It is now time for our annual “Don’t Do It” list. This is where I list the most common (or unusual) stories or complaints that I have gathered from Recruiters or Hiring Managers since the previous year’s version. This is all real-life feedback that I have heard, so I would hope that these items would carry even more weight than my usual tips. Yes, some of these example are “out there,” but if someone else could do it, then it bears reminding to you… “don’t do it!”
• It used to be that job seekers were advised to always thoroughly read through their written communication to recruiters to make sure they are submitting error-free documents. Now, candidates are encouraged to read thoroughly to make sure that what they submit does not read too much like it is Artificial Intelligence (AI). A reader should be able to tell when they receive AI because, although the grammar is perfect, the word selection tends to have a non-human feel to it. Prospective employers want to see your written communication skills (especially since it’s such a fading skill), not what you can research and copy/paste.
• If you are travelling for an interview, then it is imperative that you are on your best behavior while in town for the meeting. Any judgment lapse, either immediate (such as an arrest) or longer-term (perhaps a motor vehicle violation with the rental car), may come back to haunt you. As tempting as it may be to see the sights or enjoy the nightlife, you are better suited to focus on the interview and spend the time in your hotel room practicing. If you do have an issue with the rental car, then it is best to “come clean” and let the company know about it. They will find out eventually from the rental car company, and you don’t want them to feel like you withheld information or misled them.
• Companies are becoming increasingly wary regarding candidates and new hires revealing confidential information during the interview process or once hired. It used to be almost an unwritten established practice to take information with you, especially if you were the person who created it. In today’s world with the forensic ability of Information Technology (IT) Departments, it is pretty easy for them to know if you downloaded anything and what it was. Your actions can easily pull your prospective/new employer into a lawsuit that they don’t want (and may not be able to win). So, don’t start sharing confidential details in your interviews and put down the jump drives. It is not worth the trouble you may be getting yourself into.
• We all know that there are some pretty bad bosses out there…all you have to do is watch TV or see a movie to be constantly reminded of the stereotypical bad boss. The general message is that employers and (in particular) managers are awful people. This, however, does not relax the general expected interview decorum around being professional. So, avoid going on any long diatribe regarding your current/past managers (and employers in general). Hiring Managers like to talk to positive people, feeling that if you are upbeat during the interview, then you are more likely to be that way while on the job. Leave your frustration/anger towards your employer to conversations with your friends and family, and do not include in the interview.
• It seems like every year I write something about social media and the posting of inappropriate messages. It used to be, however, all about Facebook and other personal social media sites that were the concern. The growing issue is now focused on LinkedIn and messages being shared on what is supposed to be a business/professional social media site. What makes unfortunate LinkedIn messages even more concerning is that they are so much easier for recruiters to view, because you probably are in their connections. So, lay off the political messages or liking/commenting the social media influencers who are barely dressed. Furthermore, your story of battling addiction or weight issues (while it may be inspirational) may not place you in the best light as a candidate when battling many similarly qualified people for a job.
I hope that you are not doing anything on this list, but if you are… “don’t do it!”
So, there you have it, another edition of “don’t do it” has been completed. Please go on our website of www.wnyjobs.com to look up the entire series that goes back many years. As long as job seekers are doing things they shouldn’t be, we will keep documenting them in our annual list.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
