Q: I'm afraid that I may have screwed up my employability. I have worked for only two of the five years since I finished college. As a result, I don't have the experience that employers expect.

Because I had some money, I took time to travel, visit friends and enjoy myself. However, for the last few months, I've become increasingly stressed about finding a job.

I feel that I'm ready to settle down and begin my career. But when employers see my résumé, they assume I'm a slacker, a job-hopper or just not very serious. One flatly stated that I was not where I ought to be in life.

How do I explain my situation so that people will take me seriously? Should I address this in my cover letter or wait until the interview?

A: Employers attempt to predict the future by looking at the past.

Their goal is to determine whether you will be a reliable, hard-working, motivated employee. So everything about you needs to promote that conclusion.

Because your résumé is rather slim, you first must sell yourself in the cover letter. Otherwise, you may not get to the interview.

MARIE G. McINTYRE

OFFICE COACH

When describing your three-year hiatus, omit the joys of partying hard and sleeping late. Instead, stress the educational benefits of travel, the network of contacts you've developed or other productive aspects of the experience.

Many people will understand — and perhaps envy — a new grad's decision to take some time off. But you must make it clear that this phase of your life is over. Emphasize your career goals, your interest in the job and your skills.

Before each interview, research the company thoroughly and prepare to ask intelligent questions. To counteract the slacker impression, be sure to dress, talk and act like a professional businessperson.

While you're waiting to land a job, consider doing volunteer work for a nonprofit group. You can include this "serious" activity on your résumé. Unpaid work looks much better than no work at all.

Q: One of my co-workers reads the documents on my desk. She also tries to look at my computer screen over my shoulder. How do I keep her from doing this?

A: Co-workers can invade your privacy only if you allow it. To stop the snooper, you must thwart her annoying behavior immediately. Do not try to be subtle.

When she attempts to examine your papers, turn them over or put them in a drawer. If she picks them up, hold out your hand and say, "I need those back, please."

Always keep a fake document open on your computer. When the curious colleague starts to scrutinize your screen, obscure your work by clicking over to the "dummy."

If she asks why you're being so secretive, smile and say, "It bothers me when people try to look over my work." Then drop the subject.

Busybodies can be persistent. But if you continue to foil her efforts, she'll get the message.

- 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.