Is this Your Interview M.O.?

Most job applicants at one point or another during the job search process, and interview think; “My Job Search Consultant just isn’t working hard enough for me!” As with everything, there are always two sides to every story and the job seeker cannot be left out of the mix when it comes to “Doing their part.”

Doing their part doesn’t necessarily mean the normal preparation work it takes to get their resume in front of a job recruiter.  It also means not doing the thing most job seekers are prone to do: sabotaging their chances without even knowing it!

Does this sound like your M.O.?

Stalker: Do you call your recruiter every hour just to check “status?”  This can be annoying and counterproductive.  Keep in mind that if they have news, you will be the first person they call.  It’s just as important for them to find you a job as it is for you to find one!

Talker: Do you prolong telephone calls with your recruiter to “win” them over – even though you know you aren’t qualified for a certain position? This is truly an exercise in futility because recruiters know who they’re looking for.  They know the industry background, the job title or skill set needed to fill a role.  Most recruiters don’t respond well to this, viewing it as overly aggressive and annoying. After all, you’re not the only person applying for the job; multiply your phone call by 300 applicants, and you’ll see why they’re annoyed.

Pusher: Do you try to push the consultant into telling you why you didn’t get the job? It’s understandable that the job seeker would like to know why, as much as the consultant would love to provide feedback – it’s just not possible. The employer is the consultant’s client and has the right to give and receive information with the understanding of privacy.  It only becomes more frustrating and embarrassing to further push your consultant for information he cannot provide.

Eye-roller: When the consultant mentions there will be pre-employment testing, do you roll your eyes?  This might be annoying to you, but try to keep a straight face.  The consultant is only implementing how the employer wishes to communicate with you.  Keep in mind if you’ve made it to the pre-employment testing that they’re offering you’re one step closer in the process.  The decision makers are always watching so don’t be one of those applicants who says “I don’t fill in forms…those are for lower level positions.”

MBA’er:  Do you tout your academia during an interview?  Walking into an interview with an air of superiority, and stating “You do know I have an MBA don’t you?” adds fuel to the fire of condemnation for many consultants.  This is not an interview-winning statement nor is it a compelling business case.  Having a Ph.D or an MBA makes you no more qualified than any other candidate.  You will not be chosen solely on the basis of having these qualifications but rather how you apply what you know – your leadership skills – the results you have achieved – these will lead to the success of obtaining a job offer.  When you promote an air of entitlement or one of superiority, you have failed the most important part of leadership – effective communication.

Out of Stater: Do you leave out the issue of location in your cover letter?  When you leave out the reason why you’re applying for a job in a state other than the one you live in, it raises questions in the recruiters mind.  What’s the plan?  Do they plan on telecommuting?  Are they willing to relocate?  Leaving this decision to the job recruiter might discount you in the race for the job simply because they came up with a wrong scenario.

While the relationship between jobseeker and job recruiter will always be dependent on each other, the most important things they need to bring to the interview table are professionalism and courtesy.

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