At Halloween we all like a good scare; haunted houses, spooky costumes and ghost stories are all part of the fun. But when it comes to your job search, we want to make sure there’s nothing scary about it at all!
Here are five things that job seekers often do that can scare away potential employers:
Resurrecting an outdated resume
Most people search for a new job only every few years, or sometimes decades can pass before we are on the hunt again! When the time comes to send out applications, we delve into the deepest darkest crypt in our computer and resurrect an old, outdated resume. Hiring trends change and resume formatting preferences evolve; take the time to reinvent your resume so that it’ll catch the eye of today’s hiring managers.
Mysteriously showing up late to an interview
Being late to an interview is a red flag, but being late with zero explanation or forewarning is worse. There are many unexpected circumstances that can result in someone being late, but it’s courteous to ring ahead to let your interviewer know and explain the delay.
Answering questions like a zombie
Employers are looking for enthusiasm and interest from potential new hires, so providing lifeless responses won’t leave a good impression on the interviewer. Avoid generic answers and instead provide tailored answers that show you’ve researched and prepared for the interview.
Having a frightening online presence
Drunken selfies, offensive language, controversial status updates—we’ve seen it all online and it’ll have employers running for the hills! Before you start your job search, make sure you clean up your online presence. Check and recheck your privacy settings, delete anything questionable and ensure only your professional online presence can be found.
Being a ghost after the interview
Make sure you don’t completely disappear after your interview . It’s important to follow up with the interviewer less than 24 hours after the interview to thank them for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role. An email is the most common way to get your message across and let’s the interviewer know you genuinely care.
Good luck, and we hope your experience is more treat than trick!
