Are you on the hunt for a new job? You can find plenty of tips for finding a job that suits you, but what should you avoid doing? You don’t want to lose out on a great opportunity because you weren’t aware of the following mistakes:
Trash Talking Your Former Company or Boss
No matter how warranted you feel your bashing is, it is inappropriate to bash your former employee or company in an interview. If you have to talk about your previous position, do so with candor and class. Why? As sly as you may think you’re being, your trash talking comes through loudly in an interview and no one likes to hear that. Not only is it unprofessional, it paints you in a bad light. Instead, speak highly of past positions and managers.
Discussing Money on the First Interview
As tempting as it may be to bring up salary, resist the temptation and allow the employer to bring up the topic of compensation. Not only is it unprofessional, it leaves a bad taste in the interviewer’s mouth. If they do bring up compensation, let them know your willingness to negotiate and then do so at a later date. Avoid discussing money at all on a first interview.
Dressing Inappropriately
One of the most avoidable mistakes when it comes to job searching and interviewing is wearing the wrong clothes. This goes both ways. You can be overdressed or underdressed for an interview. How can you avoid this? Research the company and get a feel for the environment. If it is a low key, casual workplace, you don’t want to wear a suit to your interview. On the other hand, if it is a business where everyone is dressed to the nines, you want to follow suit.
Everyone can agree that job searching can be very stressful. There is no need to make it more stressful by making costly mistakes as you pursue your newest employment. Make sure that you never, ever, trash talk or bash your former employer or boss on an interview. In addition, never bring up compensation or salary and lastly, be sure to dress appropriately for your interview. Remember, you want this job, so do everything possible to get it!