Sunday, October 30, 2011

5 Ways To Annoy Hiring Managers

One of the worst things you can do during your job search is annoy the hiring manager at the company for which you want to work. Not only will it probably ruin your chances at landing the job at hand, but also you probably won't be considered for future positions, either.

1. Being ungrateful when you don't get the job

It's never a good idea to be rude or angry towards a hiring manager when you're not selected for an opening. It makes you look naïve and entitled. It hurts your chances of being reconsidered for another opening at that organization in the future. And you never know whom that person knows at other organizations.

2. Not asking good questions

A hiring manager wants to answer your questions about the company, culture, and position during an interview—but often, people become too nervous to ask good questions. This can make you appear uninterested or unprepared.

Avoid this situation by looking up information about the company and position beforehand and writing down at least three good questions for the interviewer.

3. Just "showing up"

At one time, it was considered polite to "drop in" to an organization and submit a paper copy of your resume. Today, however, many companies have specific hiring processes and find it inconvenient when someone just shows up. In fact, it's been said that it borders on downright creepy!

Your best bet is to follow the instructions stated on the description. If it says no calls, don't call. (At least don't call the hiring manager. You can always give the receptionist a ring.) If it specifies sending your resume in a certain format, don't send it in a different one!

4. Too much contact in a short period

Following up can be the key to landing a new job. Too much follow-up, however, can cross the line and ruin your chances. Keep e-mails or phone calls to once per week (at the most), and listen to the hiring manager if they provide a timeline about the position. If you don't hear anything back after contacting the individual 3-4 times, it's probably time to move on.

5. Not being able to have a dialogue about your fit within the organization

The purpose of an interview is to assess an individual's expertise, experience, and cultural fit within the organization. So, don't just tell them what you think they want to hear or what you perceive is the "correct" answer. Provide honest insight into your strengths, weaknesses, etc. so they can make the best decision possible for the organization – and you can decide whether the opportunity is right for you, as well.

Hiring managers: Any other pet peeves you would add to this list?

Heather R. Huhman, founder & president of Come Recommended, is passionate about helping students and recent college graduates pursue their dream careers.

Thanks to Heather R. Huhman / Careerealism
http://www.careerealism.com/annoy-hiring-managers/

 

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