culled from:careerealism.com
Take caution with how you present yourself on paper, over the phone
and in person. Things that can instantly turn employers off include:
1. Full voice mail box.
If you’re going to apply for a job, make sure you have your voice
mail ready in case the employer calls. If the employer comes to a full
voice mail box, it’s informing them that you’re not that serious about
the job.
2. Unprofessional voice mail greeting.
Your voice mail greeting is the first impression of you. Would you
walk into a job interview and say, “Hey, what’s up?” If not, make sure
your greeting demonstrates your professionalism.
3. Answering your phone in a gruff and unprofessional manner.
Along the same lines as the voice mail greeting, after you’ve applied
for a job, be ready for the employer to call at any moment. I called a
Senior Vice President candidate, and thinking I was a telemarketing
firm, he sternly asked me “What do you want?” He lightened up after he
found out who I was, but I couldn’t help thinking how bad an impression
he would make if I had been an employer.
4. Typos in the resume.
Misspelling in the email, cover letter, or resume is a no-no.
Employers expect professional communication, so double check all your
written work before sending it out. How you present yourself in person,
on the phone, or on paper all leaves an impression. If you show
carelessness, what’s to say you’ll be any different on the job?
5. Not reading the job description.
Employers can see which applicants are serious and which ones simply
apply to dozens of jobs without much thought. Make sure you have read
the job posting‘s stated requirements and showcase them in the cover
letter and perhaps the resume too if necessary. You also want to follow
any specific instructions included in the job posting. Those who fail to
demonstrate they have the qualifications for the job and those who
don’t follow instructions may automatically be rejected by the employer.
6. Resumes overfilled with buzzwords.
Buzzwords can include self-described terms that just about anyone can
say like “dynamic” or “innovative.” You’re better off demonstrating by
example how you have specific characteristics because when there is no
proof, it’s just a blank statement. For more tips, read
“Is Your Resume Full Of Overused Buzzwords?”
7. Poor listening and communication skills.
When you have an interview, your goal is to build rapport and get the
interviewer to like you. Demonstrating that you were not paying full
attention or not responding appropriately will cause instant rejection.
So show enthusiasm and ask insightful questions
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