Manage Your Life
Monday, November 30, 2009
7 Things Hiring Managers Don't Like About You
user
You might have said some pretty terrible things about particular
hiring managers in the past, but in many cases, those in charge of
HR duties are
frustrated by the annoying
antics of applicants in the dark. You might be qualified for
the job, but your chances for getting it will be better if you
avoid doing these 10 things hiring managers hate about you.
- Exaggeration: There are plenty of ways
applicants make themselves seem more perfect than they actually
are. But total, obvious exaggeration, like saying you read through
one book every day, is telling the hiring manager she's too
naive to pick out a lie.
- Assuming You Have the Job: Certain
questions give the impression that you think you already have the
job, like asking where your desk would be located and how every
minute of every day will be spent.
- Feeling Too Comfortable: Even if the
hiring manager appears to be around your age, do not treat her like
she's your pal. Friendly small talk is encouraged to break the
ice and show some personality, but don't compliment her
complexion and ask for skincare tips.
- Making Sloppy Mistakes: You wouldn't
believe how often applicants make sloppy and obvious
mistakes, like putting the incorrect company name on the cover
letter and getting the title wrong for the job you're after.
Errors like these are turnoffs for hiring managers.
- Sharing Too Much: If you need pick up
your kids up every Wednesday at 5:30 on the dot, don't mention
it in the first interview. If you're the right candidate, you
can work out schedule nuances later. Don't jump the gun and
share too much about your
personal life.
- Not Managing Your Online Profile: How
many times do they have to say it? Hiring managers will look up all
of your online profiles, and yes,
they will look through your pictures. Don't be a disappointment
and waste their time; clean up your online presence.
- Thesaurus Overload: You can create a
resume
that sounds intelligent without using words bigger than you.
Use the thesaurus for keyword inspiration and variations, but leave
out the words that sound like you're trying too hard.
To read three more of our tips,
click
here.
.
Related Content:
Job Search
The Grind
Where to
Look for a Job
Related: the grind, list, job search, career
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Posted by C Thu Jul 2, 2009 3:35am PDT
Definitely clean up your online presence (you wouldn't believe what we've found on candidates just by googling their name, and yes, it WAS them) and like another poster stated, get a professional email address, preferably one that doesn't reveal much about your personal life!
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Posted by Jackie Thu Jul 2, 2009 6:51am PDT
I've met several hiring managers/employers who could stand to improve their communication skills. Anyone taking online applications should have an automatic system that responds with a confirmation receipt for the application submitted. Also, why not create a system that will allow hiring managers to click a button to review or reject applications. When they push the reject button, the system could then send an automatted email to the applicant letting them know they didn't get the job or interview. I hate it when I get no response at all, especially after following up. For those who do not take online applications. Have someone in your office send out letters. Kind of like a credit card application response letter. Honestly, is it really that difficult to do? I do agree with Michelle on the email concept. If you're looking for a job, you should have a professional email address. A good example would be firstname.lastname@yahoo.com.
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Posted by kc Thu Jul 2, 2009 9:25am PDT
The online presence thing has gotten big whether we like it or not. Teachers were laid off in my district and when they interviewed in other districts, facebook accounts etc were checked out....get rid of the dumb drinking pictures etc....really, what kind of perception are you trying to put out there anyway. That you want to be a barfly? You have to get real about it, you don't have to like it.
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Posted by sam Thu Jul 2, 2009 11:21am PDT
A very large, unattractive woman provided the email address "hot4u". Yuck. I don't care how hot you (think) you are, don't use it in a professional context!
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Posted by "Mama Kaye" Fri Jul 3, 2009 7:23am PDT
From the applicants side: Please notify the person even if they did not get the job. It is called good manners. From the managers/hiring side: Come dressed decently,you would not believe what I have seen come throught the door! Do not drag your kids with you and a friend," 'cause we're going shopping after and I didn't have a sitter." And this one, "Could I borrow a pencil?". Or, this one, "Now, my husband says I can't work weekends and I will have to leave at a certin time cause of my kids and oh yeah, how much does this pay and what days off am I going to get...." and it goes on and on and on. These are what I call "the hopefuls"...they hope they don't get hired because they really don't want to work. They have to show 'whoever' that they have applied for a job. I will tell you where their app goes...file 13!
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Posted by Glass Ceiling Buster Sat Jul 4, 2009 6:25am PDT
I know several HR managers well. It is unbelievable how much trash they talk about people. They don't return phone calls. Their voicemail is always full. They depend on supervisors giving them names of people to hire. Yeah I'm talking about the good ole boy network.
I do agree with the resume tip. Be plan and honest about your experience. I can spot a bs'er from a mile away.
Be aware also that most HR have no idea what the job they are interviewing for really is.
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Posted by Jamie Sat Jul 4, 2009 9:32am PDT
I worked in HR for several years. I have experience with everything from mothers coming in asking why their child didnt get the job to people harassing me every day about their application. When a person submits an application (either online or in person) I make sure they know that I personally review every application and that if they are the right fit for our team they will get a call. I do this because, honestly, I dont have time to call back every single applicant.
Here are some pet peeves of mine....
-Your mom coming in with you.
-You or your parents harassing me after you hand in your application.
-Asking me how much the job pays.
-Saying, "Yo, can I gets a application." (I look young so usually after they do that I introduce myself as the Hiring Manager. Its amazing how they stand up straight and speak English after that.
-Handing in a plastic covered BOOK of your application, recommendation and who knows what else.
-Handing in an application with your only days available to work are Monday through Friday 10-2. Sorry hun this is retail not utopia.
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Posted by Jazzy Sun Jul 5, 2009 6:19am PDT
Why are there only 7 instead of 10 tips as the title says? lol
Anyway, I know HR managers search through social network's profiles to see who you really are. I believe what I show on my profiles is decent enough.
But also I believe that an HR manager must remember your exact name, or as someone else said "learn to pronounce my name". I got a job a month ago and the HR person was calling me a different name for a long time (through the interview, the training, the trial period)..she just learned my name actually, a week ago maybe. It feels uncomfortable when you have to correct someone all the time for something so essential, especially someone who's a type of authority to you.
After this issue, I was waiting for the copy of my contract for a while..when I asked for it - they were claiming they've already gave it to me. Then they realized they lost it somewhere so they made a new copy. A bit pathetic ain't it?
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Posted by AshleyD Sun Jul 5, 2009 7:35am PDT
I agree about the inappropriate email addresses. I was interviewing candidates for an assistant position and one of the candidates email address was williamthepimp@.... I obviously didn't call him for an interview.
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