Monday, May 18, 2009
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Joyce Hoff
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www.pachter.com www.barbarapachter.blogspot.com 9 Mistakes To Avoid When Looking For Work
A recent graduate was interviewing for a position but the work wasn't exactly what he wanted. When asked by the interviewer what he thought of the opportunity, he replied, "It wouldn't be my first choice." Not surprisingly, he didn't get a job offer and he stayed unemployed.
The young man didn't understand that the job would have been good experience for him especially in today's challenging job market and could have led to better opportunities.
According to business etiquette expert Barbara Pachter, author of
NewRules@Work: 79 Etiquette Tips, Tools, and Techniques to Get Ahead and Stay Ahead (Prentice Hall Press), "Many people make silly mistakes during a job search. These actions make it easy for the hiring manager to look at someone else."
The current job market is more competitive than ever and job seekers need to stand out from the crowd. Here are Pachter's suggestions so you don't make mistakes that cost you the job:
1. Don't forget to send thank you notes. Sending notes after being interviewed is one of the ways that job seekers differentiate themselves from other applicants. Also remember to thank the people who have helped you in your search.
2. Don't dress inappropriately. After interviewing a number of people at a job fair, the consultant said she wouldn't hire any of them. All of the applicants were dressed too casually--none were dressed as if they were coming to work at her company.
3. Don't chew gum. A young man got upset that the interviewer asked him to get rid of his gum. He didn't get the job.
4. Don't have typos in your resume or cover letters. Typos show that you are not paying attention to the details. And why would someone hire you if you make mistakes? Always have someone proofread your documents.
5. Don't shake hands incorrectly. People make assumptions about others based on the quality of their handshake. Make sure your handshake is firm, but not bone-breaking!
6. Don't be nonchalant about the position. Be enthusiastic. Even if the job is not your first choice, you want to come across as someone who is interested in the position and the company.
7. Don't be unprepared for the questions. Anticipate the tough questions you may be asked during an interview and know how you will answer them.
8. Don't forget to use networking. People tell me that they got their jobs from people that they know, so let people know that you are looking. Build a network and look for ways to add people to it.
9. Don't give up. Even though thousands of jobs are still being lost each month, there are still lots of jobs available. It is easy to avoid looking, but if you do, you won't find a job. If you keep looking, you will increase your chances of landing work. One career center director told me he will send out notices of job openings and very few people follow through with him.
xxx
Barbara Pachter is a speaker, coach and author of numerous business books, including The
Power of Positive Confrontation ($14.95, paperback, Marlowe & Co.) and
When the Little Things Count ($13.95, paperback, Marlowe & Co.).
She specializes in business etiquette and communication. Her client list features major organizations worldwide, including Microsoft, Pfizer, Chrysler, Cisco and Genentech.
For a review copy of
NewRules@Work: 79 Etiquette Tips, Tools, and Techniques to Get Ahead and Stay Ahead, contact: Catherine Milne, 212-366-2149, or
Catherine.Milne@us.penguingroup.com For a free copy of Pachter's communication e-newsletter, "Competitive Edge," your readers can call (856) 751-6141 (NJ) or go to
www.pachter.com.