Mar 28 2009
What NOT to Do When Looking for a Job
Be careful not to make these mistakes during your next job search. Some of us have learned from the mistakes of others and those we have made ourselves. Here are five mistakes:
1. Don’t send out your resume or cover letter to employers without carefully proofreading the documents. I cannot tell you how often this happens and it is a sloppy reflection on you and your work habits.
2. Don’t bug the HR department during the job search. A polite occasional call is fine, but daily harassment is not. Try to think in terms of how you would like to be treated and act accordingly.
3. Don’t overdo your dress, makeup, jewelry or “body art” for an interview. Tone everything down, especially your cologne or perfume. You don’t want to be remembered for how much you smelled.
4. Don’t neglect your preparation for an interview or other job related meeting. Do your research and always have a prepared list of questions to ask your prospective employer. This, more than anything, shows how much you really care about the job.
5. Don’t assume that the interviewer knows anything about you. Yes, he may have your resume and application, but he may also have ten interviews that day and you want to be the one to leave a great lasting impression. Have a prepared “speech” and roll it off your tongue with finesse and grace.
