- Mass Apply
It is not a ‘more the merrier’ type of situation when it comes to applying to jobs. You may even harm your efforts by applying to everything on the market.
Instead…
Be Selective. Show that you know what you are looking for and are focused on going after that. Keep track of and know what you’ve applied for. Do NOT be caught telling a recruiter or hiring manager that “you’ve applied to so many jobs and need a reminder about theirs.”
- Under sale
Don’t play it safe and apply for jobs that you are overqualified for and essentially would not be happy with.
Instead…
Be Confident. Know what you have to offer and how it applies to the job you are hoping to secure. Don’t be afraid to aim for a step above where you’re at, but be prepared to support why you deserve and qualify for the opportunity to advance your career with the position.
- Over sale
Don’t apply for a position when you do not meet any of the listed requirements or expectations.
Instead…
Know what you’re good at. Know what you have documented experience doing and what your education has taught you. Focus on positions that give you the opportunity to utilize those skills while also providing opportunities to grow and develop new skills and experiences.
If you have a dream job that you’re after, but you don’t quite have what’s required for it yet, then work backwards and determine what positions, experiences and skills you will need to acquire that job. Then do some research to determine what positions will provide those and in what order can you process through them to get to your dream job. Everyone has to take that first stepping stone!
- Make simple mistakes
It’s easy to assume that recruiters or hiring managers will forget the “bad” things, but that’s often not the case. We tend to remember the frustrating candidates over the top candidates. No, that is not a good thing. That means, we remember your name, your resume and why we will not be inclined to give you a second chance. The worst part is that these “bad” things could easily be avoided with a little more effort from the candidates.
What to avoid…
- Never be a no call, no show for an interview or face to face meeting. EVER!
If you can’t make it, call/email/text ahead of time and let your recruiter or hiring manger know. Try to do this at least 1 day prior to your scheduled interview. Even if it ends up being last minute, just let someone know.
It is better to get in front of the situation then having people standing around waiting on you to arrive for an interview that they have cleared their schedule for.
It is more disappointing when you don’t call and don’t show, then it is to cancel ahead of time. - Always be considerate of the persons’ time that is helping you with a particular job. Respond as promptly as possible to emails/calls/texts.
- Be honest. Most hiring managers and recruiters will respect and appreciate a candidate for being up front and honest with them.
It is incredibly frustrating to get half way through the interviewing process with a candidate, only to find out they lied about something on the front in that will ultimately disqualify them. That doesn’t do anyone any justice, and can waste a lot of time, energy and money.
*Side Note: If you are working with an external recruiter on a position, you can ask them about a concern and they can advise you on whether or not it affects you qualifying for a specific position.
Represent yourself well and stay honest and you’ll land the job for you!
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