First Beacon Group LLC

05/10/2025

Hope to see you on Wednesday, May 14 at 9:30am!

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email. ** Join the Boston Globe’s “Job Doc” Patricia Hunt Sinacole for her presentation, “Job Hunting Do's and Don'ts.…Learn More . No registration require...

10/04/2024

Will I have a job with AI?
Q: My company keeps talking about AI. Over the past few years, it has come up at company meetings, video calls, and even everyday conversations. I feel threatened by these conversations because I feel like these conversations morph into discussions about reductions in our staff, or rightsizing. The discussions started about two years ago, and nothing has hit our staffing levels. Should I be nervous? Will AI take over my job?
https://firstbeacongroup.com/jobdoc/will-i-have-a-job-with-ai/

07/29/2024

https://www.boston.com/jobs/job-doc/2024/07/29/no-response-from-headhunter/

Q: Recently, because my job has been overwhelming, I began working with a headhunter to represent me. Just last week, I learned that this person left the firm. I am not sure of the reasons why. No one ever reached out to me. Instead, I received a “could not be delivered email” and then I […]

03/12/2024

How damage to a dorm can affect your job hunting

Q: I completed an online job application and checked off that I had completed a bachelor’s degree at a local college. I received a degree confirmation statement from the college, back in the fall, for a December, 2023 graduation. In February, I received a letter saying that they will not release my diploma because I have several “outstanding financial obligations,” or something like that. Now, I am a beyond stressed. It may have been for a problem with a dorm room where I lived as a sophomore. I am afraid that this will hurt my chances of landing a job. Have you ever heard of this happening?

4 Mar 2024 How damage to a dorm can affect your job hunting by Madeleine Ritterbusch | posted in: Job Doc Blog | 0 Q: I completed an online job application and checked off that I had completed a bachelor’s degree at a local college. I received a degree confirmation statement from the college, back...

03/11/2024

Privy to a private email exchange?

Q: I had an interview last month with a company in Boston. A few days later, I was part of an email communication, between the hiring managers and the placement firm. I am 99% certain I should not have been on the email, as there some very “interesting” comments about my professional work history and skillset. I was referred to as a “mediocre” candidate and I needed to “up my game” especially around how I presented. I am not sure if I should tell anyone that I am part of this email thread. I am curious to see if there are any future updates, as the position has been put on hold. Should I fess up?

26 Feb 2024 Privy to a private email exchange? by Madeleine Ritterbusch | posted in: Job Doc Blog | 0 Q: I had an interview last month with a company in Boston. A few days later, I was part of an email communication, between the hiring managers and the placement firm. I am 99% certain I should not h...

02/25/2024

Frustrated job seeker

Q: I have been in the same role for five plus years. I feel like there is no where to go in my current company. Whenever I apply to a posted job, I am told that I am one of many candidates. I can’t quit my current job. I know others are unhappy here also.

Do you have any advice?

19 Feb 2024 Frustrated job seeker by Madeleine Ritterbusch | posted in: Job Doc Blog | 0 Q: I have been in the same role for five plus years. I feel like there is no where to go in my current company. Whenever I apply to a posted job, I am told that I am one of many candidates. I can’t quit my cur...

02/03/2024

A widow and a job loss

Q: I became a widow several years ago. My husband handled all of the finances. I started a new job about two months ago, and then was just told my job is being eliminated. I am so overwhelmed, and nervous about my finances. After losing a job, what are some of the steps that I should undertake to get my life in control?

29 Jan 2024 A widow and a job loss by Madeleine Ritterbusch | posted in: Job Doc Blog | 0 Q: I became a widow several years ago. My husband handled all of the finances. I started a new job about two months ago, and then was just told my job is being eliminated. I am so overwhelmed, and nervous about...

01/19/2024

What if a candidate wants to apply to several different roles at the same company

Q: I have seen multiple roles for the same employer. One is in accounting; one is in their warehouse and one is in purchasing. I am interested in all three, with accounting being your top choice. The way their website works, is that a candidate can only apply for one role. How do I do this?

8 Jan 2024 What if a candidate wants to apply to several different roles at the same company by Madeleine Ritterbusch | posted in: Job Doc Blog | 0 Q: I have seen multiple roles for the same employer. One is in accounting; one is in their warehouse and one is in purchasing. I am interested in all th...

01/17/2024

No response after extensive interview process

Q: About six weeks ago, I interviewed for what I thought was the perfect job. I thought the interviews went well, and I had six interviews in all. The hiring team told me a decision would be made by early December.

Now at year-end, I have no information. I have followed up with manager, the HR Rep, etc. The HR Rep said that she had been out for a medical issue, but I should know around Christmas. Still nothing. I have emailed them and left voicemails. I have been professional in all of my correspondence. Still no update.

I am trying to process this in my brain. I know the holidays can throw a wrench into the process, but this process has started in early November. What else do you suggest? I just need an answer at this point.

1 Jan 2024 No response after extensive interview process by Madeleine Ritterbusch | posted in: Job Doc Blog | 0 Q: About six weeks ago, I interviewed for what I thought was the perfect job. I thought the interviews went well, and I had six interviews in all. The hiring team told me a decision would....

12/23/2023

The CROWN Act

Q: Can you describe to me what the CROWN Act is? I thought I had a sound understanding of state laws, including PFML, but this is a new one for me. Also, does it apply to everyone? What about independent contractors or temps? Can you help me understand?

18 Dec 2023 The CROWN Act by Madeleine Ritterbusch | posted in: Job Doc Blog | 0 Q: Can you describe to me what the CROWN Act is? I thought I had a sound understanding of state laws, including PFML, but this is a new one for me. Also, does it apply to everyone? What about independent contractors or....

12/11/2023

Pajama pants in the office?

Q: I work for a tech firm in Waltham. The company is fairly informal and casual. We are in start-up mode. My last employer was more structured, and not formal, but more professional in terms of dress code. I am getting used to working in a more casual, but fun and flexible environment. I like my role and my employer. I supervise (or “lead” as they call it) a few entry-level employees and interns. They are all strong performers in their different roles. I am happy to supervise them because it is a good experience for me. Though my workplace is casual, I am often surprised by the dress of some of these newer employees. During the pandemic, I know many were wearing little to no formal clothes while working remotely. Now that we are back in the office a few days per week, I am shocked at what some employees are wearing. Slippers, pajama pants, old sweatshirts seem to be the norm. You probably see it, but it is in a line at a local coffee shop on a Sunday morning. I am a bit uneasy about how some of these newer hires dress. At my former company, HR would issue an email to outline what is acceptable dress in our workplace. Should I even address it?

11 Dec 2023 Pajama pants in the office? by Madeleine Ritterbusch | posted in: Job Doc Blog | 0 Q: I work for a tech firm in Waltham. The company is fairly informal and casual. We are in start-up mode. My last employer was more structured, and not formal, but more professional in terms of dress code....

12/07/2023

Telephone interview prep

Q: For the past two years, I feel like I was able to successfully interview via video calls, like Zoom. Now some employers are moving back to phone interviews, because of “Zoom fatigue.” I almost feel like I do better with Zoom calls. I can read non-verbal cues, like facial expressions, body language, even the background (or virtual background) of their workspace. I feel like I struggle with telephone interviews, which seem to be the norm for some companies now. How do I make sure that I interview well in a telephone interview?

4 Dec 2023 Telephone interview prep by Madeleine Ritterbusch | posted in: Job Doc Blog | 0 Q: For the past two years, I feel like I was able to successfully interview via video calls, like Zoom. Now some employers are moving back to phone interviews, because of “Zoom fatigue.” I almost feel like...