Find management, clinical, and paraprofessional positions in healthcare, nursing,
financial, construction, architecture, manufacturing and legal fields.

Employment Today™


"CHECKING OUT THE EMPLOYER SURVEILLANCE BEFORE YOU'RE CAUGHT ON TAPE! "

Dear Kathryn:

I'm beginning my interview process and want to avoid ending up in the same micro-managing, hound-dog environment I'm leaving. I want to be able to use my lunch hours to surf the Net, work on my own website and not have my employer recording my every move. I'm planning on asking in the interview just what the company's email and computer monitoring policy is.

I also want to check out potential employers more deeply than looking at their own website that's usually drowning with self-promotion. Is there a web-site you recommend where I can get the real skinny regarding employers? I don't want a watchdog environment that stifles my free time and me.

ROSLYN T., Monroe, CT

Dear Roslyn:

I think you need to revamp your thinking process as to what an employer owes you when it comes to your "freedom" using their computer equipment. An employer can monitor your computer usage any which way they'd like. While I can appreciate your wanting to use your lunch hour in the way you please, remember, you're using their equipment.

Mike Godwin, author of the book "CYBER RIGHTS: DEFENDING FREE SPEECH IN THE DIGITAL AGE" has a lot to say about what folks would like their rights to be. However, even he admits it's the employer who calls the shots while you're on their turf. As to two good sites for employer info, check out Hoovers Online and Companies Online. To get even more inside info, check the Message Boards at Vault.com or Wetfeet.com.

As for questioning the employer during the interview as to their computer monitoring policy, I'd skip it. You're opening yourself up to a "back-up" reaction from a potentially great employer. Make a new rule for yourself and limit your computer playtime to your own personal computer.

Dear Kathryn:

I relocated from another branch a year ago only to be handed a layoff slip today due to branch consolidations. I'm one of several who have been laid off. I've worked for this employer for six years, and was sold the story that my move to this branch was critical to climbing the career ladder in the company. After selling my home, signing new mortgage papers and relocating my family, I'm on the unemployment line rather than the promised career ladder.

My exit interview comes up in two days. I want to squeeze as much out of this situation as possible as I'm facing big mortgage payments. What do you think I can negotiate given my situation? I was planning on asking for a large cash settlement and forgoing career counseling and severance over the course of a few months. I've also heard through the gossip mill that they're asking everyone to sign some kind of waiver. How do you feel about that?

I need good advice, quick.

DAN V., Chicopee, MA

Dear Dan:

You're smart to be analytical about this next step and not wallow in your misery. You mention a couple of key factors that can help you negotiate a good package and a few that may mitigate your negotiating power.

The fact that you're one of many being laid off puts you in a situation where the company most likely has set its policies as to what they're offering. Sweetening your package may mean repercussions from the others being laid off and could be off-putting to the powers that be. Counter that rationale by pointing out that-- unlike some being laid off-- your relocation radically changed your lifestyle. It forced the adapting of yourself and your family to another state, job, schools etc. Obviously, this was an upheaval physically, mentally and emotionally.

According to the Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger Gray & Christmas, the average exec receives severance pay and benefits for one to four weeks for each year of service. For higher level managers, companies will extend these benefits from a few months to one year.

My advice: press to have your benefits continued as long as possible. Insurance coverage won't break the company's bankroll but could break yours once you're relying on unemployment comp checks. In addition, while you may not value outplacement counseling, your state of mind right now is in the angry zone. Outcounseling placement will not only help you assess where you're at and where you want to go but also how to best market yourself.

As to signing a waiver, it depends on what the waiver states. Most generally dictate that you won't pursue a lawsuit. If you agree to sign it you might be able to negotiate something extra in exchange for signing the waiver. To play it safe, have an attorney review the waiver before applying your John Hancock.

Last, while you may be a terrific money manager and want to grab the cash settlement, don't do so in lieu of long term benefits. Good luck.