What Not to Do When You Want to Get Hired

Job interview

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There are a lot of things you should do when you're looking for a new job, but there are also some things you shouldn't do when you want to get hired. Job searching can be tough enough all by itself. It's not always easy to find a new job. It can be challenging and frustrating even for well-qualified candidates. There is no need to make it even harder by doing or saying the wrong thing when job searching or interviewing.

Here's a list of what you shouldn't do. These tips might sound simple, but you might be surprised at how many people make a mistake without thinking much about it. Then they wonder why they didn't get a call or didn't get the job.

Make a Mistake

Should a typo in your resume or cover letter drop you out of contention? It shouldn't, but it might. Employers typically get hundreds of resumes for each position they list. Perfection counts. Take a few extra minutes and proofread all your job search correspondence before you send it.

Limit Your Job Search

Don't limit your search by only applying to positions that meet your exact criteria. Instead, having an open mind (remember, you won't know exactly what the job entails until you interview) when reviewing the job ads will increase your applications and increase your chances of getting an interview. The more flexible you are, the more options you'll have.

Expand Your Job Search

Sounds contradictory, doesn't it? You shouldn't limit your job search, but there is no point wasting your time applying for jobs you aren't qualified for. The gentleman, for example, working as a childcare provider didn't, and won't, get called for an interview as a C++ programmer.

Job Search Only Online

Don't post your resume on LinkedIn and Indeed and hope that your email inbox will start to fill up or your phone will start ringing off the hook. It won't happen. You need to be proactive when job searching and use all available job search resources, online and offline. Taking the time to follow up on the applications you submit, can help you secure an interview.

Contradict Yourself

If you are interviewing with several people, make sure you keep your story straight. Telling one interviewer one thing and another something else is a good way not to get the job. Also, make sure that the work history you discuss with employers matches up with what's on your resume. Double-check your employment dates and job responsibilities to make sure you remember what you did when.

Insult Your Former Employer

Even if your last job was horrible and your boss was an idiot, don't mention it. Speaking poorly about former employers is never wise. How does your future employer know that you won't talk about him that way next time around?

Underdo It

Don't be a slob. Candidates who are unkempt, disheveled, and poorly dressed won't get the job. Even if you don't have to dress up if you're hired, wear interview attire that will make a good impression.

Overdo It

I once worked for someone who wouldn't hire anyone he could smell before they walked into his office. He might have been overdoing it a little, but the candidates would have done better if they had minimized the perfume or the aftershave.

Show Your Desperation

Are you almost out of unemployment? Don't know where your next meal is coming from? Do you absolutely have to have this job? Don't give an inkling of any of that away. You want employers to believe that you want this job because it's a good opportunity and you can be an asset to the company, not because you need to buy groceries or make your car payment.

Show Your Tattoos

If you are applying for a position in the corporate world, and other worlds too, you might want to cover up your tattoos and remove some of your rings if you're pierced in many places. While many companies don't mind tattoos and piercings, some employers won't be impressed.

Give Up

Regardless of how good the job market is, job searching isn't simple, and it's not always easy to stay positive and focused. When you've sent hundreds of resumes without much of a response, it can be difficult to keep going.

It's important though to keep plugging away, to use all the job search tools available, and to keep a positive outlook. It's also important to remember to do the little things that can have a positive impact on your job search.