Archive for the 'How to Say It' Category


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 interview.
Today I [...]


How to Say It: Is this a bar or an interview?

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Discussion: March 2, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter
In today’s newsletter a reader throws down a challenge:
I love this classic question from interviewers, as if they’re in a bar looking for a date rather than in an office hiring an employee: “Tell me about yourself.” I can answer that, but what’s the best way to say it?
How to [...]


How to Say It: What’s the point of an interview?

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Discussion: February 23, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter
In today’s newsletter a reader takes an interview with a company that wants to “meet and talk in general,” with no indication there’s a specific opportunity on deck. No problem, I say to the reader. It’s good to meet new people. But when the company brings you back for a [...]


How to Say It: My degree beats your certification!

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Discussion: February 9, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter
In today’s edition a reader says, “My degree beats your certification!”
Why are firms so ignorant of one’s university degrees and instead treat certifications like CPA with much more respect? To complete a degree takes quite a bit of effort. (Try to take MBA school in four exams like a [...]


How to Say It: You want me to start WHEN?

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Discussion: February 2, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter
In today’s edition a reader asks how to deal with a job offer that has a three-month starting delay. The candidate is interested in the job but cannot start work immediately. But there are risks in accepting the offer today — what if a better deal comes up in [...]


How to Say It: Boo! to the employer

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Discussion: January 26, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter
A reader’s query: In today’s newsletter, a “less than qualified” job applicant wonders how to shake the interview up.
Is it ever proper to tell the interviewer that looking for “exact skills” will result in hiring someone who is likely to get bored easily and move on when the [...]


How to Say It: How ’bout some severance pay?

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Discussion: January 19, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter
A reader’s query:
My company has announced a layoff, and it includes me. There has been no mention of severance pay, just “Goodbye and good luck!” Many of us have been here a long time. I want to approach management to ask for some kind of severance package. How [...]


How to Say It: I have no degree, but hire me

Monday, January 11th, 2010

Discussion: January 12, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter
In today’s newsletter: A reader without a college degree wonders how to win a job where a degree is required.
I have ten years of work experience, but I do not have a degree. What is the best way to answer when an interviewer asks why I do not have [...]


How to Say It: Can I help you?

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Discussion: December 22, 2009 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter
In today’s newsletter: Some readers have sad tales to tell of job hunting gone bad. Others have found success after trials and tribulations.
[Update: The newsletter is not normally archived online, but I've put today's edition up to make it easier to share and to encourage more folks to [...]


How to Say It: Can I dispense with the headhunter?

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Discussion: December 15, 2009 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter
In today’s Q&A a reader is worried that she can’t apply for a job on her own, at a company where a headhunter was not able to get her a job offer.
Her concern might be justified. (Please see my response in today’s newsletter — I don’t normally archive the [...]