti, an HR legend

2017-03-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

The HR Community in New England is mourning the death of a legend. Bob Gatti, a well-known HR leader, died earlier this month at his home in Norfolk, Massachusetts.

Bob Gatti was a trusted advisor and mentor to many in the HR world and the Boston business community. Bob held several senior-level corporate HR positions before starting his own firm, Gatti and Associates in 1985. Gatti and Associates quickly established themselves as the “go to” resource within the HR community, focusing exclusively on the placement of HR professionals. Judy Banker, EVP and Managing Director of Gatti and Associates, joined Gatti’s firm in 1987. Banker remembered Bob as a leader who “ran a firm where honesty and integrity were paramount. He was particularly committed to helping those whose careers were in transition. His kindness to others was legendary.”

Janice Forster, a former Boston banking executive, now retired and living in Florida, said Bob was “a good friend for the entire HR community. He was so supportive of the many HR organizations within the Boston area.” Forster and Gatti worked together at Bank of Boston from 1983 to 1985.

Brendan King, President of King & Bishop, described Gatti as both “a friend and a mentor.” King and Gatti shared business referrals for over two decades. King recalled that he relied upon Gatti for both advice and counsel. King believes that Gatti will be remembered for “helping grow and develop hundreds of successful Human Resources careers.”

Bob was the first member of the Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA). Thirty years later, NEHRA has more than 2,000 members. Gatti also served as President the Human Resources Leadership Forum (HRLF) from 1994-1995. During his tenure as President of HRLF, membership doubled.

After returning to the Massachusetts area in 2002, I re-connected with Gatti. I emailed him to ask if he had time for a quick call. Instead, though not surprising, he invited me to his Medfield office. Bob spent a solid hour with me and introduced me to many of his newer team members. Always a positive and generous spirit, Gatti praised me for earning my MBA. “You were ahead of the curve! Now all of our clients expect that of senior-level HR leaders.”

In our rushed and hurried world, Gatti was known for giving his time and attention to others. The Boston HR community has lost a friend, a mentor and a leader.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Job hunting tips for recent college grads

2017-03-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Q: My daughter is graduating college in the spring of 2017. She has replied to many online postings and seems to be getting frustrated. Many of her friends are landing jobs. I am sure that job hunting has changed since I graduated from college. Can you share any tips on job hunting, more specifically for recent grads? We thought after laying out some pretty big dollars for an undergraduate degree, she would have job offers coming through our front door.

A: How wonderful that your daughter has just graduated from college! Congratulations to her! Finding a job, especially a first job out of college, can be a challenge. Here’s some practical job hunting advice for your daughter:

Make sure that your daughter is using the career services office of her college or university. Part of your tuition likely funded this office! A career services office can help with development of a resume, coaching in interview skills, and connections to employers. Some employers even visit college campuses with the intention of hiring graduates or students. Your daughter should also become active in alumni groups. Fellow alumni are often very helpful in finding job leads and contacts within companies.
Review her resume. No typos, spelling errors or wild fonts are allowed.
She has probably already received this advice, but your daughter should consider joining LinkedIn. Recent college graduates will often protest and explain that they don’t have any connections. Now is the best time to start building a professional network. Your daughter can connect with fellow graduates, professors, friends and neighbors.
Your daughter should have an elevator pitch. This is a 1-2 minute summary of who she is and where she hopes to land in her next job.
Introductions to others can lead to job opportunities. She should never say no to an intro. It is not just the person with whom you are meeting, but all of their contacts too!
Your daughter should stay close to email. Email should be checked daily, even on weekends.
Sometimes recent grads need to be reminded to send thank-you notes or emails. Even if someone has just met her for coffee, a quick note of thanks should be sent.
If your daughter interned with a company, she should re-connect with that company. Companies like to hire interns into regular full-time roles, if they have appropriate roles available.
Networking is more valuable than spending time behind a laptop. A reasonable guideline is 75% of a job hunter’s time should be devoted to networking, while the remainder can be spent behind a PC.
A social media check-up may be smart. College grads need to make ensure that their social media pages portray them in a positive light.
Finally, stay positive. Every interview is helpful, because every interview practices a skill. Interviewing is a skill! No recruiter wakes up in the morning and says, “I am eager to hire a negative person today.” Even though your daughter might be getting frustrated, it is important not to share that frustration with a prospective interviewer.

Your daughter will land. Have faith!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Can you file for unemployment benefits after signing a release?

2017-02-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I recently signed a severance agreement. The title of the document was “agreement and release.” I was given six weeks of severance in exchange for signing the release. My question to you is about collecting unemployment compensation during this time. Do I have to wait until the end of my severance period? Can I file after my last date with my company. In case state laws make a difference, I live and work in Boston.

A: Thank you for asking this question as it raises an issue that often causes confusion. An “agreement and release” document is sometimes offered by an employer to a separating employee. Perhaps a company is relocating and the employee has expressed no interest in the new location. Or maybe the employee’s role is being eliminated and the work will be automated or handled by other colleagues. For whatever reason, employers sometimes offer this type of agreement to an employee who is leaving the organization. Often this type of agreement provides severance pay and maybe some continuation of other benefits, like medical insurance. It may also provide outplacement benefits, which will assist the employee in finding a new employment. These additional benefits are only given if the employee signs the agreement. As you know, employees are often eligible for unemployment compensation upon a separation in most situations, when a job is eliminated.

To help answer your question, I contacted Attorney Jeffrey Dretler, a partner at the Boston office of Fisher & Phillips LLP. Dretler explains, “In most circumstances, an individual receiving severance pay is disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits during the period of severance. However, when an employee executes a release of claims as a condition of receiving severance, that disqualification does not apply. So, in your case, you should file your claim for unemployment at the same time as you would have done regardless of the severance pay, which is during your first week of unemployment, even though your eligibility to receive benefits would not begin until your second week of unemployment (the first week is a “waiting period”). It normally takes 2-3 weeks for the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance to process your claim before you will begin receiving payments, which will be retroactive to the end of the waiting period. The impact of severance pay on eligibility for unemployment benefits and the process for filing is determined by each state, so the advice could be different if you had worked outside Massachusetts.”

As Dretler mentioned, unemployment benefits can differ by state. The weekly benefit and the maximum number of weeks vary by state. However, in Massachusetts, an employee who signs a release of claims is able to file for unemployment upon separation.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

When I walk into a networking event…

2017-02-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I have been told to network at different professional events. I don’t know where to find these events. Beyond that, I am nervous about what to do. How does one actually “network” at these events? Please give me very basic rules. I have no idea what people mean when they say I should “network” at professional events to find a job.

A: Network, network, network — it’s our mantra to job seekers. We encourage, preach and cajole job seekers to network and then network some more! You are right though – we don’t share enough on the specifics!

Here is my best list of networking events for job seekers:

Alumni associations which connect you with others from his or her school (undergraduate or graduate). Often, at these events, you will see friendly faces.
Professional associations which link you with others within your profession (HR, finance, IT, etc.). A common profession is easy to talk about with other attendees.
Trade associations which are professional groups within your industry (biotech, higher education, etc.). Often these attendees know of companies hiring or expanding.
Events which specifically target job seekers. Acton Networkers – www.actonnetworkers.org is a very active group.
Meetup groups (www.meetup.com) connect people with common interests, from salsa dancing to meditation. There are also meetups for technology job seekers or those who want to learn more about interview prep.

How to prepare yourself for such an event:

Print business cards and make sure that they are simple and easy to read. Include a quick phrase which describes your career interests (e.g. “controller with public accounting experience.”) A phone number and email should also be included. I think a LinkedIn URL is also helpful.
Dress appropriately. Spiffy business casual is what I suggest.
Research the event. Arrive on time. The fewer surprises the better. No one likes to circle searching for a parking space. Understand the format in advance. Have your 1-2 minute elevator pitch ready.
If it is a larger gathering (20 or more attendees), don’t try to shake every hand in the room. It is better to leave with 3 to 5 new contacts who are most relevant to your search.
Follow-up after the event. If you met a few people who could be beneficial to your search, ask to meet them for coffee. Or at least connect on LinkedIn.
Be gracious. Always email a quick note of thanks to anyone who meets with you.

With each event, you will gain more confidence.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

How to follow up after an interview

2017-02-13T09:30:00.000-05:00

Q: I have been told repeatedly to “follow up” after an interview. But how? Should I mail a thank-you note? Snail mail seems old-fashioned. Do I send an email? Or place a phone call? What do you recommend? I have had more than one recruiter ask me to “follow up” with them? But honestly I am not sure what that means. Thank you Job Doc.

A: Following up after an interview is essential. Candidates who follow up after an interview demonstrate interest and show a commitment to the process. Alternatively, candidates who do not follow up are perceived as less interested or less serious about the job opportunity.

I recommend candidates ask about how to follow-up before the interview ends. For example, Marie is interviewing with ABC Company on Tuesday, February 14th. Before she leaves the interview with Tamara, the hiring manager at ABC Company, one of her final questions should be: “Tamara, can you explain to me the next steps in the selection process?” Marie will hopefully learn more about the process. Marie might learn when they hope to fill the role, how many interviews are part of the process and how many other candidates are being considered at this point. This is helpful too because it can set expectations as to how long each step might take. If a company explains that they intend to ask candidates to interview two or three times at ABC Company, then that may take several weeks. If a company explains that they expect to have a decision by Friday February 17th, that is a very different timeframe. Marie can also ask “how do you prefer that I follow up with you?” Tamara may offer several options – by phone, with an email or she may offer a specific date. When we handle recruitment for our clients, I will often ask a candidate to email me by a certain date.

Additionally, always send a thank-you note. Email is typically the best way to send a thank-you note. Make sure you email it within 24 hours of an interview. In the email, you again want to reiterate your interest. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and can serve as a sample for your writing skills.

Hundreds of resumes mailed and no response

2017-02-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Q: The last time I had to find a new job it was 1992. This time I am not having great success. I have sent out over 100 resumes along with very carefully written cover letters. I have only heard back from one person and that was a former colleague who saw my resume and knew me. I am getting increasingly desperate, annoyed, concerned and irritated. How do I kick start my job search?

A: Stop what you are doing. It’s not working, but you knew that. The days of sending out hundreds of hard copies of resumes along with cover letters are over. It is not an efficient way to use your time.

Instead, focus on building your network. You already share one very important piece of information. “I have only heard back from one person and that was a former colleague who saw my resume and knew me.” This sentence says it all.

A strong professional network is a powerful job hunting tool. Yes, candidates still get jobs through sending hard copies of their resume, responding to job postings and through placement firms. However, your professional network is probably the most critical piece of the job hunter’s tool kit. Most employees still hear of job leads through a professional contact. LinkedIn is a great way to continue to build your network. However, it does not replace face-to-face networking.

I still have the goal of adding three plus new connections every week on LinkedIn. I have about 4700 connections on LinkedIn and I continue to build my network.

How do you network face-to-face? You can used LinkedIn and ask to meet contacts for coffee or lunch. You can attend networking groups. There is a very active group in Acton (www.actonnetworkers.org) and also a sister group in Hopkinton. There are Meetup groups all over (www.meetup.com) and you can find groups with common career interests. On March 16, 2017, I am speaking at the Career Center of Lowell, Networkers event at 9:00am (www.cclowell.org).

Think about the time you have devoted to your job hunt. Now think about the time you have spent behind your PC vs. meeting contacts face-to-face. I challenge you to limit your PC work to 25% of your time and then face-to-face networking should be about 70 to 75% of your time.

Good luck in your search! Congrats to our NE Patriots!

“Not a fit”

2017-01-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: What do the words “not a fit for the job” actually mean?

A: This is a common response to a candidate when they are not offered a job. “Not a fit” can have many legitimate meanings. Some of these reasons include the candidate’s skills are a mismatch for the job requirements. For example, if a job posting states that QuickBooks experience is required, and the candidate has never worked with QuickBooks, then the candidate’s skills are “not a fit.” Or the candidate has not worked in a similar environment and therefore wouldn’t “fit” into this work environment. We have clients who have struggled with hires from large companies, expecting to hire a large team or have generous budgets available to them. In the job descriptions, one of the requirements is working in a smaller, more entrepreneurial environment. If a candidate doesn’t have work experience in a smaller environment, then another candidate may be hired (who has experience working in a smaller organization).

I encourage our clients to offer more specific reasons for why a candidate was not hired. However, truthfully, sometimes it is difficult to deliver negative feedback to a candidate. And some of the reasons are embarrassing and may be awkward to share. It is awfully difficult to tell a candidate that they did not receive a job offer because they had body odor or their resume was full of typos or their grammar was less than stellar. Some candidates respond very defensively or angrily if you share honest feedback with them. This is why some hiring professionals will resort to “not a fit” as a reason for why another candidate was hired.

However, there are also situations where I think employers have used “not a fit” as a euphemism for some other attribute that may be an illegal reason for excluding a candidate. I have seen sales teams, mostly in the 80’s (although I am sure that they still exist today) prefer to hire men. The reason that they give women are “sorry, you are not a fit,” meaning you don’t fit our preferred gender. This is clearly illegal. I also have seen candidates from different ethnic backgrounds or races be classified as “not a fit.” Let’s face it, discrimination exists.

Finally, there are candidates who seem to apply for every role under the sun, from accounting to engineering roles. I call them the “perpetual posters.” it is difficult to believe that they are genuinely interested in this one specific role, when you have seen their resume three times in the last week, for other roles.

When a candidate receives this as a reason, a smart response would be “can you tell me why I was not a fit?” Remember, a candidate has to be open and receptive to the feedback.

“unwilling to embrace technology” feedback

2017-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: Recently I was invited to interview for a company in financial services. I received some feedback after the interview that I seemed “unwilling to embrace technology.” I must admit that I get nervous with computers. How should I handle this in the future?

A: Technology touches most jobs now. I know of no role in financial services, which does not require some basic PC skills.

It is helpful to understand how a prospective employer perceived you. Not all employers are willing to share candid feedback. First, re-think your responses to questions which may have led an interviewer to have these concerns. Did you mention that you were uncomfortable with technology?
Did you become nervous in response to a question about your skills in this area? Many interviewers will ask about a candidate’s technological expertise and may even to share a rating on skills. Or, an interviewer may ask how a candidate used that skill. For example, “Describe for me a type of project or task, where you were required to use your advanced Excel skills?” This type of question is fairly common interview question. If you lacked confidence in these responses, how can you either 1. improve your confidence level and /or 2. build and practice your skills in this area?

If you need to improve your confidence in how you respond to these types of questions, practice sample responses. Give examples of when you have to use a specific technology in a past job. Also think about offering an example of when you have to learn a new software or system.

If you need to improve your skills, think about taking a course. You can explore classes and online tutorials or you could enroll in a class at a local technical school or college. There are also training companies which offer a variety of training courses. Online courses are often free and self-paced. Enrolling in a local college would be more expensive but many offer one or two day courses, which are a bit more cost-effective.

Once you learn the skill, try to use it a few times to continue practicing the skills. If you have just learned PowerPoint for example, develop a mock PowerPoint presentation on your job search, as an example.

Technology is here to stay. Those candidates who are willing to learn new technologies often have an edge.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Is an objective needed on a resume?

2017-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I have noticed that more and more resumes do not contain objectives at the top. I was told many years ago that this section was required. Is my information dated? What would I put at the top of my resume instead?

A: Resumes have changed. Let me share some resume tips, while also answering your specific question.

Use a simple font which can be scanned. Many large employers use scanning systems, as part of their applicant tracking system (ATS). If your resume is scanned, an image of your resume can be accessed by the hiring team. Fancy fonts can sometimes confuse an ATS, making your information more difficult to retrieve.
Keep it to two pages or under. My resume is two pages. Unless you have a lot of patents, publications or similar, your resume should probably be one or two pages.
Keep your resume current. Every January, I review my resume. You want to be ready to share a resume on a moment’s notice.
Use a font that is not microscopic. Tiny fonts are tough to read. Sometimes more information is not better. A resume is your commercial. It should interest the reader, but not share every detail of your career. Use the same font though our your resume. Switching fonts can sometimes give a resume a sloppy look.
Most hiring professionals want to see your most recent experience at the top. A reverse chronological order is best.
White space is your friend. Don’t fill every square inch. Use consistent formatting. Avoid logos!
Keywords are your friend too. Make sure that your resume contains keywords. Hiring professionals will often search an ATS by keywords. If your resume does not contain the keywords, you may be overlooked.
No need to include “References Available Upon Request.” If interested, they will ask you for references!
Proofread and then ask someone else to proofread. Sometimes we don’t catch our own mistakes. No typos or grammatical errors please.
I think the Objective section is dated and should be replaced with Summary. It is a way for you to summarize your career for your audience. Take the opportunity and ensure that there are keywords included!
Make sure that your contact information is accurate! I have called or emailed candidates only to discover that their email or phone number is not correct!
Include your LinkedIn profile, if you have one, at the top of your resume. Recruiters will look up on LinkedIn anyhow so make it easy for them.

Resumes have changed over the years. However, an annual review should help with keeping your resume current.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

How to apply on LinkedIn

2017-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I recently applied for a role on LinkedIn and never heard back from the company. Is this typical? I would expect when a company posts a job on LinkedIn, they are serious about recruiting.

A: LinkedIn is a great recruitment tool for most roles. Most employers post roles on LinkedIn when they are eager to generate a pool of qualified candidates for the role. However, there are ways you can use LinkedIn more successfully as a job seeker.

A candidate is qualified. Applying for a role requires less of an effort than it did 20 years ago. Most of us have a current resume on our desktop and we can easily respond to a posting with a resume. However, there are “perpetual posters” who apply for almost any open role available. It is difficult to take those candidates seriously because they seem to apply for any and all jobs, rather than the roles for which they are most qualified.
A resume is attached, as part of the online application. This might seem like a no brainer to some but many candidates do not attach a resume with your online application. This is frustrating! The recruiter then has to reach back out to the candidate, and request a resume. Yes, I can view a candidate’s LinkedIn profile but most of my clients still want to review a resume too.
The LinkedIn profile is complete. A professional photo is part of the candidate’s LinkedIn profile. The LinkedIn profile includes a well-written job history and contact information. There are some LinkedIn profiles which are very thin and offer limited information.
A candidate is responsive. Sometimes recruiters work odd hours and on weekends. When we reach out to a candidate, we are hoping for a quick response (within 24 hours or sooner). With smart phones and other technological innovations, we expect job hunters to respond if we call or email them. If a candidate takes several days to respond, that is a sign that this opportunity is not priority in their lives.
The first impression is positive. The resume is well written and there are no typos. The same standards apply to a candidate’s LinkedIn profile. It should be well written and logical.
Check out who you might know at the company. A connection to the company may be helpful!

Finally, sometimes hundreds of candidates apply to posted jobs. It would be difficult to respond to every candidate. If you feel like you are a well-qualified candidate, you can reach out to the recruiter listed on the posting. However, there may be a reason why they haven’t contacted you and it may be unrelated to you. The job may have been put on hold or another candidate has been hired.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

2017 hiring plans may exclude those over 40

2017-01-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I am a new supervisor and we have been discussing hiring plans for 2017. I work for a growing tech start up. It is a fun environment but demanding. My manager keeps describing our ideal new hire as “young, bright, high energy, etc.” She keeps repeating that she does not want to hire anyone over 40 because they are on the “back nine” of their career. She has directed me to exclude candidates of a certain age. Isn’t this illegal? How can she tell me that this is the right path?

A: Unfortunately you have been placed in a very difficult position. You probably have an inclination that excluding one group of candidates is not a wise decision, but you are being pressured to do just that, by your manager

I consulted Amy Carlin, Esq., a partner at Morgan, Brown and Joy, LLP. Carlin and I reviewed your question and she shared my concerns. Carlin comments, ” Yes, it is illegal to make employment decisions, including hiring, based on the applicant or employee’s “protected class or characteristic,” which includes age (40 or over pursuant to Massachusetts state law and federal law). Other protected classes in Massachusetts include race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, among others. The manager here is making assumptions about what an applicant over 40 will be like in the workplace and seeks to exclude candidates based on their age – this is precisely what the anti-discrimination laws are meant to protect against.”

Instead it is better to focus on the requirements of the job description. What exactly are the skills, knowledge and attributes required for the open position? Carlin advises her clients to “develop interview questions that directly relate to these and the legitimate business requirements of the job. Interview questions that will lead a candidate to reveal that they are in a protected class are prohibited by law; investing in training for managers in this area is a smart move and one that will protect against discriminatory decisions such as the one the manager in the question is about to make.”

Tech companies have a bit of a tarnished reputation when it comes to hiring workers with a few gray hairs. In 2014, the median age of workers at Facebook was 29, according to a report by Payscale. At Google and Amazon, it was 30 in 2014. Yet, the median age of all American workers is closer to 42 years old, according to the Department of Labor. Employers will often tout that they are eager to hire a diverse workforce, but sometimes that diversity leaves out those who are 40 or over.

Companies are smart to include a broad pool of candidates. With unemployment in Massachusetts hovering around 4%, employers need to tap a wide range of talent.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Landing a finance role in 2017

2016-12-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I recently applied for several senior financial management roles. I have experience at large, international organizations. The roles I am currently interested in are roles working for smaller organizations. Typically these roles are working for entrepreneurial start-up organizations. I am not getting any responses apply online. I have attached my resume for your review. Any advice for me? My New Year’s resolution is to land a new job.

A: Your resume looks quite strong. It is well-organized and follows a logical format with no gaps in your professional work history. It describes much of what you have accomplished. It is easy to read with no typos or spelling errors.

However, there is one yellow flag on your resume. You use words that may scare an entrepreneurial start-up. Words like “executive” are rarely used in start-ups. Also, the title “CFO” may turn off start-ups. Start-ups typically want to hire individuals, even at senior levels, who can roll up their sleeves. Sometimes even the senior-level financial leader in the organization may help process accounts receivables or payables, especially in the early days. Start-ups often are eager to hire individuals who don’t need a large team to run the financial side of the business.

If you are targeting smaller organizations, you may want to emphasize your “hands-on” work style or that you are able to run a team efficiently and cost effectively. You might want to emphasize that you are ok with working for an organization with limited resources. You may want to remove the word “executive” and replace it with “leader” or something similar. Entrepreneurial organizations have less of a focus on hierarchy and more of a focus on getting the work done.

Large company names can also scare smaller organizations, because of compensation expectations. Smaller organizations may pay less than larger organizations. If a hiring manager reads a resume with international experience, a CFO title and the word “executive” used repeatedly, you might be passed over. Instead the hiring manager may gravitate to candidates who has start-up experience, use titles like finance leader and focus their accomplishments on introducing and implementing systems and processes at a place, where previously there had been none.

Take a critical look at your resume and compare to job descriptions or postings available online, with a focus on roles for smaller companies. My guess is that you will see that your resume reflects verbiage used more commonly in larger companies.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

No year-end bonus

2016-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I was just told that I would be one of the few employees not receiving a year-end bonus this year. Historically my company rewards employees with a bonus in January, based on the prior year’s performance, both company and individual. Our company did well, and I think I did ok. Do you have a recommendation on how I should approach my manager? I am angry that I was led to believe I was going to get a big check in January.

A: Many companies offer bonuses, which are based on overall company performance as well as individual employee performance. It sounds like 2016 was a successful year for your company financially. However, I am guessing that your individual performance did not meet an expectation or a standard, probably set by your manager.

Think back on the past year. Were there goals that you did not meet? Did you receive any signals that your performance was not up to par? Did you and your manager have any serious conversations regarding deadlines missed, careless errors or not being a productive member of a team? Usually there are signals, but sometimes managers are reluctant to confront performance issues. Often times, ignoring a performance concern is a poor path in the long term.

First, take some time to think about the past year and allow any anger to subside. Then, I would suggest requesting a face-to-face meeting with your manager. Summarize your performance over the past year. Ask for feedback on what you did well and also what you didn’t do well. Ask how the bonus payouts were determined.

After this meeting you will have a sense of your manager’s perception of your abilities. Does your manager have confidence in you, or not?

Only you can make the decision whether you can continue to work for this manager and this company. If you feel that you have been short-changed, only you know if you would be able to move on from that feeling. Some employees are able to rally and improve upon their individual performance. Others struggle and leave the company, looking for a better fit for their skills and their interests.

One final comment: because you have received a bonus in the past, does not mean you will always receive it in the future. Companies often use individual performance as a criteria for awarding bonuses. You should never assume.

Camp Director career path options

2016-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I am a college senior, graduating in May, 2017 with a major in Exercise Science. For the past ten summers, I have been a camper, then a counselor at an overnight camp. Camp changed my life. I hope to one day be a camp director. What is the typical career path for camp directors? Are those roles seasonal or year-round? Is housing provided? What are the ideal qualifications? Does my degree work for this type of role?

A: A summer camp experience is often a life-changing experience. Many overnight camps are magical places, where campers experience incredible personal growth. Campers are exposed to new challenges almost every day. Maybe a camper tries horseback riding for their first time. Maybe it is the first time a camper lives in a cabin with 10 other kids. Or maybe it is the first time that they have been away from home, other than a sleepover at a friend’s house.

I consulted John Tilley, Executive Director for YMCA Camp Coniston in Grantham NH. Tilley and he explains that many camp directors are “homegrown,” meaning that their love of overnight camp began as a camper. Some campers are passionate about their camp experience and are promoted through different leadership roles, ultimately landing in a camp director role.

Other camp directors may begin in “multi-seasonal” positions, according to Tilley. During the school year they will work with conference and school groups visiting camp, often instructing nature lessons, group building activities, and general camp administration. Housing and food are typically provided for staff in these positions and they frequently lead to full-time employment. A candidate may think of this as a paid internship.

Tilley says that your degree would work fine for a camp director role. Camp directors hold undergraduate degrees but specific majors are less important than the totality of a candidate’s experiences. In short, your camp experience may be a more important qualification than your specific degree. Tilley offers “camping, by its very nature, is experiential.”

Directing a camp is running a small- to mid-sized business. Ultimately a camp director must understand all facets of business, including budgets, facilities management (e.g., maintenance and construction) and communication with almost every demographic, from a tearful eight-year old to an exuberant grandparent. The ability to work with others, as well as managing a diverse team, are both required skills.

A willingness to relocate can be important. Although the New England area offers many overnight camps if you are open to moving anywhere your opportunities for career growth may be enhanced.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Networking tips for an introvert

2016-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I am introvert. I have been told to network. How does a network introvert? It is so anxiety-producing! HELP. The thought of walking into a giant room of strangers has me feeling sick.

A: Networking is still a critical part of the job hunt puzzle. According to a recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, about 70% of new jobs are still found through people who the job seeker knows. Most outplacement firms also share this statistic to the job seekers with whom they work. Networking is important.

Knowing that networking is essential to your job hunt, how does an introvert network? Here are some tips.

Hold yourself accountable. LinkedIn and your PC are useful tools. Make sure though you don’t spend all of your job hunting time behind a screen. Aim for 75% of your time as networking time, while about 25% should be spent online. Simple math means about four days of out of a work week should be spent networking!
Update your LinkedIn profile A photo, a complete job history and a few recommendations are the bare minimum. Your network of contacts will likely find you on Linkedin at some point in time. To gain confidence, start small. Ask a neighbor for coffee. Invite your brother-in-law out for a beer. Remember, it is not just the person in front of you that could be helpful. It is their entire network of contacts.
Consider events like meet up and other professional networking groups like the Acton Networkers (www.actonnetworkers.com) and the Hopkinton Networkers group. Everyone is in the same boat. With a shared purpose, others will be empathetic and helpful.
When you enter a large room at a networking event, don’t strive to shake every hand. Instead your goal should be 3 to 5 strong and meaningful contacts.
Print business cards! They make it easier to approach a stranger.
Practice your pitch. Jot down a 1 to 2 minute pitch. Your pitch should include who you are and what type of job you hope to land. Practice, practice and then refine and practice again.
Send a thank-you note after every meeting. An email thank-you note is fine in most instances. People will remember that you sent a note.

Finally, after you land a job, be sure to be willing to connect with others who are job hunting. Someone, some day will ask you how you landed your job. Take the time and share what worked and what didn’t. You will have some real-life experience to share!

Responding to a written warning

2016-11-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I recently received a written warning, which listed several “areas requiring action and attention” at work. Am I doomed? Should I just pack it up and resign? Do employees ever get a second chance after receiving one of these? I am humiliated so I am guessing I should just look for another job where the standards are looser.

A: A written warning is often used to alert an employee to ongoing concerns regarding the employee’s performance. I don’t know what “areas are requiring action and attention,” but your written warning may give examples. If the documents shares examples, it might be useful to think back to those specific situations and brainstorm what you could have done differently.

Sometimes a written warning is an attempt to bring the employee’s performance back to an acceptable level. Sometimes a written warning is a step intended to send a strong message of “you are very close to being terminated.” I have seen a written warning used in both situations.

I would review the written warning carefully and think about the contents and how you can improve. If you believe that this role and this company is a good fit for your skills and career interests, you should make a genuine effort to improve. If you feel that this is “just a job” and you don’t have any serious interest in this industry, it might be an opportunity to explore other roles with other companies. However, I would still urge you to think about the contents of the warning. If the warning mentions general work habits like punctuality, listening, working on a team, following instructions, etc., then these same work habits would very likely be expected in your next job.

I am concerned that you were hoping for a job where the job standards are “looser.” Companies hire employees to add value. Adding value might be creating a product or delivering a service. If an employer assesses your performance and determines you are not adding value, then they have to make a decision on whether to continue to employ you or not. Most companies make decisions based on the facts associated with a situation. Some are not as ethical. Either way, don’t only consider a job if the job requirements are “looser” than your current role.

A written warning can contain harsh feedback, but sometimes it may be warranted. Listen to the feedback. It may be harsh but it may be helpful to your career development too.

Casual dress is sometimes too casual

2016-11-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: Our company struggles with dress code issues. Most employees dress appropriately, but we have some employees who dress for a night out and some who dress in flimsy little camisoles (even in cold weather) and think that is appropriate clothing for an office. I consider a camisole an undergarment. We don’t have an HR function or an employee handbook. Supervisors are not sure how to approach the issue. How do deal with this as we grow?

A: Many companies have evolved from suits and ties to business casual. Business casual can be interpreted many different ways by many different people. Additionally, business casual can even vary from employer to employer. One employer may view golf shirts as appropriate while others view golf shirts as too casual.

Guidelines can be helpful because they set expectations for what is acceptable and what is not. A written document or policy can also be beneficial because it minimizes confusion if all are reading the same set of guidelines. Although a written policy will likely minimize confusion it may not eliminate your concerns entirely.

My son, Dan Sinacole, is a student at Hopkinton High School. His school has established guidelines based on what they call the “Six Bs.” The Six Bs summarizes what body parts or clothing should be given an extra look before a student walks into the school. The Six Bs includes bellies, butts, breasts, bras, boxers and backs. Some of our clients have adopted the Six Bs because it doesn’t outlaw one piece of clothing but it is an easy checklist to think about as you are planning your outfit for a work day. Dan says that the school dress code should be “common sense” yet he also agreed that some students (and people in general) struggle with common sense.

The 6 Bs might be effective in some companies but other companies might have even stronger dress codes. Some employers still require professional dress, including suits, ties, dresses, etc. Law firms, in particular, are often still fairly formal in their dress codes.

I think what is most common today is most offices is a business casual dress code. However, in some industries, when face-to-face client contact is required, the dress code might have to revert back to more formal business attire.

When I coach candidates and employees on career issues, I suggest that they consider dressing at the level to which they aspire. In short, dress like a manager if you hope to become a manager some day. How you dress in the workplace matters. You don’t want to be that employee that is known for inappropriate dress.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

How to develop contacts after re-locating

2016-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: I moved to Boston about six months ago and I think I have made a mistake. I am terribly homesick and have not made a lot of friends. I have relatives but they are in NY, which is further than I thought. I did receive a sizable amount of relocation money from my current employer. What do I do? I fear that they will be very angry if I return to Dallas. My company needs my services badly, since I am a software developer.

A: Thanks for submitting your question. Dallas to Boston is a big move, especially if you are single and didn’t have a lot of pre-relocation contacts. However, there are ways to develop contacts and feel more connected to the city and all it has to offer.

First, you probably hold an undergraduate degree. Contact your local alumni association. Most alumni associations have chapters or at least informal groups within the Boston area.

Second, become more involved in your professional community. Connect with other developers. Join a professional association. These contacts will be helpful both professionally and personally.
Third, volunteer. Explore volunteer opportunities. Walk a dog from a local shelter or sort cans and boxes for a local food pantry. I guarantee your heart will be fuller and your network of friends will be broader.

Fourth, join a club. Maybe you are a chess player or maybe you ran track in high school. Either way, there are clubs that will help you get out of your house and connect with others.

Fifth, explore meetup.com. Meetup.com is a site which connects people who share common interests. There are meetups that connect people who want to learn how to dance the salsa and meetups that connect people who own Boston Terriers. You can also form your own meetup group.

Finally, invite friends and family to your new city. Take them to a museum and out to dinner. It will force you to learn a bit more about Boston.

Be careful of isolating yourself. Get out. Don’t sick behind a PC on weekends and during the evening. If you feel like you have made a genuine effort to develop a network of friends, and you are still homesick, it may be time to re-evaluate your move but give a bit more time. Please consider making a greter effort and giving Boston a chance. Developers tend to be introverts. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert. However, it is important to take a risk and connect with others face-to-face. Set a goal and hold yourself accountable. Maybe your goal is to volunteer twice between now and year-end. Or attend one alumni event in the next 30 days.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

What do I mean by “invest” in a Linkedin profile

2016-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Q: Recently I heard you speak at a workshop. You mentioned that it is smart to “invest in a robust Linkedin profile.” What does that mean? Do I have to pay for a profile? How do I get started?

A: I am so glad you asked! I love talking about Linkedin and the ways it can help job hunters.

Linkedin is a professional netwowrking tool. More recruiters are scouring Linkedin for candidates. You do not have to pay a fee to Linkedin to create a profile. You do not have to pay someone to create a profile for you. You can build one yourself. By invest, I meant to invest time and energy in building a Linkedin profile. Now what do I mean by robust?

Here is what I mean by robust:

A professional headshot is a must on Linkedin. Profiles with a photo get a longer look. You don’t necessarily have to hire a photographer, however it shouldn’t be a picture of you at the beach either.
Populate your profile with key words. Often recruiters are using key words to find candidates. Make sure that your profile is filled with key words that will land you at the top of search.
Fill out the profile completely. Add volunteer experience. If you know Spanish fluently, say so.
Keep it professional. I have three good-looking rescue dogs. They are not featured or mentioned on my Linkedin profile. It is not Facebook.
Look at profiles of others. What do you like about the other profiles? What do you dislike? Learn from the other profiles, especially ones that are in your industry.
If you are openly job hunting, you can include your resume.
Include your contact information. There is nothing more frustrating than finding a great candidate, only to find dated or non-existent contact information.
Add links to relevant sites, especially if you have a website or an online portfolio.
Complete your education. Sometimes recruiters search for certain colleges. Make sure that your college is listed.
Recommendation are helpful. Ask a former manager or supervisor for one. Try to have at least three or four.
Join relevant groups on Linkedin. They may be related to your alumni association, career interests or geography. Sometimes recruiters search for candidates within a specific group. You can move in and out of groups over time.
Check your Linkedin profile periodically. Update it and keep it fresh. Like your resume, your Linkedin profile should be keep current.

Linkedin is often view at a database of candidates by recruiters. Make sure that your profile represents your background, education and career interests in a professional and complete way.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Guidelines for work-related social events

2016-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

Q: Recently, we had a summer outing where all employees were invited to a beachside cookout and bonfire. Most of our employees and family members had a great time. There were a few employees and guests who, in my opinion, had too much to drink and behaved stupidly. I haven’t heard of any inappropriate behavior but I do worry about having another type of event where alcohol is served and people are driving. Do we ban these events altogether?

A: Work-related functions can be tough to navigate for some. Guidelines for what is acceptable and what is not acceptable can help. Sharing some ground rules for behavior, in advance, can be effective.

Those in leadership roles often set the tone for these events. If a senior leader consumes a lot of alcohol and behaves unprofessionally, others tend to assume that is the norm, and begin to think that excessive drinking is acceptable behavior.

Many companies have moved away from “open bar” type of events and instead offer a one or two drink tickets. Others make arrangements in advance for taxi vouchers or alternative ways of getting employees and guests home safely. Some companies hold events at hotels and reserve a block of rooms at a discounted rate so employees don’t drive home impaired. Alcohol-focused events are a challenge for some, especially those who may struggle with addiction.

Still other companies have celebrations where there is less of a focus on alcohol and more of a focus on an activity or an event. I have one client that has a pot luck celebration every year and employees vote on the tastiest dish served. I have another client who has a family fun day for employees and their families. At their family fun day, this client offers activities like face painting, pie eating, hay rides and pumpkin painting. I even have a few clients who have moved away from the evening events and host luncheons, brunches, lunch-hour harbor cruises or the like. Some of my clients have decided have to eliminate employee celebrations altogether, and instead ask employees to participate in some type of charitable event (e.g., working in a food pantry or cleaning up a local park).

No two companies are exactly alike when it comes to employee events. However the safety of employees and their guests should always be considered.

Companies offer these types of events to show appreciation for their employees. It is also a way to get to know colleagues in a different, more social setting.

Banning social events seems like a severe decision. However re-thinking the type of event may be wise. Discussing ground rules in advance may also be a way to better set expectations. Company events are not like college reunions. Your question is particularly timely since many companies are planning their holiday or year-end functions now.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Honoring a verbal commitment

2016-10-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Q: I have been with my current company for seven years. I was recently promoted to a sales rep for a region. I have been in this role for six months. The first three months, my company provided extensive sales and account management training to me. I was told that the training cost the company thousands of dollars. I am finally functioning pretty independently. When I accepted this position, I gave my word that I would stay in this position for one year at least. However, there is a competitor who has tried to get me interested in a new role within their company. I am flattered but I am torn. How would you handle this?

A: Careers are full of twists and turns. Good for you for remaining employed with your current company for seven years. It sounds your company values your hard work and has rewarded you with a recent promotion. Additionally, your company has made an investment in your professional development by providing extensive training.

When a competitor comes knocking, it is indeed flattering. There is no harm in talking to the competitor. You may learn some new information that could be useful to you in your current role. It is always helpful to have a contact elsewhere so if your role or career becomes uncertain, you have options. However, your situation is a bit different. You have been with your current company for seven years. You were recently promoted and you gave your word that you would remain the current position for one year. Your word is important. Your current employer also invested quite a bit of time and money into developing your sales and account management skills. I, personally, would have a hard time, ethically accepting another role within the one-year time frame. Again, it can’t hurt to talk to the other company but I would think seriously about making a job change after you had given a one-year commitment to your current role. I know you did not sign a document , but your word and your reputation are both important.

If you do talk with your competitor, I would be gracious and thank them for approaching you. At some point in your career, the contact at this competitor may be a valuable contact for you. I would explain that the timing is not ideal though. Hopefully they will understand your dilemma and respect your decision and your integrity.

Finally, you know your current company. You know the internal workings, the culture, the customer base, the sales process and the product or service. There would likely be a learning curve if you joined the new company. There may be surprises with a new role in a new company. Keep the connection and remain in contact with this competitor. The world is an uncertain place and it helps to have well-placed connections.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Networking advice for a CPA

2016-10-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Q: I am told networking and professional relationships are important for my career. I am a newly minted CPA, an introvert, but a very competent professional. How do you suggest that I network? What are some good first steps?

Professional relationships are a major ingredient of a successful career. Introverts face an even greater challenge networking. But that doesn’t mean you don’t network. However, it may mean developing a more planned and deliberate approach to networking.

Start slow and small. Work to build your confidence. First, invite a former co-worker or college roommate to lunch or coffee. As you continue to network, your confidence will grow. Don’t expect an immediate return from each and every meeting. Invest the time in the relationship and the business will come.

USA500 is a regional community of trusted advisers. Many of USA500’s members are CPAs, who are eager to network and build meaningful relationships. Although one of the primary goals of USA500’s mission is to increase commerce for members, the network also provides a robust “rolodex” of resources for your clients. David Yas, the President of USA500 shared his philosophy on networking. “The myth is that you need to ‘simply get out there.’ It can be both daunting and counterproductive to try to produce results from a hodgepodge of cocktail parties and committee meetings. Instead, make a simple goal of two to three meetings per week where you can have business discussions with others. Then keep track of the follow-up. The easiest place to start is with people you know well. ‘Jane, can we grab coffee this week? No big agenda, but I would like to talk about ways we can help each other professionally.’ That low-pressure approach can yield multiple introductions. And your network, slowly and steadily, begins to grow.”

LinkedIn is a valuable networking tool and can help with in-person networking. However, it does not replace in-person networking. In-person meetings are still more valuable than a LinkedIn connection.

I would suggest that you establish a networking goal for yourself. It might be three networking meetings per week or perhaps five networking meetings during the summer months but none during tax season.

After launching my business more than 15 years ago, I still hold myself to networking goals. I have a LinkedIn networking goal of 3 to 5 new connections per week. Regarding in-person networking, I attend at least one group networking event per month and meet at least 5 new contacts per month (in-person). Since my summers are typically quieter, I often with attempt to do more of my networking over the summer. I also find that many are more willing to meet over the summer, since traffic seems to be lighter and schedules seem to be less demanding.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Check email and voicemail frequently if you are looking for a job

2016-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Q: I applied for a job 2 weeks ago and heard nothing for about 2 weeks. During that time, I checked my email and voicemail 1-2 times per week. I was networking a lot and unable to access my desktop. When I returned to my desktop last Sunday, I found 3 emails and 1 voicemail from a company. I called back immediately and also replied to one of the emails. I received a terse email back from the inside recruiter telling me that they filled the role already and tried to reach me several times. This seems wrong. Can you comment?

A: Many of us work with hiring managers who, once they receive the approval to hire, move ahead like lightning. Often times, the hiring manager has had to present a business case on why the new hire is needed. When the role is finally approved, the need is now long overdue and hence, very urgent. Also, sometimes recruiters are evaluated based on time to fill an opening.

There is a lesson learned here. Job seekers should be checking email and voicemail once per day (at least). It is not unusual for recruiters to work a few hours over the weekend, so that includes Saturdays and Sundays as well. Most recruiters expect candidates to have cell phones, which would make checking a voicemail or email a simple task. Even if a cell phone is not available, a daily check if your landline and email is a must. I would even recommend checking email and voicemail at least twice daily if you are searching for a job.

Responding in a timely manner also signals that you are seriously interested in a role and a company. When a candidate does not respond immediately, it feels as if there is less interest in the role. From my desk, it is absolutely a positive sign when a candidate replies quickly. Although rare, sometimes a client will be so impressed by a candidate presented early in the process, that the company will cancel all interviews with additional candidates. Again, although it is unusual, it does happen.

If you don’t have a cell phone which provides access to your emails, that might a be reasonable investment for your job search. If you are tied to your desktop, make sure that you are checking your email at least once per day. Ideally, I would suggest checking your email at least 2-3 times per day, especially if you are actively searching for a new job. Most voicemail systems allow you to call in remotely and check voicemail remotely. I would suggest checking voicemail at least twice per day too.

I think the expectation from a recruiter is that candidates would reply to an email or return a phone call within 24 hours (maximum). It sounds like you were only checking emails and voicemails a few times per week. The recruiter was probably very interested in your background (based on the number of attempted contacts) but may have ended up feeling frustrated because he or she was unable to reach you.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

A company acquisition may translate to a change in employee benefits

2016-10-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Q: When I was first hired by my company I was promised a list of generous benefits. My company was just acquired by a larger firm. We have been told that many benefits may change as of January 1st. Rumors are rampant. I accepted my first role with my current company and benefits were a big part of the reason I accepted the offer. What can I do?

A: A company acquisition can be a challenge for all involved. The acquiring company will often strive to integrate the new company. Often the goal is consistency across the consolidated enterprise. Policies, procedures and practices will all be reviewed and some change is inevitable.

Few companies have the same benefits year after year, even without an acquisition. Companies typically assess employee benefits annually right before their annual open enrollment for benefits. An employer may evaluate utilization, costs and the employment market to ensure that their benefits offerings are attractive to employees and candidates.

Usually there is fine print which may give you a hint that the employer can change benefits at any time. When we write or edit employee handbooks or benefits communications pieces, we often add a statement such as: “ABC Company reserves the right to modify this handbook, amend or terminate any policies, procedures, or employee benefit programs.”

If you are concerned about possible changes to your employee benefits, it may be wise to raise your concerns now before any final decisions are made. I would suggest communicating your concerns to your Human Resources Representative in a professional and thoughtful way.

With any merger or acquisition, there is almost always change. In my experience, it is a mixed bag — some of the changes are a positive for employees, while there are negative changes as well. Rumors can be unreliable. It is better to ask a company representative, who has some subject matter expertise, for an update on any upcoming changes.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.