There is a right job search method and then there are numerous wrong ones. In the enthusiasm to find the right job and get ahead in their career, people end up making job search mistakes that can put the recruiters off. The recruiters are your key to getting in there and working your dream job, so putting them off can’t possibly work in your favour.
So, here is a list of few things that put recruiters off.
Pestering recruiters
Recruiters evaluate candidates based on their interaction throughout the interview process. When you follow up, you should show interest but you don’t want to overdo it. Give the recruiter some time, usually a couple of weeks, to review applications before you reach out. If you don’t get a response, wait a week and follow up again. Be patient and understand that recruiters often have many jobs to fill at the same time. Continue to politely follow up weekly until you get a response or decide to focus your time and energy on another job opportunity. Be careful how you communicate your interest. Do not pose ultimatums or express your dissatisfaction with the process or how long it is taking.
Bad-mouthing your previous boss
When you say negative things about your previous boss or employer, it reflects poorly on you. Recruiters may view this as a breach of confidentiality. In other words, if you say bad things about your previous boss, what else might you say in public? Stay positive and take the high road when talking about past jobs and managers.
Delivering constructive criticism
Do not critique or criticize the job description or attempt to tell the recruiter how to do their job. Challenging a recruiter is inappropriate, especially early in the process. You may have good intentions, but your feedback will not be received well. You haven’t earned the right to be trusted unless you are the one signing the recruiter’s paycheck. This isn’t to say all recruiters know what they are doing or are ethical themselves. You need to understand what you can change and what you cannot change. Speaking out will only alienate you as a candidate.
Lying about qualifications
One reason for the interview is to assess your experience and skills. Exaggerating your level of proficiency or flat out lying about the work you have done is unethical and will be uncovered at some point. Don’t over-represent your skills. Stick to the facts and avoid flowery adjectives when describing what you have done. Remember to only take credit for the actual work you performed.
Reneging on a job offer
Never accept an offer and then decline it when a better offer comes along. By the time you finally receive an offer, both you and the company have invested serious time into the process. When a recruiter extends an offer and you accept the offer verbally or in writing, you are committed. If you do have other offers pending, delay your response as long as possible. Reneging on an offer will absolutely hurt your future chance as a candidate with that organization.
So, don’t make these job search mistakes or you will end up loosing the job opportunity all together.
