Fortunately I haven’t been out searching for jobs lately, but I have been part of the interview and selection process for new hires at my office recently. When reviewing resumes prior to conducting the interviews there were several applicants that seemed very promising. In fact I found myself wondering how we were able to get such a large pool of talent that wasn’t already employed elsewhere. Well, after sitting through a few interviews I figured it out. Most of the applicants did have some qualifications and were probably great people, but they each made at least one major mistake that kicked them out of the running immediately. Here are a few things I strongly suggest you not do if you are seriously seeking employment:
- Perception is reality – Appearance Matters! I know this is not new advice, but don’t go looking for a job, or to an interview looking like you’re getting ready to do yard work or go off for a weekend at the beach. Tank tops, daisy dukes and flip flops or jeans and tennis shoes may be fashionable, comfortable, and the outfit may be cute as heck but it’s probably not appropriate for a job interview. I know money is a factor, believe me I understand that, but you can be professional and classy on a budget. Goodwill, TJ Maxx, Ross and clearance racks are okay! Most employers understand not being able to afford Gucci, especially if you’re actively seeking employment. Truth be told many of them can’t afford top of the line either, so just make an effort – it will count for something. If you have piercings, take them out for the interview until you see what the company policy is – I am pierced and I wear them at work, but if I have client meetings or high level company execs are going to visit, I am professional enough and I respect my manager enough to take them out temporarily. Tattoos can be beautiful works of art, I have those too, but again, be respectful – not everyone sees it that way – that is just the way society is so keep a sweater handy. It doesn’t change you, but until someone knows you, truth is, the perception of you when you first walk through the door is their reality.
- Embellishing Your Qualifications – Don’t do it! I know this is tempting, especially in today’s job market. Everyone is looking for something to give them a bit of an edge against the competition, but selling yourself as being more qualified than you actually are can really bite you in the butt at the end of the day. When the interviewer starts asking you for examples of past experience in the areas you claim you’re well versed in and your don’t have any, it’s a red flag. Or maybe you get the job and are struggling in an area your resume says you already know your stuff in, no bueno…and since most places have a probationary period of some type, what you thought was your way in the door may also be your way out just as quickly. Definitely sell your strong points, but don’t lie. Let the employer know you’re a fast study and willing to learn and that will often go over just as well as already being the “perfect” candidate.
- Lack of Engagement in Conversation. Interviewers have precious little time to differentiate you from other applicants and make a decision about who is the best fit to join their team. They can’t make an educated decision if you don’t engage. Don’t just answer direct questions with yes or no, elaborate, give them some background and tell them why you’re the best candidate that they’re going to get. Don’t hope they want to hire you, let them know why they should. Ask them questions about the job you’re applying for, the organizational culture, and what they’re really looking for in a candidate. This shows them that you are interested and are seeking information about them just as they are about you. I guarantee you that 20 minutes of “yes”, “no”, and “I don’t know”, isn’t going to get you very far at most places and if it does, I have a feeling you probably don’t want to work there anyway.
- Never say you “don’t really want to work but…”. Seriously, this happened. An applicant literally told us that they hadn’t really wanted to go back to work but they were running out of money so they didn’t have a choice and that was the only reason they had even submitted an application. Now trust me, I appreciate financial need, but to indicate that’s the only reason you’re even applying doesn’t give me much hope as a prospective employer that you’re in it for the long haul so why would I want to waste time, money, and assets on you if you make it very clear that you don’t even really want to work? Exactly….I’m not. I guess I can appreciate honesty, but even if that is the case, it’s probably not the best thing to share in the interview if you actually want to land a job.
- Don’t have a better place to be (don’t reschedule, show up late, need to rush out). Obviously there are some exceptions to this one, emergencies and things beyond your control do happen – I mean life isn’t always in our control and most employers will understand this if there’s a truly valid reason you need to reschedule an interview or push it back to a different time (i.e. car wreck, flat tire on the way there, kids got ran over by the school bus, you get my point….). That being said calling and asking to re-schedule or rushing through the process because you decided to leave for vacation, repeatedly rescheduling because you have no sitter, being late because the alarm didn’t go off or not showing up at all doesn’t really give the employer much hope that you are a reliable person. So my advice, if you can avoid it, keep your appointment and be on time because trust me, there are plenty of others hoping to get your slot. If that means paying a sitter or borrowing a car, taking the bus, or leaving town later in the day, then so be it…unless of course you don’t really care if you’re hired.
{All images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net}
What crazy things have you heard of people doing or not doing that likely cost them a job? Have you done any of these things and it worked to your advantage? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!
Fortunately I havnt had to attend a job interview for many years, but I have also heard that the first 2 minutes of your interview (including the way you enter the room and greet the interviewees) will also determine your success or not. With so many applicants you need to make sure you stand out from the crowd!
Very true — first impressions really can make or break you in today’s job market. The competition is fierce and bringing something unique to the table is a must. I agree with the first 2 minutes being crucial — you either have my attention or you don’t by that point and if you don’t it’s going to take awesomeness to get me to reconsider with 25 other people outside the door waiting for a shot.