Ask the headhunter

J.A. asks:

After my PhD, I worked for 15 years as an architect and designer on analog ASIC systems in an academic environment. At a certain moment, our life in Iran became unaffordable due to the huge inflation rate of 30-40 percent. Combined with the repressive political climate, this made me and my wife decide to build a better future for us and our children in Europe.

Several years ago, after a few applications, I was offered a postdoc position at a Danish university. Although the work was very interesting, it only offered job security for two years. Because there was so much uncertainty about an extension, I started looking for alternative work.

I quickly found new employment, in Italy, at the development department of a large American company. I enjoyed working there for quite a while until I learned that it would take us at least another ten years to obtain an Italian passport. Also, the cost of living in Italy was very high, certainly with what I earned.

When I was approached by a recruiter for a leading position in the ASIC department at an international technology company in the UK, it didn’t take me very long to accept. The language barrier is less of a problem and the salary is considerably better, also relative to the cost of living. Less than a year later, however, the company is forced to make radical cutbacks due to economic headwinds, as a result of which my department will be cut in half and my position is going to be eliminated.

Looking for a new job, I’ve since been in contact with several companies. In one of the interviews, I was told there were serious doubts about my motivation for the position because I had mentioned the instability at my current employer. It’s true that I don’t really have a choice, but I’m also truly open to new technological challenges. How can I convince them that I’m intrinsically interested?

The headhunter answers:

In the situation you’re in now, it’s best to be completely transparent. There’s little point in sugar-coating the truth. You can best demonstrate your availability by being open about your circumstances and focusing on the position being offered and your potential new work environment.

Come as prepared as possible and inquire about the company, the position and the technology. You can think of some questions beforehand, but the strongest approach is to continue asking about what’s being said. If you’re interested, show it. It’s actually quite normal to say that you’re excited about the position and would like to explore whether the interest is mutual. At the same time, you need to make clear that you’re in a hurry and not just exploring without obligation.

As you can relate from personal experience, there are still plenty of opportunities for experienced analog/mixed-signal ASIC engineers like you, despite the current climate in the chip industry. There obviously are some limitations because of your nationality, but that still leaves plenty to choose from.

If I understand you correctly, you’re looking for a place where you can work and develop yourself for a long time, and where you can acquire a European passport in the foreseeable future. Finding a position in the UK would be the most favorable for you because there, like in the Netherlands, you only have to wait five years before you can file for naturalization.