Q: I recently cried in front of my boss, because I felt that I had been treated unreasonably. I'm a new graduate and have been in this job for only five months.

In a meeting with managers and customers, I was blamed for a mistake in a report that I generated. Other people should have double-checked the data, but they weren't blamed at all.

Clipart.com (ENLARGE)

Is crying in front of my manager going to get me fired? Is this viewed as a weakness?

How can I regain my credibility with him?

A: A crying jag won't get you fired, but failing to check your work might. So you never should rely on others for quality control.

When things go awry, you must accept your share of the responsibility and resist the temptation to spread blame. Your boss will admire you for this, as long as you don't repeat your mistakes.

Although shedding an occasional tear is no big deal, frequent emotional meltdowns will derail your career. This is not the last time you will be "treated unreasonably," so you must develop a thicker skin and get your feelings under control.

Because you're a new grad, your boss undoubtedly will cut you some slack this time.

But from now on, you must act like a mature adult, not a whimpering kid.

Q: After our company was acquired, the environment became very negative and unpleasant. Many employees were being asked to leave.

I felt that I should take control of my career, so I gave eight weeks' notice and departed on good terms. However, I did not have another job lined up.

Now I'm beginning to wonder if I've made a fatal career error. I've had many job interviews but no offers.

When interviewers ask why I left, I say, "I felt my skills were not being utilized fully, so I decided to move in a different direction." Unless they have more questions, I leave it at that.

Is this the best way to explain my decision?

MARIE G. McINTYRE

OFFICE COACH

A: When answering questions, you must think like an employer.

Saying "I felt my skills were not being utilized" sounds a bit whiny and self-centered. Interviewers may wonder how soon you will become dissatisfied at a new post and take off for greener pastures.

However, most businesspeople understand the turmoil that often follows an acquisition. So you can use that to your advantage.

For example: "Our business was acquired by a larger company, leading to layoffs and uncertainty. Although I wasn't asked to leave, I decided this would be a good time to explore new opportunities."

Provide references to verify your voluntary departure and long notice period.

Then focus on why you hope to join the new company and what you have to offer. Employers are attracted to enthusiastic applicants who bring useful skills.

Once your career is back on track, remember the hazards of leaving one job before you find another.

- 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.