Are You Turning Hiring Managers Off?

As one of Dade County’s top employment agencies, Future Force knows there are plenty of job interview traps out there. How can you avoid them? By not making these mistakes:

Mistake #1: Asking sensitive questions at the wrong time.

Yes, asking questions during a job interview is generally a good thing. After all, how are you supposed to find out if the position is a good match for you if you don’t learn as much as you can about the opportunity, the company and the culture. That said, there is a time and a place for asking questions about sensitive topics (think questions about money, health insurance, vacation days and promotions) – and it’s usually not in the first interview in the first few minutes.

Mistake #2: Showing a lack of emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is simply emotional IQ. In other words, it’s your ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others. So if, through your interview, the hiring manager gets a sense that you are a little arrogant, have trouble working with teams, and frequently blame others when things go wrong, then you’re not likely to get hired.

Mistake #3: Being rude.

If you walk into a potential employer’s office and are rude to the administrative staff or any other people you deem as “junior level,” then you’re showing your true colors – and they aren’t pretty. Be polite and professional to everyone, at all times, from the receptionist to the CEO.

Mistake #4: Being negative.

Hiring managers want candidates who are eager and upbeat, not those who bash former employers, colleagues and bosses, or who demonstrate a bad attitude. Leaders know that negativity spreads – and that it’s toxic to the workplace. On the flip side, they know that positivity is contagious too and, as a result, look for those who bring an optimistic outlook into the workplace.

Mistake #5: Showing a lack of preparation.

Arriving late, not asking any questions, and showing a general lack of knowledge about the company demonstrates to the hiring manager that you didn’t do your homework. They’re thinking: if you don’t put forth this most basic effort for the interview, what are you going to be like once on the job?

Employers don’t just want any candidate; they want the right one. And if you’re making the mistakes above, you could be turning hiring managers off – and your chances of being offered the job.

If you need more help with your job search, call Future Force. As one of Dade County’s top employment agencies, we can give you the inside scoop on getting hired at some of the area’s leading companies. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started.