Now more than ever before, the unwritten rules around the job hunting process have become more rigid and much less forgiving. When employers need to make hard decisions between closely qualified candidates, even the smallest gaffes can result in rejection. Here are some of the mistakes to avoid during the job search process:
Grammatical Errors Will Result in Job Rejection
The candidate that is not careful enough to notice a spelling mistake on his cover letter, may be just as careless when it comes to fulfilling the detailed requirements of the job he is seeking to fill. Even in instances when the error-free job candidate has slightly lesser qualifications, he will sometimes be chosen anyway, because he will be deemed superior in his attention to detail.
Asking a trusted friend to review a resume or letter before sending it may pick up on a problem. Looking at the same document over and over will make it hard to spot mistakes and spellcheck will not recognize words that are spelled correctly but misused in the content of the text.
Too Much of a Good Thing in a Job Interview is a Bad Thing
Some applicants do not exercise very sound judgment when they douse themselves will liberal quantities of perfume, cologne or aftershave. Some people are hyper-sensitive to certain smells and may even experience an allergic reaction to odors. Avoiding perfumes entirely in a business environment is a safe practice.
Similarly, some folks make the common mistake or assuming that lots of jewelry will make them look better, richer or more elegant. Be sparing with all things except for one's clothing. That means tone down to the lowest possible wattage of scent, accessories and cosmetic products.
Skip the Profanity or Risk Job Rejection
Even fairly acceptable words like damn and hell are not appropriate for the job interview or other discussions with the potential employer. This is also a sign of possible flawed judgment. Keep in mind that characteristics and behaviors exhibited in the interview are like tips of an iceberg. If one uses profanity in this setting, the perceptive interviewer will have to assume it will occur on the job and likely with great frequency, since the interviewee was unable to control her impulses to speak profanely even for an hour.
Trained interviewers have learned that any given behavior in the interview, such as excessive talkativeness, will be multiplied tenfold when the person is actually on the job. Don't be eliminated from consideration because of a nervous habit.
Keep Behavior Normal and Friendly During Contact with Future Employers
Some employers will make inquiries about the applicant in various ways from checking driving records, credit histories and may even look around on the internet. Never comment about a company on Twitter, Facebook or other public domain realm, as this may come back to hurt one's candidacy. Even negative comments made about other past employers will be looked upon with great scrutiny. Likewise, be aware of how one present's himself to others. Practice with a trusted friend before the interview. He may be able to give cues about how to come across more effectively.
Some people talk too much when they are nervous, others may touch their hair or face. Still other people may say "like" for every pause in their speaking pattern. An interviewee can work these quirks out with repetition and reinforcement prior to the interview. Practice leads to perfection in speaking fluently and effectively.
Send Thank You Notes to Interviewers
After a job interview concludes, reflect on the content and come up with one or two thoughtful questions to contact the interviewer to discuss. These should relate to the job itself and not benefits or pay issues. This way, the applicant will stay fresh in his mind long after the meeting. Always sending a typed business letter to every person who interviews the candidate is vital to staying in contention for the position. Even if five people are involved, each one should receive a personalized, unique letter of thanks. Those interviewees who are either too lazy or disinterested in the job to bother to do this, should keep the job search open and not wait by the phone. The call will not be forthcoming.
Moderation in dress, accessories and scents makes very good sense in the job search setting. Be especially meticulous about accuracy in writing letters and resumes as well as in speaking proper English during the interview. Avoid nervous habits and ticks during the interview by practicing the elimination of these issues in one's interview behavior. Always make a special effort to thank people and follow up with valid, thought-provoking questions.
Preparation for the interview in terms of anticipating common interview questions and researching the company beforehand are never a waste of time. Taking these tips into account may reduce the time it takes to succeed. Ultimately a competitive job market demands close scutiny and attention to fine detail.
For more information see Interview Tips from an HR Manager's Perspective.
Therese Haberman - With a MS degree and 25 years in HR mgmt, in 2005, Ms.Therese began a writing career specializing in children and HR.
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