After interviewing several hiring directors, coordinators, managers and administrators, I’ve found that not everything the books and teachers tell you about applying and interviewing for a job is true. I’ve asked them to list the top 5 worst things that new applicants do when they are trying to get a job. Straight from the sources themselves, here are the top 5 most annoying things you shouldn’t do when trying to land that new career.
5. Don’t be too boastful
You’ve probably been taught to bring yourself up an extra level when heading into an interview or writing a resume, but sometimes it can be easy to go too far. The human resources department is full of regular people, just like you, and they know when you are being too cocky or boastful. One human resources coordinator we interviewed spoke of a gentleman who, during an interview, said he guaranteed that within three years he would go from the bottom position to the top of the company. Not only did the gentleman not do his work to see that the company was a nationwide Fortune 500 company, but he offended her by saying that he thought he could bypass all of the hard workers who were already a part of the company. It’s okay to build yourself up, but don’t take it too far or you might find yourself even further from attaining a job.
4. Don’t show up too early
It has been heard too many times from hiring managers that the people they interview show up way too early. These professionals have very busy schedules and schedule interviews at specific times when they are available. When they have someone waiting on them in the lobby, it makes them feel rushed and the interview is already off to a bad start. This is not the fault of the person who shows up too early, because it has been drilled into our heads that in order to make a good impression, we need to show up early. Instead of heading into the building and making your interviewer feel hurried, sit in your car and head inside 5-7 minutes early so they know you are on time and they can see you right away.
3. Don’t lie
This seems like it should be standard, but you would be surprised by the amount of people who think they can get away with lying on a resume and in an interview. One gentleman said he had an applicant on the phone say that he had been in the army for twelve years, but luckily that is easy to check up on. It turned out that he had actually been unemployed for the entire time, and didn’t want to show it on his resume out of fear of not getting a job. If you have something you are embarrassed or afraid to share, do it anyway and explain your reasoning. By being truthful you are already opening up a wall of trust between you and your potential employer.
2. Stop bugging them so much
Most likely, if you ask any random person they will say that in order to get the job, you need to call, write letters, and bug the living daylights out of the place you applied to. The truth is that they got your information, and if you called and talked to them once, then that’s probably enough for them to know you want the job. Almost every employer stated that by being a nuisance, you are significantly dropping your chances of ever landing that job. Stop calling and writing, and trust that if they think you are the right candidate for the position, they will get back with you in time.
1. Don’t waste their time
The amount of time and energy it takes to get a newly hired teammate aboard the company is beyond measurable. Managers and HR have to take time out of their already busy schedule to get you up to date on everything about the company, the practices, the training, and the policies. It’s exhausting, so when a new employee decides that the job isn’t want they wanted and quits a week after hire, nobody is happy. Take the time to look the job and company over to make sure that you will be satisfied in the position before applying. Nobody wants to waste their time.
The general rules when applying for a job is don’t be annoying, show up on time but not too early, and be a real, genuine person. The people behind the application processes aren’t robots, and they aren’t stupid either. If you feel like you’re being too annoying, then it’s probably time to ease off a little and let them get in touch with you. Also, not all places are the same. These rules don’t apply to every person so it is best to use your own judgment. Above all, be friendly and courteous, truthful, and respectful, and you will go further than many others who have applied for the position.