Archive for the 'How to Say It' Category


How to Say It: How’d I do?

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Discussion: May 18, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter A reader asks How to Say It: At the end of a job interview, I don’t like to leave without finding out what the manager thinks of me and what’s going to happen next. That sounds obvious. But how do I say this: How did I do during [...]


How to Say It: Here’s how I’ll do the work

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Discussion: May 18, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter A reader asks How to Say It: Your book has been very helpful in preparing for my interviews. But I seem to lock up during the part where I am telling the hiring manager how I will do the job. I’m reading that section for the third time. [...]


How to Say It: Reviewing the boss

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Discussion: May 11, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter A reader asks How to Say It: I’m in a new position and coming up on my 90-day review. I like what I’m doing but my new boss is inconsistent (moody) and micro-manages (control freak who insists she wants me “to be the expert”). Do I have any [...]


How to Say It: Mo’ money is the problem!

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Discussion: May 4, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter A reader asks How to Say It: Recently my job description was changed without notice. But there was no discussion of a change in salary. My responsibility level has increased and so has the time commitment. I like the work, but I cannot justify doing so much more [...]


How to Say It: Is this a good place to work?

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Discussion: April 27, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter A reader asks How to Say It: When I’m in a job interview I figure I get very limited time to figure out whether this is a company I really want to work for. (Even if they decide to make me an offer!) So here’s what I’m trying [...]


How to Say It: Can I try again?

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Discussion: April 13, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter A reader asks How to Say It: I was interviewed but did not get the job. I’ve heard of cases where the right kind of thank you letter has resurrected candidates and led to other jobs in the same company. The format I’ve seen goes like this: “Thank [...]


How to Say It: Got a fish? We need a fish NOW!

Monday, April 5th, 2010

Discussion: April 6, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter A reader wants to know How to Say It: One thing that really bugs me about the tech industry is this focus on Skills, as opposed to Ability to Get Said Skills. When I interview for management roles and I am asked about the types of people I [...]


How to Say It: Getting severance

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Discussion: March 23, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter A reader’s challenge: My company is going to lay off some people. If I’m in the group, I’d like to ask for severance pay. How should I say it? Okay, folks — how would you ask for money on your way out the door? But let’s make this [...]


How to Say It: The evidence is confidential

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Discussion: March 16, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter In today’s newsletter a reader says: I work as a design engineer in an industry where projects are typically confidential. However, prospective employers frequently ask to see a portfolio. I am comfortable showing one in person, where I can control its dissemination, but do not want to e-mail or [...]


How to Say It: Shaking hands

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Discussion: March 9, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter In today’s newsletter a reader says: I have a medical condition (since birth) that has no effect on my work: my hands tremble a little or moderately. It’s called “benign essential tremor.” It is not Parkinson’s or anything like it. I worry that it scares off employers when I [...]