A study with human resource professionals at corporations across North America reveals costly mistakes that can derail your chances of winning your dream job.
1. Writing longwinded cover letters
"Resumes and cover letters that are short and to the point impress me, because they require good communication skills." — Svea Christensen, HR Representative, Click Commerce Inc.
Many of today’s human resource professionals take just 8-12 seconds to scan your cover letter, which is why you need to take the time to compose something brief and compelling. The experts suggest your cover letter should:
- Contain bullet points
- Match the needs of the position with your qualifications
- Highlight items of value that are NOT in your resume
- Engage the reader’s curiosity
- Have a sentence explaining why you want to work at their company
2. Grammar and spelling mistakes
"When someone sends me a cover letter or resume with errors in punctuation, grammar, etc., I automatically throw it into the 'No Interest' file." — Rhone Lee, HR Vice President, PSC Inc.
It's hard to believe this is a top pet peeve, especially with 'spell check', yet it is one of the top reasons resumes never lead to an interview. The experts feel anyone who submits an imperfect resume or cover letter is unlikely to pay attention to detail. As the human resource experts said again and again, "The best indicator of future behavior is current behavior."
So be detail-oriented and don’t count on your spell-check for grammar mistakes as it doesn’t always catch them!
3. Not preparing answers to potential interview questions
"We have only so much time for an interview, and we value effective communication, so it’s better not to answer in 100 words when 20 would do." — Doug Hilton, Senior Director of HR, ADP Inc.
Hiring experts can ask some tough questions, and they look for applicants who can respond briefly and clearly. Without taking time to anticipate and prepare responses, you run the risk of sabotaging your interview with long-winded, rambling replies.
It’s a good idea to rehearse your answers with someone before your interview. You should try to video tape your role-play and review it to make sure your inflection and body language are working in your favor.
4. Not asking the right questions in the interview
"Every interviewer I know asks, 'Do you have any questions?' If the candidate has no questions at all, you doubt their sincerity and their desire to become part of the company." — Jenny Stanionis, HR Business Partner/Recruiter, Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc.
When the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" don’t say "No, nothing I can think of." Doug Hilton, Sr. Director of HR at ADP Inc. suggests you ask questions that show you’ve researched the company and the position. He also recommends questions about the culture of the organization to determine if you are a good fit.
Just make sure you don’t ask about salary and benefits before you’ve been offered the position!
5. Criticizing former employers
"During interviews, candidates get into trouble when they start discussing problems with former employers. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior." — Don Perry, Divisional HR Manager, Grossman’s Bargain Outlet
They say people don’t necessarily quit bad companies, they quit bad bosses. Even so, it’s important to avoid negative talk in your interview, so take some time to prepare a positive response to the question, "Why did you leave your last job?"
6. Not presenting themselves professionally at the interview
They say you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. With that in mind, let’s look at four areas that affect the way we present ourselves from the perspective of HR professionals.
Don’t wear an excessive amount of perfume or cologne.
"One thing that's important now that wasn't important 10 or 15 years ago is how much perfume or cologne a person wears. If you wear it, it should be very subtle, because lots of folks have allergies, and that’s an issue in the workplace." — Linda Jeffers, Assistant Vice President: Human Resource Officer, Bank of Agriculture & Commerce
Control nervous habits or fidgeting.
"You need to be aware of whether you have nervous habits. You should do a mock interview with somebody who can give you feedback so you’re more prepared. You need to be willing to look at yourself to see if you’re doing things like flipping your hair, picking at your nails, etc. Some people are nervous in an interview, and I understand that — but it's very distracting and hard to pay attention to what they're saying if they keep making nervous gestures and movements." — Jill Gaskins, Office Manager, Centex Homes Northern CA Division
Eye contact is essential.
When you speak to people in a business setting and your eyes are anywhere but on the person you are speaking to, it's an extremely poor way to interact with another human being. Not only does it make the other person wonder if you are paying attention, but it can give them the impression that you are not being straightforward and honest.
On the flip side, being constantly stared at makes most people feel uncomfortable, like they are under a microscope. So don’t overdo it. Just find that comfortable middle ground, and be aware of how eye contact influences your communication. It’s hugely important.
"It’s important to look the interviewer in the eye. I have conducted many interviews where management candidates stared at the ceiling and fumbled with their hands while answering questions. Knowing how to interact effectively with others is an essential part of a manager's position, and eye contact is an important part of communication. Candidates should demonstrate their non-verbal communication skills during interviews." — Carolyn Humphreys, SPHR, Vice President of Human Resources, River Ranch Fresh Foods
The handshake is your first point of contact and makes an instant impression
"Applicants need to think of themselves as professionals, and a lot of that comes from your mindset — the confidence you come in with, the way you conduct yourself. To me, a handshake is a whole language, and when I shake someone’s hand and get a wimpy, unconfident grip, in my mind that usually means an unassured person." — Leda M. Quiros-Weed, Senior Human Resources Representative, International Education Corporation
Reprinted with permission. Michael Schell is the author of four research-based books including Human Resource Approved Job Interviews & Resumes: Success Secrets from the Hiring Side of the Desk. Contact Michael at mike@thoughtleaderinc.com or 604-682-0543. Website: www.thoughtleaderinc.com.
