5 Scary Mistakes First-Time Job Seekers Make

With Halloween right around the corner, here’s a look at some of the scariest mistakes first-time job seekers make – and how to avoid them:

Using an inappropriate email address or voicemail message.

You might think that shortstuff101@gmail.com is cute. But a hiring manager is going to find it annoying; and it could impact your ability to land an interview. Why? Because it’s not professional and including an email address like that on your resume will make the hiring manager question your judgment. If you need to set up an email account with an address that sounds more professional just for your job search, then do it.

Arriving to the interview late without calling or with a good excuse.

Sometimes there’s a bad accident or an unforeseen event that can cause you to be late to a job interview. It happens to the best of us. However, if you don’t call the hiring manager to let them know you’ll be late, or you’re simply “running late” for no good reason, then you’re jeopardizing your chances of winning the job. After all, if you can’t show up on time to an interview, how can you possibly show up on time once on the job?

Arriving to the interview too casually dressed.

A company might sound cool and quirky, but that doesn’t mean that’s how you should dress for the interview. Always wear business attire and appropriate shoes and accessories. The last thing you want is to get knocked out of the running for a terrific opportunity because you showed up in a blazer, t-shirt and jeans. Remember, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed when it comes to job interviews.

Bringing along your friend or mom and dad to the interview for support.

Don’t think this doesn’t happen. And if you’re even considering it, stop right now. If you bring your best friend to an interview and have them wait for you in the lobby, the receptionist will likely report back to the hiring manager. And you’re going to look needy, uncertain and incapable of acting like a grown up. In other words, you’re not going to be someone they’ll want to hire.

Winging it during the interview.

You may very well be the type of person who likes to speak off the cuff. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for a job interview.

  • First, you need to spend some time learning all you can about the company, the position, and the need they’re trying to fill.
  • Secondly, you need to prepare a list of your own questions so you can learn as much as possible not only about the opportunity, but what it’s like to work at the company.
  • And finally, you’ll also want to think about the skills, accomplishments and strengths you’d most like to highlight to the hiring manager.

That doesn’t mean you need to rehearse all your answers; it simply means you need to do some homework ahead of time so you can best sell yourself during the interview.

If you need more help finding your first job, call Future Force. As a leading Miami Lakes employment agency, Future Force can connect you with the top employers – and the top jobs in Miami LakesContact us today to learn more.