Q: I am a single mother raising two toddlers by myself. This is held against me at work, because no one else in my office has this problem.
Because no family members are available to help, I have to take time off for medical appointments, illnesses and all the other things that small children require. My boss says that if this continues, he may have to find someone else for my position.
I feel desperate, because I love my job. Is there something I can say or do that will make them understand?
A: Juggling child-care needs and work demands is tough. But being an unemployed single mom would be even tougher.
If your boss has started fantasizing about your replacement, you must act quickly to save your job. This is not the time to complain about unfairness.
First, understand that your manager has nothing against your kids. He just hates the inconvenience created by your absence. And he may be receiving complaints from those who have to cover for you.
Tell your boss that you love your job, do not want to lose it and will make every effort to minimize absences. Ask how you can lessen the hardship when you must be out.
Then make a concerted effort to save your time off for family emergencies. If you have frequent child-care crises, forget about using vacation days for fun. When you have medical appointments, come right back to work. Don't extend the time with lunch or errands.
To help colleagues feel that you are pulling your weight, offer to work through lunch or take assignments home. And don't make child-care issues a constant topic of conversation. That will remind people of the problem.
Do such outstanding work that you can't be easily replaced. If you consistently go the extra mile for your manager, he may be more willing to go the extra mile for you.
Finally, acquaint yourself with the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act. If health or family-care issues ever do jeopardize your job, you may need legal protection.
Q: If an employment ad says "send résumé" and does not specifically mention a cover letter, is it permissible to forward only a résumé? Or should a cover letter always be attached?
A: Always include a cover letter, even if one is not requested. And don't just send the same boring, two-sentence message to every potential employer. Instead, view your letter as an opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
While the résumé provides a factual summary of your background, the cover letter can convey your attitude and personality.
Discuss your interest in the job, the value of your experience and the attributes that make you an outstanding employee. Explain why you are excited about working for this particular organization.
But don't share too much. Comments about divorce, pets, hobbies or religion may be considered irrelevant or inappropriate.
To get a job, you first must get an interview. The cover letter can help convince employers that you are someone they need to meet.
- 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.