Headhunters Job Search Tips and Interview Advice
Executive recruiters share words of wisdom about networking, finding a job, interviewing, improving your résumé, and climbing the corporate ladder (updated with a new tip every week
“Train” Your Thoughts on Transportation Overseas
If you’re interviewing in a foreign country, make sure ahead of time that the trains are running. I just had a candidate lose out on a job in Paris because of arriving an hour late. France’s state-owned railway, SNCF, was having a strike.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Each Job a Whole New Ball Game
Every business endeavor comes with its own set of values and challenges. There has never been an empirical “scale” by which we could gauge the potential worth of individuals to corporations.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Sell Yourself
At the top of your résumé, list your attributes. Include such assets as tenacity and the ability to think critically and work well collaboratively and individually.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Practice Saying ‘Aw, Schucks’
Two words: humble gratitude. Don’t be the larger-than-life ego that sucks all the air from the room. Give others credit.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Take a Dry Run
Drive to the prospective employer’s office before the big day so you know exactly where you are going. Arrive 10 minutes early to give yourself an opportunity to freshen up and take a deep breath.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Spare Us the Buzzwords
While you may think you’re staying ahead of the curve by discussing mission-critical strategies and scalable synergies, at the end of the day it wrongsizes your core competencies and value-added learnings by diminishing stakeholder traction. Understand that? No one does. People who use lots of business clichés sound like empty suits.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Come with 10 Questions
Have a list of at least 10 questions that show your interest in the company and the position for which you’re interviewing.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Seize the Day, Every Day
Don’t wait until you’re at the top of your game to play like you mean it.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Forget About What’s in It for You
What never to ask about during the first interview: salary or vacation policy.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Build Your Reputation
If nobody much has ever heard of you, we’re inclined to suspect there’s a good reason.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Be Proactive
At the end of the job interview, always ask about the next step in the process.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Use the Three Magic Words
“I don’t know.” Learn how to say it, when to say it, and why. Nothing could be a greater proof of your overall credibility.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Remember the Simplest Way to Impress
During an interview, pay attention, listen, make eye contact, and don’t fidget.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Stop Comparing Yourself
There will always be somebody who does it better, faster, more artfully, or for bigger profits. Does that mean you’re a loser? Define success on your own terms and live a fulfilled life.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Calculate Your Compensation
Remember that employers are not accountable for your financial responsibilities. Determine a reasonable salary requirement by investigating market trends in your field.
—Tara McKernan, DHR International
Lighten Up
Be respectful and sensitive to co-workers, but don’t take yourself so seriously. If you find it hard to laugh at yourself, it may be that others will wind up doing it for you.
—Mark Jaffe, Wyatt & Jaffe
Don’t Panic Over Tough Questions
Never say anything negative when asked such questions as, “What do you think of your last manager?” Answer in a way that demonstrates your respect for authority and ability to work for different types of management styles.
