Ask Annie

Going from temp to perm? How to calculate your new pay

Before talking money with an employer who's hiring you from a temp agency, it helps to understand the math -- and get ready for a pay cut. By Anne Fisher

Can a mentor help you balance work and family?

Higher-ups who could give your career a boost sometimes look askance at the need for flexibility, but you may be able to quell their doubts.

FORTUNE -- Dear Annie: Your article about the importance of mentors and sponsors made me wonder about something that's happening in my own career, and probably lots of other women's, too. After three years at a large Wall Street firm, I got laid off in 2008 MORE

What it really takes to get that next promotion

The traits that got you to middle management may not help you scale the corporate heights. Here's a look at what might get you there.

FORTUNE -- Dear Annie: A friend of mine sent me your column about getting promoted from the individual "star" level into management, but I already made that jump a few years ago at a different company. In fact, I'm starting to regret having left there because, MORE

5 questions to ask your next boss

The chemistry, or lack of it, between you and your immediate boss could make or break you in a new job. Here's how to tell if the fit is right.

FORTUNE -- Dear Annie: At the end of your recent column about cultural "fit," the expert you quoted said that most job candidates don't ask enough questions. But what should interviewees ask, especially when talking with a prospective boss? I'm now in MORE

How to keep employees you can't afford to lose

Even in this sluggish job market, your best people always have other offers. Here's how to entice them to stick around.

Dear Annie: I liked your column about the art of quitting gracefully, but unfortunately several of my most talented and experienced direct reports seem to have read it, too. Three of them have quit (gracefully) in the past three weeks, and certain others seem less enthusiastic about their jobs than MORE

Colleagues ethically challenged? How to handle it

The number of people reporting workplace misconduct is on the rise, and so is retaliation against them. But you can do the right thing without jeopardizing your career. By Anne Fisher

Job hunting? How to spot the right (or wrong) cultural 'fit'

It's not always easy to get a clear picture of a company's culture in a job interview, but thoughtful preparation can help you ask the right questions. By Anne Fisher

Management by walking around: 6 tips to make it work

Management by walking around, popularized back in the '80s, may be making a comeback. One reason: For building rapport among team members, it beats emailing from behind closed doors.

Dear Annie: My company did a round of 360-degree performance evaluations recently — the first time we've done this since I was promoted to management two years ago. The team of about 30 people reporting to me all had positive things MORE

How to stay productive during the dog days

Distractions abound in summer, but there are ways to help people stay focused on their jobs. One thing that doesn't work, one expert says: "Fake fun." By Anne Fisher

The art of quitting gracefully

The way you handle your departure could affect your future career in unforeseen ways. Here's how to avoid burning bridges. By Anne Fisher