Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a four-part series about how to stand out in your job search.
What you do — and don’t do — during a job search are equally important. Avoid ruining your chances for a job offer by remembering these five things to NEVER do during your job search.
- Wear sweatpants to an interview. Lounge pants, pajama pants, sweatshirts and any other unprofessional clothing give the hiring manager a bad first impression. Black pants and a collared shirt are an acceptable outfit for any job seeker. Are you interviewing for a very casual, laid-back job? Still dress professionally with khaki pants and a polo shirt or blouse. Research shows first impressions are made within the first seven seconds.
- Have an unprofessional email or voicemail. Hiring managers may call or email you to arrange an interview. Keep your email professional. Example: bensmith2017@gmail.com. If you don’t have a professional email address, it’s easy and free to make one just for your job search on Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail. Your voicemail should be short and professional. Avoid using casual language, songs or goofy messages. Example: Hi, this is Ben. I am unable to take your call right now. I’ll call you back as soon as I can. Thank you.
- Lie on your resume. You found your perfect job but you fall short of one or more qualifications. Do not change information on your resume to align with their requirements. Do you have a gap in employment? Avoid adding a job to fill in the space. Use your cover letter to explain why you’d be a good fit for the job even though you’re missing a qualification or to address an employment gap.
- Fail to show up for an interview. You may receive a few interviews during your job search. If you accept a job offer before you attend all of them, cancel the remaining interviews. This shows the hiring manager you are respectful of their time and keeps you in the running for future opportunities.
- Bash the employer. Maybe you didn’t get your dream job. Or, perhaps you were disappointed with how you were treated as an applicant. Keep these frustrations offline and private. While this job didn’t work out, there may be future opportunities with the company that will be a better fit.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
