I like to take notes when I’m on a job interview, but sometimes I get a weird vibe from the interviewer, like they think it’s strange. Is there anything wrong with this?
First of all, I can tell you have really good instincts, because I think one of the reasons why you may be getting a weird vibe is because it IS weird to ask to take notes when you are on a job interview. What gives? There isn’t going to be a pop quiz at the end, you aren’t going to be asked to write a term paper on the experience, and if you can’t remember the substance of this critical conversation without taking notes then you have a bigger problem. So hear me now: The interview is meant to be conversational, in which you express yourself in a way that reveals who the person is that they will be hiring. Your head buried in your notepad is a distraction and a turnoff, and you should stop doing it immediately.
I work in a small office of about 12 people, and there are no legal or HR departments. The men in the office use foul language fairly commonly and openly. It is never directed at another person — just used to be colorful — but I still find it offensive as a woman. The boss just laughs it off. Do I have any recourse?
One always has recourse — you can tell them to shut the #%*! up, of course — but that would seem slightly inconsistent with your argument. The workplace must be respectful, and if anyone is offended by such language, then their sensibility should be respected. I’m afraid I don’t believe you have any legal recourse based on the situation you describe. You could try getting creative and placing a big jar in the office and make everyone put in a dollar for every profanity they utter, then donate the proceeds to your favorite charity. If an appeal for a more civil tongue falls on deaf ears, your only other recourse may be to get the #%^! out of there and find a new job.