Ask the Headhunter 

My interviewer had asked me to create a proposal and email it over. I have heard horror stories where people submit plans and are completely ripped off and their ideas are stolen. I am a new grad and have never had to do this so I am not sure if this is an appropriate request. What are your thoughts? 

I am a big believer in submitting a business plan or proposal to a potential employer, especially if you are in the final round of interviews. You have to remember that you are in competition with 1 or 12 other candidates and these types of requests are common among larger companies and for executive roles. It is also pretty common with marketing positions. An interviewer will ask because they want to know if you have the ability to come up with solutions or ideas. If you aren't willing or able to provide input, then you might not be right for the job.



This actually reminds me of a story about one of my colleagues who had to relocated to Australia from the US due to her husband's job being transferred. She is a lawyer and had no connections or network built there. She researched multiple international law firms and approached a few companies with an aggressive offer. She told each firm that she would work for FREE for 30 days. If they'd want to hire her after 30 days, great, if not, no harm. A few companies took her up on her offer and she narrowed it down to one. For the next month, she was the first one in and the last one out of the office, willing to work with anyone on any project, and showed the company that she was the best candidate for the job. Her aggressive offer worked and she was able to work for the law firm she wanted and was able to negotiate a salary based on what the company knew she was worth.


This just goes to show that you have to do the work and show what you are capable of. Why should a company hire you based on your word? If you are asked to throw a plan together, do it! You don't have to put every thought on paper, but enough to show the company how good you are.


It really is uncommon for a company to rip off your ideas. Most of these are rumors or individuals who think they have too much experience and shouldn't have to prove themselves. There are ways to provide your work to a potential employer without giving them the rights to use it. Slap a copyright symbol on your pages. Create a link that can be opened once and taken down so that they don't have access to it down the line. Ask the employer if you can come in to present the ideas in person and print one copy that they cannot keep. If the interviewer asks you to submit the material for them to keep, you can politely decline and let them know the material is not for use without your consent.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.

Ask The Headhunter

Dear Headhunter,

I recently interviewed for a job and had prepped with the original job description in mind. When I got there, the interviewer handed me a new job description and said he wanted to go in a new direction with the position. As if that wasn’t weird, the interviewer cut me off every time I went to speak, and asked me multiple questions about my thoughts on his business as if he himself had no idea what he was looking for. As he described his company, it was very clear that it wasn’t going to be a good culture fit and within 15 minutes, I knew I wasn’t the right person for the job, nor did I want to be. Is it ever okay to up and leave the interview?

This is definitely a difficult question but I honestly would say to wait it out. If you feel uncomfortable, your interviewer is making inappropriate advances, it's sexual harassment or you feel unsafe, get out of there!

If you are experiencing bad vibes or the interviewer is awkward, you always want to give them the benefit of the doubt. You never know what type of day the person is having and it is still important to hear them out and at least make the connection. You'll still get a sense on whether or not the job function is something you would want to pursue during your job search and on the plus side, it's practice. It may not be the job you want, but you never know what types of ideas you can draw from the conversation.

If you are interviewing with a good company, they want to put their best foot forward and make a good impression. If your interviewer really is rude or you get bad vibes, then it may be a sign of a bad company. Do your research! If others have said the same thing, then there is a reason for it. After your first interview, it is okay to politely and professional ask to be removed from consideration.

It is also important that hiring personnel remember that candidates decline positions just as much as they decline candidates. With review internet sites, a company that is not willing to put their best foot forward will ultimately suffer in the long run.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter, 

I have issues with germs and shaking hands with people. Is it ever acceptable bypass that step and play it off naturally vs. rude when meeting potential employers?  

This is definitely an interesting question.....

90% of the time, a handshake is most appropriate. If you really are diagnosed and this is a disorder, you may have already run into this type of circumstance and using methods from past encounters might work. The best thing I would say is if you see the handshake come on, just apologize and simply let the interviewer know that you are fighting a cold and don't want to spread your germs. If you take the handshake, make sure it is firm and that your hand is dry! If not, play it off as if you are fighting a cold. 

I actually just had a lunch interview with a gentleman in New York. He had a bottle of hand sanitizer with him which I didn't think anything of, except that he never put it away. I noticed he was cleaning the table and his hands after touching things. It definitely became noticeable after a while, but it did not change the direction of our conversation, or my perception on his ability to do the job. 

One other thing I would likely to quickly mention is to pay attention to culture if you are interviewing with an international company. In certain cultures, a handshake is not appropriate at all. Definitely do your research and make sure you understand protocol beforehand. 

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.

Ask the Headhunter 

Dear Headhunter, 

I am super stoked that I have been called up for an interview but I am meeting my interviewer at a restaurant that is known for its craft beer. Should I order a drink during this interview? 

This is always a tricky thing but there is a rule of thumb. If your interviewer orders a drink first, it is okay if you order one, but that is it! You have to remember that you are on an interview and you are being assessed on what you can bring to the discussion. This is never a time to be dancing on table tops and dropping f-bombs just because you are in this type of environment. 

An interviewer wants to know that you can conduct yourself in a business setting, especially if you are in the running for a position that deals with clients or accounts. If your professionalism or demeanor changes from setting to setting, that is a huge red flag for the interviewer. 

On the other hand, it is perfectly acceptable to just order a coke or ice tea at a restaurant or bar. You never should feel obligated to drink somewhere that is known for its craft beer or cocktails. When in doubt, stick to something non-alcoholic and visit the bar or restaurant another time. 

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter,

I am a new grad and had my very first interview recently for a marketing gig with someone in human resources. It was very much the stereotypical interview questions that I felt super prepared for and confident. Yesterday I received a call that the Vice President of Marketing wants to have a lunch interview before any final decisions are made! This is wonderful news, however, I am freaking out because I have no clue what is appropriate to order. Help!

Congratulations! The fact the the VP wants to have a lunch interview means this will be more of  a discussion rather than your typical Q&A style interview. While you may not be judged based on what you order, you will be based on what you bring to the conversation.

In order to effectively speak during a lunch interview, order something you have to eat with a fork and knife. Burgers or sandwiches can be messy and it is awkward to be tearing into a huge bite of food while asked a question. In addition to that, most people tend to talk with their hands and again, it is awkward too be waving a burger around to get your point across. It is also awkward to have messy fingers!

I would also stay away from pastas or foods that are heavy on the sauce. You want to avoid making a mess or having to wear bib during your interview.

When in doubt, order a salad! Clean, fresh and easy to eat!

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.

Why This Suggested Schedule for Job Seekers Won't Work!

I recently read an article that recommended a set schedule to decrease stress when looking for full time work. Here was what the author suggested:

“So, here’s the weekly schedule I ended up implementing for myself:

Monday: Search and apply for new jobs

Tuesday: Follow up on gigs I applied for two weeks ago

Wednesday: Review and edit my resume and cover letter, as needed

Thursday: Search and apply for new jobs

Friday-Sunday: Off"

While I applaud this person attempting to be proactive in their job search, I gotta say, this is the dumbest advice anyone can give. Applying to multiple gigs through job boards day and in day out is a broken system that doesn't work and is a waste of time. 

These job boards are highly competitive because anywhere from 100 to 500 people are all applying for the same position. Plus, you have no idea who or what is reading the resume you submit. This type of schedule is relying on hope, not strategy and is guaranteed to leave any job seeker tremendously frustrated. This person is not in control of their job search and hoping that numbers do the work instead. 

Successful job searching isn't about adhering to a strict schedule. It very well may be stressful because you have to put in the work in order to land a job. You have to utilize your contacts on LinkedIn, and attend networking events or career fairs. Invite your contacts to coffee, reach out to hiring managers on LinkedIn for potential companies you would want to work with. Having a targeted strategy is much more proactive than relying on hope.

About the Author
Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter,

I have a what people call a man bun. I have rocked it all throughout college and I just graduated. I have a job interview next week and I am not sure if it is appropriate to wear up or let it down. Keep in mind my hair is pretty long. 

What say you oh great headhunter?

You are not going to like my answer....get a haircut! 

Chances are several candidates are interviewing for the same position as you and hiring personnel are looking for reasons to eliminate you from your competition. With more traditional positions in law firms, accounting, and sales, you will want to be sure you do get that haircut and are clean shaven. Unless you are interviewing for a tech company as a graphic design artist and know the company culture, don't take the risk. 

As I have said before, once you are hired it may be appropriate to grow it back out. You never really know what the company policy is on these things until you land the job. Don't take anything for granted. Hair grows back, it is not the end of the world.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry.