Job hunting right now is brutal; there are millions of people searching for employment.
Whenever you hear about a job fair, they may have at least 300 jobs but it’s not enough, at least 3,000 people will show up if not more. These are desperate times and it gets frustrating when you hit a dead end.
It’s true that many applicants have the qualifications, experience, background and degree. So why is it so hard for them to find employment? Why can’t you get the job? Here are a few reasons why.
Social Networking
It’s great that we have the ability to communicate with our friends and family via Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc but we must be careful as to what we place on there. Many hiring managers admit to visiting these social networking sites to check out their profiles. What they find on there can leave an impression on them. So, make sure it’s in tip top shape, avoid unprofessional photos and definitely avoid typing messages regarding past or present employers.
Bringing company
Another big mistake is showing up with family to an interview or to fill out an application. Many hiring managers find that very uncomfortable and it shows up as a negative for you. It doesn’t matter what type of job you are applying for, always go alone. If it’s a matter of remember important information, write it down. Always carry all your employment information, contacts, references, etc on a note pad. Avoid getting disqualified for a job without being interviewed.
Cell Phones
When going in for an interview, avoid using your cell phone completely, even in the waiting room. Many hiring managers see this as though the person is unfocused. Just before you walk in through that door, turn it off completely. Whatever it is, it can wait. Hiring managers find this unacceptable and it will cost you the job.
Email Address
If you want to be taken seriously, you have to make sure your email address is a professional one. You can be the most qualified person around but if your email address is partydude4ever, that’s exactly what you will be doing. This is your career you are working on and you want to be taken seriously so make sure it’s as professional as possible, such as janedoe@email.com
Tardiness
Nothing screams out to them as unreliable or undependable then showing up late. If your interview is at 2 pm, be there at 1:30 to 1:40 pm. Give yourself that extra time. They may need you to fill out some paperwork or it could be that the person before you didn’t show up at all or is late themselves; this gives you an opportunity to upstage them and get in good with the interviewer. It could be that the hiring manager had a decision to make you or the person before you. Showing up early could be the clincher.
Shoes
You would think this doesn’t matter but it does. What you wear is noticed within the first few seconds of shaking their hand. Make sure their clean, not scuffed and professional. Before leaving your home, make sure to look yourself over and be sure you are “dressed for success”.