Looking for a Job? Don't Do This.......

 Recruiting with some candidates can be amusing and a train wreck at the same time. There are some that I have so desperately wanted to give some friendly advice, but that would not be appropriate. But it would be a crime for no one to learn from the mistakes of those good intentioned but clueless job seekers, so I'm sharing a list of the most useful offenses, but nonetheless, the ones that have entertained me the most. Learn and do not repeat.....

Don't use an answer tone. The answer tone must die! You know, when you call someone and music plays until the voice mail message picks up. The normal ringing sound that has been around since the beginning of telephone history is just fine. As a human resources professional its not often that I get to deliver good news. I'm generally happy to call an applicant,(which is the result that every job seeker wants to happen), to begin the selection process. 


What makes my smile turn upside down is being insulted by the lyrics of a answer tone. And don't take this to say that your jazz, gospel or classical answer tone is anymore appropriate. That would be an incorrect assumption. Keep in mind that the interview process starts with the first phone call and the image you create by using an answer tone is not a positive one. Rule of thumb...turn the answer tone off during a job search search.

Don't include a headshot. This trend must end. I'm not sure why it started but its a horribly bad idea. Unless you are applying for job as a model, actor, Hooters waitress or something similar, a photograph has no place on your resume. Really? These resumes may not go to the bottom of the pile, but they are not taken seriously. Just to be clear, adding a photograph adds no value to your resume. The human resources professional that will screen your resume is concerned with something called KSAs: Knowledge, skills and abilities, not the quality of your photographer. Please, please, omit the photo. Thank you.

Don't use urine that does not belong to you for drug tests. Sounds like common sense, but it actually happens. Taking a drug test is very common place in today's employment landscape and is a contingency to getting and keeping most jobs. What should you do if you think you might not pass the test? I have no idea. But one thing not do is borrow urine from a friend. Drug test administrators are hip to this game and have methods to prevent uhm....contraband urine. The common sense reason is that the friend, the one you want to borrow urine from, might not pass the test either. So you might just be better off using your own.

Don't answer your phone during an interview. This may sound like Job Hunting 101, but sadly this happens way too often. Unless someone is DYING there is no good reason to answer your phone during an interview. This rule still stands even if the person conducting the interview leaves the room for any length of time. Updating your Facebook status during the interview or while waiting for the interview to begin is not a move that is going to impress the socks off your potential employer. Better yet to keep the temptation at bay, its a good idea to leave your phone in the car.

Don't become verbally violent if you are declined for a position. No one enjoys getting rejection letters or emails. There is a correct way to respond; either no response or a general thanks for the opportunity letter. An effective way to get on the "do not hire list" and possibly get yourself a retraining order is to call and get all "Mel Gibson" on the human resources professional. The recruiter with may have used the terms external customers in regards to candidates, but this is not to be confused with being an actual customer that is purchasing a product or service. Speaking up and throwing a fit might get you a discount or free dinner when you are an actual customer, but throwing a fit about not be hired will not get you hired. Its a risky tactic...I don't suggest it.

The list of candidate don'ts could fill a book, but these are my favorites. While I hope that you shared a laugh, my greater hope is that you will learn from the mistakes of candidates past and not repeat them. Especially if your goal is to get hired and not be the comic relief for the recruiter and all of his or her friends.


Have any memorable recruiting stories of your own? Leave a comment, I'd love to read about it.