Top 10 Most Annoying Habits of Job Seekers
We get it. Searching for a new job can be a stressful and difficult time for any job seeker. But in order to make the most out of your job search and find a new job quickly, you have to put your best foot forward. If you haven’t had much success during your job search, take a moment to think back on how you acted during interviews and conversations with recruiters. Chances are you may have made some of the following mistakes that eliminated you as a potential candidate.
- Having your parents and/or spouse call to inquire about the position for you. If you are old enough to be working, you are old enough to conduct your job search yourself.
- Showing up late to the interview, or showing up 30 + minutes early. Time is money, and recruiters/hiring managers hate wasting time. Showing up too early or late makes a bad impression, and will throw off the rest of their day.
- Bringing people with you to the interview. This includes friends, parents, spouses, kids, etc. The only person walking into the building should be you. If you have to bring people with you, have them wait in the car or a coffee shop near by.
- Being rude to the receptionist. In many companies, the receptionist is the gate keeper. Hiring managers and recruiters will often ask the receptionist how the candidate acted while they were in the lobby to get another perspective. Being nice goes a long way.
- Not turning your phone off. Even worse, answering a phone call or text message while in the lobby or interview room. Believe it or not, people still haven’t gotten this message yet.
- Chewing gum or drinking coffee during the interview. These habits just show you aren’t taking the interview as seriously as you should.
- Talking negatively about past employers. If you are going to talk negatively about past employers, what might you say about us in the future?
- Lying about your education and work experience on your resume. The truth comes out eventually, so just be honest from the start.
- Making spelling mistakes on your resume and cover letter. This is our biggest pet peeve. Resumes should be 100% error free.
- Emailing and calling to check in multiple times a day. Recruiters are busy. When they have information to share with you about the position, they will reach out to you.
Make sure you aren’t guilty of being an annoying job seeker yourself. Check out our posts on interviewing and resume writing tips to make a great first impression during your job search.