As per Tom Gimbel, president and CEO of The LaSalle Network-an executive recruiting firm in Chicago: most of the companies don't give direct feedback to the applicants regarding their areas of improvement in the course of interview. In the same manner candidates also don't research or take advice form anyone regarding their resume. When they go for interview they generally take it positive as interviewer never asks or never shows any odd, however, it is possible that he could not find some very crucial and professional information in your resume which he was looking for.
Hence it is possible that you are blowing your chances of getting a suitable job just because you don't know where the question mark is. Let's take a look at some of these "Don't hire me!" red flags:
1. No contact information:
Well, you put all your efforts in spelling out the relevant skills and qualification in your resume to impress the hiring manger, but, you forget to put the right contact information on your resume which proves very costly. How can be one hired if he cannot be found or contacted later on? There should be at least a home address, phone number or e-mail address to get in touch with you.
2. Professionally you are idle between the jobs:
If you are sitting idle for a long time after your last job then it is a definitely a big question mark on your resume. What made you sit idle for such a long time? Why did not you apply anywhere? Why you were not selected anywhere. As per Gimbel, be ready to explain such questions if you have more than a three month gap of idleness on your résumé, legitimate or otherwise.
3. You have not done your home work:
Do some extensive research on the companies you have short listed. Check their performance, their background, their management details, and every other single piece of information which might be helpful to prepare you for the interview. Prepare your own questions and also try a mock interview with the help of someone or in front of mirror.
4. No mention of references:
References are very important for the hiring managers to take your feedback from other people who know you personally or professionally. Resume without references shows that nobody guarantees you or you don't know anyone who has positive things to say about you. As per Gimbel, there should be at least one reference who can speak about you positively.
5. Never criticize your previous employment:
Criticizing your old employer and employment is very lethal for your career point of view. No hiring manger wants to listen those negative things as they are all part of the same professional world. When replying the questions regarding your previous employment you should check your thoughts and selection of words. You can always say that you did not have enough opportunity to grow further and you are looking for more competitive environment to make your contribution.
6. Your professional stability is doubtful:
Job hopping is another area of concern for the prospective employers as they always prefer the professionally stable candidates. Too many jobs in a little time show lack of stability in any position. No body wants to hire a person who often swings out when it comes to change the job either for money or for position. As per Gimbel, if your resume shows this trend then you should always prepare to explain yourself.
7. Your answers are inconsistent:
Be focused while answering the questions of hiring managers as they often trick you with the same questions asked in many different ways, just to know if you are that genuine candidate. They are well trained people who know very well how to check the applicants with their thoughts in the mind. Just speak genuine from your heart and don't make any false statement which may spoil your chances of selection.
8. You are not ready to negotiate:
Be flexible with your expectations from the job such as benefits, perks, compensation, timing etc. Companies always follow the strict guidelines of companies' policies when hiring a candidate. These guidelines are like a constitution of the company and cannot be changed just for one particular person. So bend a little bit if you think you are going to make it.
9. Your application was boring:
You have to actively work on your resume and the cover letter when applying for different jobs in different fields. Same resume and same cover letter with some changes here and there won't suffice your purpose. It clearly shows your attitude towards the job seeking and the life as well. If you don't take care of the minute details in your resume then you are supposed to handle the responsibilities and duties on the job. You don't work for time pass!
10. You don't have ambition:
When facing an interview you need to show some clarity of thoughts regarding your priorities in life, your long-term and short-term goals, your career path, your ambitions. People who attempt interview with only money in their mind generally let down the hiring managers. Hiring managers prefer those who are ambitious, and self-motivated, and who know the right answer of the question: "Where do you see yourself down the line five years?". No company wants unfocused and unmotivated candidate.
