ASK THE HEADHUNTER

Dear Headhunter,

When I was a junior in college, I was arrested for an open container while at a party. Now that I have graduated, I am in the hunt for a job but a little concerned about this charge. Do I include it on my resume or bring it up during the interview?

This is a great question and fortunately everyone makes mistakes. Most companies don't hold dumb mistakes against you. Take into consideration the type of charge with any arrest. If the charges were dropped and it doesn't show on your record, then you have nothing to worry about. If it resulted in a misdemeanor or felony and it appears on your record, then you will want to talk about it down the line.

Problems with past arrests typically only occur when you misread the interview question or lie about it when asked during the application process. Non-disclosure of a circumstance can raise some serious red flags. Companies that deal with clients, finances or other personal items want to know that they can trust you. Like I said, most companies don't hold dumb mistakes against candidates. Just don't lie about it.


The bottom line is you do not have to put charges on your resume or cover letter. The purpose of those documents is to showcase why you should be interviewed, not create biased opinions that would eliminate you as a candidate. If asked when filling out the initial application or during the interview, be completely honest and explain the circumstances that surround it.

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 going on an interview for a marketing position next week. I have a lot of tattoos and not sure if I should cover them all up or if it is okay that they show a little. What are your thoughts?

Yes, it is clear that tattoos are becoming more mainstream, but when you head into an interview, you have to be prepared to impress and win over everyone that you meet. Company culture varies and some businesses are okay with a little ink present. However, being in a position where you might deal with clients on a day to day basis might be a little risky. You never really know if the client is a 24 year old or their grandma. Also take a look at your designs that can be seen. If you have controversial images such as a pot leaf, always cover it up! You don't know what beliefs your interviewers have and it could create the wrong impression about what type of candidate you are.

The goal of the interview is not to show off your ink, it is to get the job and destroy the hopes and dreams of all the other applicants!

If you do receive an offer, ask someone in Human Resources what the policy is. If you have a culture that promotes "dress for your day", you may be able to get by without worrying about covering your tattoos.

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. 

During my last semester of college, I finally got around to actually writing my resume and thinking about a job. I signed up for every potential interview for companies coming on campus and only was able to secure one interview. Apparently, a regional trucking company was actually interested student with a degree in “management science” and a 2.9 GPA. In fact, they wound up interviewing 4 of my good friends as well as me, but I did not get the job. A few months later I was really glad because the guy they chose was stripped naked and shipped to NYC in the back of a trailer as part of his “orientation".

I returned home with absolutely zero prospects and no idea what to do, but I was told almost hourly by my parents to “get a job”. The best I could find was mowing lawns in my neighborhood. During a break, I was sharing my story of hardship with my next door “client” and he told me that his company actually had a “management training program” and he would get me an interview. Little did I realize the a management training program for UPS was actually being a driver, with the brown shorts and all. Apparently, everyone in management at UPS had to learn how to deliver packages. Due to the fact that it was my only “offer”, I took the role and within a few weeks I was running around delivering and picking up packages all over Northern New Jersey. It was hot, really confusing and really hard work. It took almost 2 years before they would promote me to an actual supervisory positions. It really wasn’t the worst job in the world, everyone loves the UPS Guy, but when I finally landed my supervisory role, it was on the midnight shift.

Ask the Headhunter

Dear “O Great Headhunter of Headhunters”,

I really need your help. I am having a huge fight with my parents regarding my nose ring. I am going to be graduating from college in a few weeks and I have an upcoming interview for a role in a regional accounting firm. My parents are insisting that I take the ring out, I believe that I have to be who I am and should keep it in. What do you say?

Signed,

IamwhoIam.

Dear Iam,

I wish this was a tough one, but it is not. Unless the accounting company your interviewing has a specific clientele that would share your love of body jewelry, I say you have to take it out. The reality is that you have to consider every interview a competitive situation. Usually there are at least 3 to 5 people interviewing for the role and all of them want to beat you. In addition, regardless of your feelings about the nose ring, you have to consider what the person hiring might think . They are also going to be sending you out to meet and help their clients. This is definitely the time to use good judgement. Take it out, do a great job and then decide if you can add the accessory later, after you prove your worth!

Headhunter of Headhunter has spoken…..

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.