No-no’s for Job Applicants

So you’re looking for a job and you know you’re the best employee that ever lived. How can your prospective employer be sure that you’re not the type of person to mess up on the job? Employers try to weed out job applicants for the slightest mistakes. Some people spend a lot of time on a great cover letter and the perfect resume, some even get called in for an interview and then can’t understand why they didn’t get the job.

To avoid scaring off employers, make sure you avoid these five silly things job applicants do:

1. They don’t follow instructions
Not following instructions may make you appear to be a potentially difficult employee. If the ad says send your application to a particular address, do so. If it says “No phone calls please, “why are you calling them? If they want applications by a certain date, don’t send it in three weeks later because you just saw the ad and still expect a response. After all, if someone can't follow a few simple steps at this early stage, how would that person perform on the job?

2. They disclose too much information
A cover letter shouldn't begin with irrelevant personal information like, “I'm a 30-year-old mother of five who has experienced many challenges in life." Employers are turned off by "too much information." From an employer's point of view, an applicant who makes inappropriate personal disclosures may be likely to exercise poor judgment in other areas as well.

Information to keep to yourself includes your age (unless it is requested), health, family, how you like to spend your weekends or anything else unrelated to the position you are applying for. In addition, make sure you aren't saying too much with an e-mail address such as sexyspiceislandlady@xxx.com, sexbodyGal@spiceisle.com. Use another e-mail address that sounds more professional.

3. They behave rudely
Of course you wouldn't hire someone who snapped at the receptionist and argued into his cell phone in earshot of customers waiting in the reception area. Nevertheless, job hunters have made these and many other mistakes.

Anyone can have a bad day, and interviews can be very stressful, but an employer who witnesses or hears about even a hint of rudeness is likely to assume it's only a small taste of things to come if the applicant is hired. So be on your best behavior with everyone you encounter.

And don't make the mistake of cussing about your former employer; an interviewer is likely to assume that's how you'll be talking about them if they hire you.

4. They say silly things
Foolish statements can include obvious things such as asking an interviewer who's slightly overweight when her baby is due… and she’s not pregnant. Don’t say you never heard of the company before you saw the ad. Even if that’s true you should have done your homework before the interview. To avoid blurting out an inappropriate comment, pause before answering questions and if you think something might be taken “the wrong way,” don't say it!

5. They don't focus on the employer's needs
When a company is looking to fill a position, it's because they have a need. But applicants often ignore employers' needs. Some focus on their own needs, such as asking about vacation time before they receive a job offer. Others, take up an employer's time by phoning or e-mailing questions like: "Can you tell me all about the job so I can decide whether to apply?" or "Can you give me feedback about how I did during the interview?"

Companies usually communicate their needs both in the job ad and during the interview. Pay attention to what they say, ask questions such as “What are your top priorities?” then tell them how you can help them achieve their goals.


Team GC