How do you proceed when a prospective employer wants to check a reference from a former boss that I have not worked for or been in touch with for years? Can I explain that I don’t have any contacts there? It seems weird to call someone after all this time and ask them for a reference.

Well, that’s the first lesson: Don’t lose contact with your former bosses, particularly ones with whom you worked for an extended period of time and who may be likely to be in a position to be a reference for you. I’d explain to the prospective employer that you have not been in touch with that employer for however long it has been and that you don’t know how useful a reference it will be, other than perhaps verifying your prior employment. I would also try to find your former boss and reconnect — that’s what technology has enabled us to do, both socially and professionally.

While you’re at it, reconnect with everyone who could be helpful in your career. Just remember to pay it forward and be there for anyone who reaches out to you.

My colleague and I are friends and are both applying for the same job in another department. The problem is, she didn’t know about the job until I told her I was applying. She then asked if I would mind if she applied, too. I didn’t want to sound petty so I said I didn’t, never thinking that she actually would. Am I wrong for being upset?

No! I’d be upset, too, and I probably would have said that. It’s not an unreasonable position to take. So that’s your fault for not being honest. If you both found out about the job, or if you are both being considered for a promotion, that’s entirely different. The friendship shouldn’t get in the way of your careers and it wouldn’t be fair to be expected to turn down an opportunity, but this is different. You tell your friend at happy hour that you are applying for a new job and then she says ‘Ooh, I’d like that job’ and applies too? Not cool. But be gracious. See how things play out. If she gets the job, well, that doesn’t mean you would have gotten it if she hadn’t applied. If it was meant to be, it will be. And for what it’s worth, I’m rooting for you to get it.

Gregory Giangrande is a chief human resources and communications officer in the media industry. E-mail your career questions to gotogreg@nypost.com. Follow Greg on Twitter: @greggiangrande. His Go to Greg podcast series is available on iTunes.