On the Job Market? Avoid these Top 5 Mistakes
I’ve interviewed hundreds of people throughout my career in Human Resources, and several stand out as being particularly impactful people - in fact, they’re often the ones who get the job!
Time and time again, however, I would notice patterns of the same several mistakes that would lead to the candidate getting passed over. The unfortunate truth is that these basics could greatly hinder your chances of winning that dream role. The great news is they’re easy ones to catch and avoid making if you are mindful about them!
If you’re a leader who’s looking to make a leap into a new role, industry, or career, read on for the top 5 mistakes to avoid.
Forgetting the Basics. Typo-free resume. Showing up early. Looking presentable. Doing your research. Having your resume printed and being prepared to speak to it. While these individually would likely not cause a recruiter to pass on your candidacy, these are table stake elements that set the foundation for a solid interview.
Generalizing Your Resume. Recruiters want to see that the individual on paper has experience that matches the job profile. It simply makes sense! If you find yourself sending out generalized resumes and wondering why nothing is catching on, this could be where you should focus. Make your recruiter’s life easy by showcasing how clearly your background aligns to the role they are hiring for. Study the position description and ask yourself: “If I switched roles with this recruiter, would my resume stand out from the pool? Or would the recruiter need to read between the lines and assume I’d be qualified?” If it’s not a surefire standout, tweak your resume so that it more closely aligns to the role.
Slooooooow Communication. When I’m hiring for a role, I love when candidates show interest - and this even translates to how they communicate back and forth with me. If it takes a week to hear back from a candidate when setting up an interview, my excitement fades. Responsiveness and strong communication skills start from the very beginning, and oftentimes what you see from a candidate in this stage is what you will experience on the job in the workplace. If you’re actively applying to new roles, it can go a really long way to demonstrate your reliability through how (and how timely) you communicate.
Leading with Ego. It’s critical to be confident when interviewing for a new job. But there is a big difference between confidence and ego. Make sure to walk the line carefully and celebrate all that makes you you - without any arrogance. Be open to admitting mistakes and being vulnerable if asked in an interview. Nobody is perfect, and good hiring managers will be able to pick up on someone’s lack of authenticity if your answers give off an air of low self-awareness or defensiveness.
Hiding Your True Self. Speaking of authenticity, the best approach in any interview setting is to truly, truly be yourself. You have nothing to lose, and it’s the best way to single in on the companies that are right for you, and let go of the ones that are not. Let your values shine through and don’t try to be someone you’re not. The right opportunity will align with your truest self, and the right company will hire you knowing exactly who you are. This serves you long term and is the biggest way to ensure you’re starting on the right foot for hopefully a long and wonderful experience at the organization!
Want more personalized help on how you can navigate a new role change and fall in love with your career? I love coaching my clients on this topic and am deeply passionate about helping to demystify the job search process. Reach out for a Discovery Call to start the conversation, and happy job hunting!