There’s no doubt about it: searching for a new job is stressful. Between optimizing your resume for every position and searching job boards on a daily basis, it can make anyone feel unlike themselves. But that doesn’t mean you should let your manners fly out the window.
While you certainly have a reason to be stressed, don’t allow the job search to turn you into a job seeker that drives employers crazy. Displaying any of the behaviors listed below? You just might need a bit of job search intervention:
#1: Eager beaver
Being desperate and needy during the hiring process will not get you far. While being interested in the company and position is important, you don’t need to constantly remind employers that you would love the job. Beyond applying, it’s appropriate to follow-up once a week–but no more than that. Remember that respecting the employer’s time is important for showing you’re a professional.
#2: Poor listener
During a phone interview or an in-person meeting, it’s vital that you actually listen to the employer instead of providing canned answers you’ve prepared and practiced over and over. Success in an interview isn’t just getting your points across, but also relies on listening to the employer’s needs in order to identify your fit and really show them why you’re the best person for the job.
#3: Disinterested candidate
You need a job…any job. You’ve been job searching for months and finally land an interview for a position you’re not exactly thrilled about, but head into the meeting thinking, “It doesn’t matter, with my experience, I’ll get the job no problem.” So, you probably don’t prepare as much as you might have for a higher-level position. Maybe you don’t write a thank you note after the interview. Showing lack of interest, despite your qualifications, is a sure way to boot yourself out of the running for the job.
#4: Unprepared interviewer
If you find yourself shrugging your shoulders or getting tongue-tied at questions like, “Where do you see yourself in five years,” it will be apparent that you have not practiced or prepared for the hiring manager’s interview questions. Although an optimized resume will get you there, your knowledge and expertise needs to show through in your answers in-person, or you just might lose the job to someone who gives a better interview.
What do you think? What other types of job seekers will employers steer clear of?
Guest Expert:
Kat Krull is the Marketing Manager of Resunate, the world’s only automatic resume tailoring tool. You can find Kat and Resunate on Facebook and Twitter.
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I’d add what I call the “Poor Me”. Everything bad just “happens” to them and is never their fault. During the interview this candidate blames all previous job losses or failed projects on others, or worse yet on a “bad boss”. This person is perpetually the victim of circumstances or bad luck throughout previous employment, and may even seem suprised that “nothing ever seems to work out”. Instead, when questioned about a past failure, accept what is yours and communicate what you have learned and how your work style has changed as a result. Never bad-mouth a previous employer or co-workers.