Headhunter Etiquette

Hello,

There is one scenario that I’ve been wondering about which wasn’t covered in the article. (Etiquette for Job Hunters) A work colleague was asked if she knew anyone who was interested in an open position (by a headhunter). She thought of me and emailed me the headhunters name & contact information.

Is it inappropriate to call and ask for more information so that I may edit my resume? Or should I just send my resume and cover letter? I think this would be particularly useful. Since my gut tells me it’s 50/50. There are pro’s and cons to both sides.

Kindest Regards,

C

______________

Dear C,

I would agree with the 50% of your guts telling you to call the headhunter.

You will have the opportunity to introduce yourself, ask questions, and fine-tune your resume and cover letter, if you use one. You can simply say “Alice told me that you were looking for a person to fill a _____ position and I wanted to let you know of my interest in that field.”

Your resume will be much more targeted and relevant if you are able to ask questions about the opportunity beforehand, and it allows the headhunter to give you more information and ensure you’re a good fit for the potential position.

As an FYI, it’s not a bad idea to cultivate a networking relationship with headhunters, even when you’re not looking for a job. If you’re in a position to know a lot of people in your industry, you will always know of someone who needs a position filled or someone who needs a job, and headhunters are always glad to have sources of information. Help them out when you can, and don't be bashful about asking for help when you (or a colleague) needs assistance they might be able to provide.

Best wishes, let me know how it turns out!

-Paula Williams
www.ravenwerks.com
Committed to Your Success

Requesting a "Doggie Bag" in business lunch

I have a question about business luncheons and dinners. Is it right or wrong to request a "doggie bag" if I was unable to finish my meal?

-SJ

The short answer is that we wouldn't recommend it. The long answer is that it depends on how you define "business lunch" or "business dinner."

If you are casually going out with co-workers and everyone is paying for his or her own meal, then by all means, request a box to take home your meal.

Of course, I'm sure you do your best to ensure you're not being disruptive of the conversational flow or making everyone late getting back to work or getting home! I'm sure you make the request discreetly and early in the meal so that the waitstaff can accommodate your request without causing a stir among your fellow diners.

What we generally call a "business lunch" or a "business dinner" is actually more of a meeting than a meal, in spite of appearances.

If you're dining with a client, or if your boss is footing the bill, then eating is the second (or third) purpose of the meal. You are there to do business. The meal is merely a pleasant distraction. In these cases, it's poor etiquette (and bad business strategy) to do anything that detracts from the business at hand. That would include poring over the menu while ignoring your guests, quizzing the waitstaff about ingredients of a dish, ordering anything complicated or disruptive (no flaming entrees!) ordering dessert if the timeframe doesn't allow for it, ordering alcohol unless that's part the business culture you're in, and, unfortunately, requesting a doggie bag.