DEAR JOYCE: It drives me nuts to have an interview followed by a promise to call and then ... radio silence. Why do employers say they'll call back and then don't? Is it because they can in today's shaky environment? -- K.N.

You're focusing on your job search and have a reasonable expectation of a reply. The employer is focusing on the search for the perfect candidate.

Reasons why you're left hanging are many and have nothing to do with you. Among the possibilities:

Quarterly statements may have come in with a nasty surprise -- the company is in the red, and no one's going to be hired for anything. Management may be preoccupied and the hiring manager can't get a sign-off to bring you on board. The person who was going to hire you is gone. A top-level reminder surfaces, one requiring that all good employees who have been laid off be called back before any new names can go on the payroll. The big boss suddenly remembers a nephew who needs a job.

The longer you're kept in the dark, the less likely the job offer will materialize. In other words, no news is probably bad news for you.

The best revenge is applying for 10 other jobs for every time you're left hanging.

DEAR JOYCE: During job interviews I'm always stuck when the interviewer asks if I have experience in a certain task and I don't. What is a good way to answer without sounding completely unqualified? -- I.C.

With enthusiasm, confidently explain: "I may not have specific experience in this exact function, but let me give you some examples of similar things I have successfully accomplished where I did not have the precise experience before the required task." It's worth a try.

DEAR JOYCE: I asked to see my personnel file but the HR clerk told me no, that I was not allowed to see it. Is that true? -- M.V. Continued...