When it comes to your job search, the little things can have a lasting effect on your chances of getting that offer. This is much different from the occasional flubs we all make. Remember when you met that woman and asked when she was “due” only to find out she wasn’t with child? Or the time you said “You and your daughter share a striking resemblance,” to your co-worker and his much younger date? Ah, the social faux pas – so easy to make and generally easy to bounce back from. Unfortunately, recovering from a seemingly minor slip-up in your job search could be much more difficult.
In the interest of identifying these often over-looked mistakes, I spoke with the Onward Search recruiters about the tips they offer to help their candidates navigate the recruitment process and avoid the missteps.
Tip #1: It’s ALWAYS better to be over dressed.
Everything matters in a job search these days (even the little things) and hiring companies are picky. There is a pretty big difference between a suit and that festive Hawaiian shirt you love so much. Since you’ve done all that research about the company, why not look into the corporate culture for clues on how best to make a good first impression? Your recruiter will have insight on this so don’t forget to ask if you’re not sure. Who knows? Maybe your soon-to-be boss dons a pair of leopard print running shorts on casual Fridays. If that’s the case, you’ll find out once you’re hired. But until then, play it safe and go with your most dapper, professional threads. Always.
Tip #2: Tell your recruiter everything… yes, EVERYTHING.
Have you ever worked next to someone who eats spicy, super-fragrant foods every day? What about the co-worker who is somehow offended by the picture of your dog on your desk? (It’s only Buster, what’s the big deal?) Office environments and cultures differ greatly from one to the next so not all of them will suit you perfectly. This is exactly why your recruiter needs to know more about you! Your recruiter will be genuinely pleased to find out what makes you happiest and most productive at work because that information helps them find the best fitting opportunities for you. So if you have questions, concerns or just random ideas about your career, speak up!
Tip #3: Let’s make a deal! (And stick to it…)
It’s OK to negotiate your salary or fee, as long as you remember that there are both good and bad times to do it. Whether you’re working with a recruiter or by yourself, getting the compensation you’re looking for is part of the overall interview process and that requires just as much preparation as the rest of it. It’s important to know and communicate what you need early on because changing your expectations 80% of the way through will only serve to slow down, or even stop the process completely. So do your research, think hard, and be honest with yourself and your recruiter from the start.
Tip #4: Confidence is great, but respect and subtlety are King!
In your mind, you’re the best Designer/Developer/Copywriter/SEO Expert ever to grace the halls of this humble office, but guess what? Acting overly comfortable or confident during the meeting may go over like a lead balloon. Before you decide you can get away with your baseball cap and your overly casual attitude (Please take your feet off the table, thank you), consider that the people interviewing you MAY NOT forgive eccentricities just because you have a stellar portfolio. As mentioned in Tip #1, the way you present yourself is critical and that includes behaving in a respectful, professional way, no matter how big of a rock star you really are.
Tip #5: Have nothing nice to say? Yeah.. you know the rest.
So your last job stunk. You weren’t working with people that understood you and maybe there were instances of good ol’ fashioned personality conflict that no amount of HR intervention could smooth over. If this is the case, you must fight the urge to bash your last experience during your interview. When in doubt, say nothing. Remaining positive (or silent) about your last job and former co-workers will win you points above and beyond trash talking.
I hope these tips will help you during all your interviews and meetings. Stay tuned for my next post about ways to go above and beyond when working with a recruiter.
Have a tip of your own? Don’t hesitate to share with a comment below!
