I have a friend who never seems to land a job. Curiously, she takes her husband with her on interviews. Many besides myself have advised her that this could be the problem. She doesn’t think so. (He waits in the lobby.) She says that he wants to make sure males in the area know she’s married. (!!) – Nancy

J.T.: You and your friends are 100 percent correct. A company is hiring only one person for the job, which means only one person should attend the interview. If leaving him at home can’t be accomplished, then perhaps your friend could convince her husband to wait in the car “sight unseen,” and she’d have better luck.

Dale: Or, maybe leave him in the trunk. What your friend doesn’t understand is that managers hire employees to solve problems, not create them. Therefore, you never bring anything or anyone to an interview that isn’t about the work – not your hubby or your hobby, not your parent or your parrot : well, OK, bring the parrot … if you’re going for a spot on a pirate ship.

I wrote to you previously seeking advice on a career change. Your reply appeared recently and while I thank you, I’m still not sure how I can make my dream a reality. I have no credentials as far as baseball coaching. In order for me to do as you suggest and start an evening program, would I not need some kind of documentation? – Emmit

J.T.: This isn’t a case, Emmit, where credentials come in the form of a degree or certification. Focus on your accomplishments while working as a volunteer. What quantifiable results have you seen from your efforts? This is what you want to showcase. You should reach out to parents and share with them your desire to do this kind of work. Mention that you were toying with the idea of doing an after-school program, and solicit input and ideas.

Dale: Your question made me think about the credentials of the man who gives my sons and me tennis lessons. I have no idea what they are. I saw him on the court, giving a lesson, and gave him a try. That was five years ago. Throughout those years, dozens of people have seen us having a good time and stopped to ask him about lessons. The important principle here is that there are two ways to get into business: the right way and the better way.

The right way is to get a degree, take business classes, write a business plan, get financing and open up. The better way is to get a customer. A customer is your credential. Find one parent who’s willing to pay you to coach one kid, and you’re in business.