Q. Recently, I ran for public office and lost. The amount of time I invested and the knowledge I gained were immense. Now, I want to change jobs and wonder if I should include the fact that I ran for office on my resume. It’s unrelated to my job search but it is an important part of my life.

A. I’m surprised at my own reaction to your question because I usually endorse full disclosure, but I would not mention the political campaign on your resume, especially since it’s not a part of your work history. However, it’s perfectly OK to mention it during the job interview if you feel it’s appropriate, but remember it’s an explosive topic: It brings politics into the workplace and most employers are terrified of politics – and rightly so because they’re so divisive. Yet, you say you learned so much from it that it’s probably important to bring it up in person.

Q. My mother works for a private, nonunion, for-profit company that for several years hasn’t given raises to employees who have capped out in their salary range. Is this illegal?

A. No, unless the lack of raises are due to discriminatory reasons, such as age. But your mom should keep raising the issue of no raises. Or start a union.

Q. I’m nearly 50 years old and last year, for the first time, I dropped out of the work force to spend quality time with my husband. My resume shows 12 years with one company and a short time with a few others. Now I’m job-hunting again but with no success. Am I too old? Does my resume make me look like a job hopper?

A. Don’t worry about your age or your resume. It’s extremely tough to get a job today. Your job record is fairly typical and I’m glad you took time off to be with your husband. You might want to consider doing temporary work until the job market gets better: It will give you current experience and look good on your resume.

Q. I seem to get interviews but no job offers. I suspect it might be my bad credit rating. What do prospective employees look for when they do a credit check of possible candidates?

A. It’s a character thing: They want to see if you’re in debt. If you are, you might – in their minds – be more vulnerable to illegal activity with company money. It’s also a sign – once again, in their minds – that you are not a responsible person.

Q. I was interviewed for a position recently and called one week later and told I was high on the list of candidates. They asked me to call back in a week. I did and they said no decision was made, to call again. At that time, they said they had no information. So I called the head of the department I would work for if hired and was told the position was filled. I was surprised and unprepared to ask why I wasn’t chosen. I would really like to know. Should I call back and ask what my weaknesses are? What I should improve on? Or should I just forget about it?

A. Forget it. Put it behind you. The company probably will never tell you the truth – if they answer at all.

Carol Kleiman is the author of “Winning the Job Game: The New Rules for Finding and Keeping the Job You Want.” (Wiley, $16.95). Send e-mail to ckleimantribune.com.)

– – –

(c) 2003, Chicago Tribune.

Visit the Chicago Tribune on the Internet at http://www.chicago.tribune.com/

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

AP-NY-08-05-03 0611EDT