Q: I'm not sure how to handle holiday gift-giving at work.

About three months ago, I started a part-time job in a very small office. I don't make much money, so I'm not comfortable giving presents.

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Bringing homemade treats won't work, because I don't bake.

My husband, who works for a large corporation, says that giving Christmas gifts is not appropriate. What are your thoughts?

A: Christmas traditions vary widely. Some groups hold formal drawings to determine "Secret Santas," while others simply wish one another "Happy Holidays!"

Your manager can tell you what's typically done in your office. But even if gifts are customary, few people would expect a newly hired, part-time employee to buy presents for everyone.

One easy option is to purchase a box of candy or cookies for the whole staff to share. Most people enjoy munching on goodies while they work.

And here's a message for managers: If festivities in your office have become too extensive or expensive, set some limits.

Holiday celebrations are great morale-boosters, as long as they don't exclude people who are on tight budgets or who come from different religious traditions.

Q: After being laid off, I am in the job market for the first time in a long time.

I have been completely taken aback by this experience.

These days, applicants are treated like criminals. Interviewers say, "Wow, what an impressive résumé!"

But then, because they apparently don't trust you or your references, they investigate your background, check your credit and test you for drugs.

Also, applicants are told never to say anything negative about former employers. But those former employers can destroy your chances of getting another job.

So where's the fairness in that?

No wonder today's young workers are so cynical. What happened to treating people like human beings?

A: Sadly, looking for work often feels like serving a sentence in hell.

You are scrutinized constantly, are asked the same questions repeatedly and have no idea when this torture will end.

To make it worse, trustworthy applicants must suffer for those who are not.

Employers who fail to use background checks and drug tests risk becoming safe havens for criminals and drug users.

So when you're investigated, try not to view it as a personal affront.

As for keeping mum about your former employer's shortcomings, that's for your own benefit.

If you verbally trash your previous company, interviewers may see you as a risky hire. And the first goal of all interviewers is to eliminate risk.

Although your frustration is understandable, the danger is that this anger and resentment will start to seep through during interviews. Interviewers may conclude that you would be an angry and resentful employee, and your odds of getting hired will drop precipitously.

To avoid this fate, ask a sympathetic friend or family member to let you vent for a while. Then blast him or her with the sordid truth about how awful the whole job-search process can be.

- 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.