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.

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter,

I am a new grad in the midst of this stressful process we call job searching. I recently went on an interview and the girl that interviewed me was very attractive. I am still in the running for the position but I can't stop thinking about her. What are your thoughts on asking the person interviewing you on a date? 

Seriously?!

This should not even be a question! Absolutely not. Keep in mind that the person interviewing you has a responsibility to identify and hire a top candidate. Hitting on the person interviewing you could be misconstrued in a number of different ways, and has the ability to severely damage your standing, and potentially ruin your reputation in the community. Especially if you are looking to break into a niche industry. Why? People talk!  As soon as you cross the line, you have eliminated yourself as a viable candidate.   

Once you get the role, make sure you read any company policy that involves dating co-workers. If there is not one, you may invite her to a casual lunch. Just keep in mind that all companies have policies on sexual harassment in the work place. This is another line you really don't want to cross. 

If you don’t get the job, then all bets are off, give her a call.

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. 

Is your College Grad Moving Back Home? 4 Things you Should Discuss Beforehand

Is there an end date to the arrangement? 
This can be negotiable down the line, but it is important that everyone is clear on how long the returnee can stay until they move out. Is it 6 months, a year? Defining this from the start will help your new grad stay on track to finding a job and moving out on their own.

Will they be expected to contribute financially? 
There is no free lunch in the real world. It is okay for parents to charge rent, especially to help pay for groceries, utilities or cable. If you feel weird charging your grad, work out other arrangements such as chores, projects around the house, errands, etc.

Are there house rules? 
College kids are used to doing what they want, when they want. It is important to clarify expectation on household chores, overnight guests, or curfews. Define 3 things you cannot stand to live with and try to be flexible with other limits.

Are there expectations about looking for a job? 
No one likes a free-loader! Is your grad actively seeking opportunities every day or are they laying around the house and doing nothing? Are they required to apply to at least one job per day,  attend job fairs or networking events every month?

4 Ways to Negotiate Salary

Salary negotiation can be a very awkward conversation, especially if you are not prepared. Whether you have been given an offer for a new position, or have been with the same company, the opportunity to negotiate is there.  Here are 4 tricks to negotiating your salary.

Use free tools to your advantage

Salary.com, Payscale.com and Glassdoor.com are all websites that can provide you a specific salary range for your position and industry. They compile HR-reported salary data that can break down your worth by market, experience, and education.  

Consider the company standing

Is your position with a large corporation, new start up or non-profit organization? It is important to remember the financial impact of a company before making higher demands. After all, it does no good having a higher salary if the company goes under after a year.

Consider your performance

Do you have stats that show you have helped generate revenue, reached your target goals, or helped save money? Have you taken on new responsibilities and continued to meet your goals or deadlines? These are all measurable facts to use to your advantage.  Negotiating a higher salary because you are trying to buy a house or send a child to college won’t get you far. You must have facts and data to support your request.

Consider other benefits

If you work for a startup or non-profit, they may not be able to negotiate a set salary. Extra vacation days, equity, working from home or performance-based bonuses are all up for negotiation as well.  During your discussion, take time to understand what additional benefits the company can offer and focus on negotiating in these areas.