Welcome to the weekly Q&A!
This is what Ask The Headhunter is all about! Real questions submitted by real job seekers (and employers) about real, daunting problems and challenges they face, answered by Ask The Headhunter host Nick Corcodilos. Don’t miss each column’s Comments section, where the entire ATH community piles on for lively debate and to share insights, stories and advice that’s often better than Nick’s! Got a Q? Submit it to Nick!
Go around HR to get the job
Question For 30+ years I’ve been going around HR when looking for a job and I will continue to do so. I want to talk directly to the hiring manager,…
How to screen all those headhunters
Question How can we screen headhunters? I know you’ve spoken at length about the difference between a real headhunter and those that are just casting a huge net and hoping…
Just Hired: New boss, salary & job eliminated!
Question I got really good vibes from the manager that interviewed me. The offer was very good, and everything went so well that I turned down another offer to take…
How can I stand out in the final interview?
Question I just had a series of second interviews for a management position. Feedback was very positive and they came back pretty quickly to ask me to meet with my…
How to start job hunting NOW
Question I always look forward to your column, whether I’m looking for a job or sitting comfortably in one. You have a way of cutting through the crap on this…
You have 1000 LinkedIn connections? No, you have a phone book
Question Is there a trick to making LinkedIn connections pay off? I’ve got over 1000 LinkedIn connections, but it almost seems the more I have the less chance anyone is…
It’s time to regulate the job boards
Question You don’t have to look far to find complaints about the job boards, including LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter and the rest. I’ve seen some ridiculous claims about how many jobs…
Is this the right company for me?
Question When I consider doing an interview or accepting a job offer, I’ve always just picked what felt best, but how should a person decide? The money and the job…
For less job competition, avoid Fisherman’s Wharf
Question I’ve been applying to job postings for which I meet all the criteria, and I mean all of them. I figure that’s one way to beat my competition —…
Giving notice when you resign: 6 ways to avoid trouble
Question I’m getting conflicting advice about giving notice before I resign my job after accepting a new job offer. A career coach told me I have to give notice or…
Salary Range Law: Will it help you?
Question New laws in New York and California require employers to include the salary range of a job in job ads. Theoretically this will help applicants apply for jobs that…
Desperate Recruiting: The yada, yada, yada interview
Question Hiring great people is a noble goal but it raises two challenges: how to attract candidates with those rare, valuable qualities into your pipeline, and how to identify them…
How do I explain I quit an unethical company?
Question I am currently employed full-time and grateful to have a job. I am in the finance department of a small but unethical company which has no accountability, multiple “hands…
Doing free work to earn a job interview
Question I know you have addressed this in the past but it’s the first time I’ve encountered an employer that wants me to do free work to earn a job…
You paid that career coach HOW MUCH?
Question My question relates to these firms that allege to provide an executive career coach who will work with you to help you attain higher positions with higher earnings within…
How can I change careers mid-stream?
The first edition of the Ask The Headhunter newsletter was published 20 years ago. This was the Q&A column subscribers received via e-mail on September 20, 2002. I haven’t changed…
Can I use Twitter to reach a hiring manager?
Question I wanted to get your perspective on trying to use Twitter to get attention from a hiring manager. I’m interested in a role that is a great fit and…
4 reasons to reject or accept a job offer
Question The last two times I accepted a job I soon regretted it. In both cases I was happy with the money, I liked the manager, and the job seemed…
Don’t squander a good personal referral when looking for a job
Question My husband and I were both downsized. Each of us has a good personal referral to a “hot” networking contact to whom we plan to send e-mails along with…
Liberal arts degree: Asset or albatross?
Question In your experience, is a broad liberal arts background an asset or an albatross? (I know, I know, I’m grossly glossing over differences in markets, technologies, regional employment issues,…
I really want this job!
Question How long should I wait before checking in on a late-stage interview process that’s gone silent? I’m interviewing for a top software engineering management role after being asked to…
How to make a tough job or career choice
Question I really can’t decide between two good job offers that require a career choice. Each would take me deep into a career dramatically different from the other. I’ve done…
Open Mic: What’s your job search problem?
Special Edition I started Ask The Headhunter many years ago as an “open mic” and invited anyone with a job search problem (as well as managers, HR, and recruiters with…
Should I use a job offer to get a raise?
Question Can I use a job offer to get a raise out of my employer? After 22 years of military service, I’ve been working the last 14 months for a…