Archive for the 'Job Search' Category


Pissing on the applicant

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

In a private response to HR’s #1 job: Poisoning the well?, a reader sent me this question: Is there any point in attempting to negotiate with thug companies that agree on a rate, say they’re going to extend an offer, then the offer comes in at 66% of what you thought was a done deal? [...]


Readers’ Forum: How should I choose a new career?

Monday, August 16th, 2010

In the August 17, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter, a reader asks: Changes in the economy and in my industry have left me jobless, and my career has become a dead end. It’s time to move on. How should I choose a new career? My problem is how to select one where I can transfer my skills. Any [...]


Readers’ Forum: Capitalizing on good contacts

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

In the August 3, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter, a reader asks: I had a Talk to Nick call with you recently. I am following your advice to the letter, and I am building a network of contacts. I now have about 30 – 40 great contacts in my field in the city I’m targeting. I certainly am [...]


Readers’ Forum: Why interview when there’s no job?

Monday, July 26th, 2010

In the July 27, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter, a reader asks: Rather than chase job listings, I took your advice and picked three companies I really want to work for. This is fun, because I work harder when I am totally focused. I did extensive research, identified the right managers, and arranged introductions. What if they don’t [...]


OMG! They found out about my air baths!!

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Reader Steve Amoia shared a Wall Street Journal article by Elizabeth Garone that might terrify you: Five Mistakes Online Job Hunters Make. (Does this mean that if you’re not an online job hunter, you’ve got nothing to worry about?) Steve writes: I’m curious about something: “Assume your future boss is reading everything you share online,” she [...]


Readers’ Forum: How to get to the hiring manager

Monday, July 19th, 2010

In the July 20, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter, a reader asks: You have said that the key to a successful job search is to contact the person you would work for within an organization, and to show how you can help out. How can I find the manager who has the problems I’ll be able to solve? [...]


Readers’ Forum: I need a headhunter who will market me!

Monday, July 5th, 2010

 A reader asks: I realize that headhunters work for the employer, but my past experience has been that a good one will pick up an individual with good qualifications and do some marketing to achieve a match. They don’t seem to work this way any more. How can I find a headhunter who will really [...]


Readers’ Forum: What’s is good networking REALLY?

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Discussion: June 15, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter (You’ve got to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get the whole story!) A reader says: Everyone talks about networking as the best way to find the right job. There must be a key to this approach beyond just going to networking meetings and signing up with one [...]


Readers’ Forum: What’s in a cover letter?

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Discussion: May 4, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter A reader asks: I was recently laid off and I am applying for jobs online. The question I have is whether to include a cover letter or not? Do they really matter these days? I always feel silly saying things like, “I am motivated and enthusiastic, and would [...]


Readers’ Forum: Grand theft HR

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Discussion: May 4, 2010 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter A reader asks a tough one: I worked in HR for four years. Now I am a convicted felon who is trying hard to get back into the workforce. The charge was grand theft. I have paid my debt to society and now I find that companies do [...]