JT & Dale Talk Jobs: Employer offers office perks, instead of bonuses

DALE: You must never, ever say to management the equivalent of "just gimme money instead." To do so is like your neighbor inviting you over for dinner and you saying, "Thanks, but I'd much rather you just figure out what it would have cost you to make me dinner and just give me cash instead." Asking your employers for money instead of perks is equally tone-deaf.

J.T.: While I wouldn't go as far as Dale just did, I would be careful about how you handle this. Your company is trying to do something to make the workplace better. Being told you want money instead can make you sound unappreciative and could land wrong. Instead, find the right moment. For example, should someone in management ask you how you are enjoying the perks, you might say, "I appreciate the company's effort to boost morale. Can you tell me how they came up with these particular perks? And, did they ever consider bonuses instead?" Asking politely can be far more effective than stating your dissatisfaction.

DALE: That's polite, just politely obnoxious. If you want raises and promotions (and who doesn't?) you need an accelerating company in a thriving industry. Meanwhile, your current management is trying to be helpful, within their limitations. Be grateful while you look for work elsewhere.

Dear J.T. & Dale: What's the best way to withdraw yourself from a job opportunity? After going to the first interview, I know I don't want the job. But, I would love a different job with them in the future. Don't want to burn a bridge. — Rosa

J.T.: I would email the person who set up the interview and say, "Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the XYZ job. At this time, I feel the job isn't the right fit for me. I'd love to work for your company one day, but in a different capacity." Keep it short and classy so you can keep the doors open.

DALE: That sound you hear is doors closing. And that smell is bridges burning. And that's inevitable — there's no positive way to tell someone you don't want their job. One option, however: asking instead of telling. Instead of talking about the job you don't want, simply say, "I really want to work with you, but I saw that you have (some other position) where I think I could be of much more help. Would it be possible for me to be considered for that one?" Even if the answer is no, it's no longer you taking yourself out of consideration.

Dear J.T. & Dale: What's a six-second resume? I'm hearing about it on TikTok. — Allen

J.T.: The six-second resume is a reference to the fact that studies show recruiters spend only six to 13 seconds initially skimming a resume to determine if you are a fit for the job. This means that you need to design your resume in a way that conveys the right information at a glance. (I actually have a TikTok video that explains this and how to create a six-second resume — you will find it on my page @j.t.odonnell on TikTok.)

DALE: Why do recruiters only spend six seconds? Because they have hundreds of applications/resumes to sort through. That's why many companies automate the screening process and have a computer scan for keywords. This means that whether your resume ends up with a human or computer doing the screening, it doesn't matter: Your goal is to feed back to the company the exact qualifications they put in their job posting.