3. Why do companies post a "confidential" ad?

They do this for a number of reasons 2 main ones being that they don't want their current employees to know they are looking for someone who might replace them or they don't want to let other companies know they are hiring for a certain position for competitive reasons.

4. How do I convert my resume from a Word document (.doc) to a text file (.txt)?

If you have a resume designed in Microsoft Word, Choose "Save As" from File Menu. Choose "Text Only with Line Breaks" in dialog box menu. Format your text version to your liking. Much of your existing formatting will be lost but you can use symbols like ***** or -------- to provide lines and bullets.

5. I can't find any contact information other than an email address, what do I do?

Visit company's website to find an address or fax number. You could also try calling them and asking receptionist for a fax number to human resources department.

I also notice many people approach a complaint situation as an offensive attack, feeling they have to lay out all facts and point out all of related dirty deeds. This is particularly true when complaining to a merchant or company when you are asking for a refund or replacement of a product.

Remember a company may be very large, but your complaints are going to be read and interpreted by a person.

If you must complain, think about it first. Make sure you are not feeling victimized, it may cause you to appear as a whiner. Look at facts objectively. Remember truth will often lie somewhere in middle.

The other side will have an opinion, consider what it might be and be willing to acknowledge that you may have played some role in situation.

If it is a co-worker be nice – if it is a company go to person who provided service to you when possible. Do not go to president of company or immediately to BBB. Escalation should only happen when you are unable to achieve results directly – and then escalation should only be to next highest authority – again, not directly to top.

Don’t practice law unless you are licensed to do so and don’t make threats, especially if you are not prepared to follow through. Before you send anything in writing read it with eye of receiver.

These rules will not work in every situation obviously; your department store will have an impersonal refund policy and an address to direct your complaints. But your attorney, doctor, counselor, mechanic, landscaper, plumber and banker will appreciate hearing about your dissatisfaction directly from you, rather than from BBB or another regulatory agency.

The same goes for your co-workers, let them know in non-threatening, non-accusatory language that you would like to see something change. Before you do, make sure you have examined everything from all sides and that it is a legitimate concern and does not represent self-serving interests.

Focus on complaint, watch your own behavior, and leave all of your bridges unburned and all of your relationships intact. Complaining is responsible, appropriate and part of our rights; after all, it was a group of complainers who landed on Plymouth Rock so long ago.

About the author:

Sarah Hightower is CEO of Chandler Hill Partners, the Nation’s leading career search specialists. For nearly 15 years, Sarah Hightower has been successful in helping mid- to high-level executives and professionals outperform the competition.