- In order to get the jobs we need (and want), we have to act within a certain protocol.
- That protocol can become so pervasive, it can be difficult to know how a job seeker should react during an interview.
- Whatever you do or do not do during an interview is act desperate.
- Desperation is certainly one of the fastest ways to destroy an interview and with that, prospects that you will get that perfect job.
When we apply for a job, we do it for the money more than anything else, whether we admit it or not. No matter how great the workplace and how attractive the reputation of the position, if we don't get paid we won't work. Right? We all need money.
It is what makes the world go round. Buying a house, sending kids to college, or have better meals every day, sometimes it all depends on that one job and the paycheck you earn for it.
That's the reason why a job search can make you desperate. Experts believe that a job search is a lot like dating – you cannot afford to look desperate or beg the other person to like you. Most people are great at sensing emotion and body language. If you go out with a person who exhibits a desperate need to be liked by you, would you go out with that person a second time? Probably not.
It also applies to a job search. When recruiters sense your desperation to get that job, it doesn't excite them. Confidence is contagious, and they probably want somebody comfortable and confident in their own skin.
You might really need the job, but when that shows in your words and body language, the recruiters think that you want the job only for the money or that you have not planned your life out that well. When a company goes on a hiring spree, they hope to net confident, enthusiastic people to join the team and take the team forward, not someone who only thinks of the job as the means to a paycheck.
Of course, there are things you can do to boost your confidence during a job search so that you don't come across as desperate or needy. And even if you think you are confident, you could be doing things that make you look desperate for the job. Here are the 15 job search moves that make you appear in a way that you do not want to appear.
- Applying for multiple jobs at the same company at the same time
When you see that a good company is hiring, your first impulse is to get into that company one way or the other. So you go to their job listing page and see the openings for which you qualify. And you submit your resume for each of those positions.
Even if you believe you are a fit for more than one position listed on the job openings page, resist your urge to apply to several openings. Pick the one that you think you will be best at, and apply for that position. Make sure your resume reflects your skills and strengths required for that position. If you create the same resume for different positions, it is only going to look vague and irrelevant.
- Willing to take any job
If you have been searching for a job for a long time or get only a few leads, you will be willing to take any job as long as you get paid. In some cases, you will be ready to take a job even if it's a step down and the salary isn't as much as you deserve. This could be because of the economy (which is turning upwards now because of tax cuts but let’s get back on track here), and you desperately need work. Sometimes this could also be because you want to get into the organization by any means possible.
When the recruiters see that you are willing to take a step down just because you need a job or because you want to work with that company, they instantly see someone who doesn't know his worth. A candidate like that isn't valuable to the company, because anyone who has put themselves in that type of position may not be the caliber of person they want working alongside them.
- Showing desperation in the cover letter
When you apply for a job, the cover letter is where you get to explain why you are the right candidate for the position. This is where you apply the power of words to show how much you want to work for that company. You keep repeating how much you need the job, how much you want to work for them, and how badly you've been seeking a position like that for so long.
That is really a sloppy way to present yourself. You never want to show anyone all your cards like that.
Your cover letter is where you describe your strengths, skills, and accomplishments. It isn't where you beg for the job. Remember that recruiters are looking for a confident, stable candidate who's comfortable in his own skin and who believes in himself. You do this by presenting yourself in a professional and mature manner that this would benefit any company if they took you on board.
- Willing to work as a temp first
What's worse than willing to take any job? Willing to work as a temp first. When you offer to work as a temp even without being asked to, you come across as someone who is desperate and who is in terrible straits. Sometimes, you could be hired as a temp for a few months just to find out if you're fit for the role. But when you offer it yourself, that is a bright warning sign for any employer that you are not the person they want in their offices.
Never offer working for any other position other than the one you applied for – certainly not in the same interview! Not getting a job is nothing to write home about, but you still need to show that even if you don't get that job it is not the end of your world and you have other options in life. This exhibits confidence and self-worth.
- Pretending that money doesn't matter
There's a difference between saying your salary is negotiable and saying that money doesn't matter to you. All too often, companies don't have a set salary advertised for the position. That means the salary is negotiable, depending upon the candidate's skills and experience. When you reply that money doesn't matter to you in response to what your desired salary is, it reflects poor self-esteem and a lack of practicality. It could also connote dishonesty.
Before going to an interview, you should research the salary for positions similar to what you’re applying for so you know what the ideal salary for the position is. This will help you give a better answer when this topic comes up.
- Willing to work any schedule
Different positions have different schedules – well, not always. You may sometimes have to work eight hours, ten, or even twelve hours. You have to have some standards. You are willing to work hard but this does not mean you are willing to be a slave to the company.
When you say things like that even without being asked, you are clearly projecting neediness and desperation. Just because you want an income doesn't mean you should be willing to work any schedule. You should only be willing to work what is right for that position.
- Bringing up past performance reviews
In fact, the previous organization is going to miss you. You are a dedicated team worker, the interview needs to know this.
- Showing too much excitement
Enthusiasm and excitement is something recruiters look for in a candidate, because it is a mark of confidence and energy. An energetic candidate is always desirable, but not someone who is a little too excited about the job. When you cannot stop gushing about how lucky you are at being called for the interview and how badly you would like to have that job, it just shows your desperation in this matter. Excitement is good, but try to keep it under control.
Yes you should be honored to be considered but they should be honored that someone with your merits are available.
- Following up frequently
The recruitment process is long-drawn and patience is a great virtue. Following up once is alright, but only when it is long past the deadline. Otherwise, it is better to wait for a response.
- Blurting out the wrong answers
This happens when you don't practice answers for an interview. You are going to be nervous, and while nervous, there also is the chance that you might say the wrong things. That is the reason why it's essential to practice some standard questions and answers before going to the interview. Appearing for a mock interview is also a sagacious way to ensure you don't end up saying anything that makes you look like you are at the end of your rope.
- Talking excessively about past jobs
Chattering about your ex-bosses, how much they praised and liked you isn't what you should be doing when you meet the recruiters. Instead, focus on the role for which you have applied, why you think you will be an asset to the team and what you bring to the table. Never say more than you have to.
- Being overly positive about the current job
If you love your current job, why are you leaving? While it isn't prudent to say a bunch of negative things about your current job, it isn't good to be too bombastic about how amazing it is either. It can make the recruiter suspicious.
If you are currently employed, but want a better position, say that you are happy with some aspects of your job but want more for your career. That is what drove you to apply for this position. Unless you give a convincing reply, the recruiters will have a deep seated suspicion about you.
What is really going on? What are your intentions really?
- Sending the hiring manager/recruiter a LinkedIn connection request
This is the age of social media, and LinkedIn is the biggest professional networking platform there is. However, sending people in the organization connection requests even before you are hired is intrusive and unprofessional.
If you get hired, those people will become connections. Otherwise, it is wise to maintain a distance until you become part of the team. You might think that it is harmless but it could easily be construed as someone who is brownnosing or overreaching.
- Sending a thank you note apologizing about something
Recruiters forget interview gaffes sooner than you can imagine. So if you send a thank you note apologizing about something that you said during an interview, it is only going to seem like a desperate attempt to make a good impression. Sending a thank you note is good, but don’t bring up mistakes you thought you made during the interview.
They may not even remember it or even think it was a mistake. So if you apologize for something that you should not be apologizing for, you are sort of shooting yourself in the foot.
- Sending gifts to the recruiter/hiring manager
Yes, this actually happens a lot. You cannot buy a job with gifts, so when you send expensive products or baked goodies to the people in the team, you can come across as someone who is overly dramatic or ostentatious. No amount of gifts can help you get the job if you are not fit for the role. It isn't going to help your case. A job search is not a social occasion, so maintain a dignified distance and appear professional at all times.
A hiring process is long and time-consuming, so do not jump to conclusions at the outset. You may not hear back anything within a week, but three months later you could well get a job offer from the same company. The wait can be frustrating, but that’s how the hiring process is.
Meanwhile, focus on your current situation and always strive to learn more. If you are currently employed, try to get the most out of the job. If you are not employed, sharpen your skills and keep yourself engaged in activities that will help make you more valuable to employers.
You don’t need everyone to appreciate your skills and accomplishments. The ones who see your real worth will give you a call or send you that coveted email. Do not get too attached to any job opportunity; who knows, you might have loathed it anyway!
See the following articles for more information:
- How Does A Company Decide Who To Hire
- Small Law Firms Prove To Be Big Source Of Jobs
- Informational Interviews: Yes, They’re Important
