No No's From The CEOs

My wife recently forwarded me an article that highlights some key factors companies focus on when hiring a candidate. While the article is targeted to undergraduates trying to land their first job, I noticed a lot of the information in the article is true of all job seekers, not just entry-level. I have attached an excerpt below.

When asked to identify the biggest mistakes recent college graduates make during the application and interview process, employers reported the following.

• Acting bored or cocky (63%)
• Not dressing appropriately (61%)
• Coming to the interview with no knowledge of the company (58%)
• Not turning off cell phones or electronic devices (50%)
• Not asking good questions during the interview (49%)
• Asking what the pay is before the company considered them for the job (38%)
• Spamming employers with the same resume and/or cover letter (21%)
• Failure to remove unprofessional photos/content on social networking pages, Web pages, blogs, etc. (19%)
• Not sending a thank-you note after the interview (12%)

In this environment, I would also add that you do not want to look over eager or desperate in your interview. I understand many of you are not happy with your job or currently do not have one, but try not to wear these truths on your face. Yes, you do want to look interested and excited by the opportunity, but you do not want to overdo this and end up looking obsessive or crazy. Also, just because you are unemployed, do not act like you have no other cards to play. You want them to see you caught a tough break in the past, but that you are still a relevant and viable candidate. Do not give them the impression you would take any job. Coming off as confident, selective and controlled is still important.