The job search can be daunting. Even the most well-qualified candidates often shudder at the though of it. And with 66% of Millennials expected to leave their jobs by 2020, the job hunt will soon be even more competitive. In fact, for every job opening, there are about 118 applications pouring in to HR.
As you begin the process to secure the perfect job of your dreams that offers real staying power and room for growth, you’ve likely come across a number of lists of what to do. Well, we’re putting a different spin on it by giving you some surefire ways (that is, things to avoid) to NOT get the job.
Failure is easier than you think. Without further adieu, here’s what you should definitely NOT do when trying to land your dream job.
Be your informal self
You may think that your interviewer should simply love you for who you are. And while you should never try to be someone you aren’t, the little formalities go a long way. Make eye contact. Shake hands. Dress for the job you want. Take a quick inventory of your body language. The truth is that
first impressions matter and
33% of employers make their decision about a candidate within the first 90 seconds. So straighten up, put on a smile, and get set to impress.
Talk smack about your last employer
Even if your last boss or your coworkers had it in for you, your interview is not the time to
vent your frustrations. Talking badly about previous employers may indicate a degree of pettiness—but it will definitely raise questions about what fault you might find (and spread) about your next employer. So do be gracious and avoid talking smack.
Forget the follow-up
Following up with your interviewer shows that
you are eager, and willing to go the extra mile to emphasize your interest. Whether you’re following up to secure an interview, or following-up post interview to see if they’ve made a decision, you won’t be a bother unless you start pestering them every day. Limit your follow-up calls and emails to twice per week. For post-interview follow-ups, send over a quick thank-you note. Not only will it effectively set you apart from a majority of interviewees, but it will give you a chance to emphasize your interest and skills again in a completely acceptable (and expected) way.
Despair and abandon the search
The fact is, as you’ve likely seen, the job market can be a tough place, filled with hundreds of perfect candidates vying for a single job. We’ve worked with thousands of job seekers, and we know that with the right help, the job process doesn’t have to drag you down. So don’t despair. Don’t give up. Even if you didn’t get the call for the job you thought you wanted, there are new opportunities around every corner. Keep your eyes open (and
partner with a qualified team that can help amplify your results) and your next job may be closer than you think.
We know you don’t intend to fail. Your eyes are focused on success. If an interview seems particularly difficult, you should rejoice rather than despair, because statistics show that the most difficult interviews often lead to the highest employee satisfaction on the job.
Ready to hit the job trail running, and do all the right things? Our team is here to help. Begin your search today!
