5 Don'ts to Avoid Career Sabotage

If you've been out of the job search game for years due to stable employment, you may be a bit rusty as you try to compose a compelling cover letter, polish your resume, add to your network and prep for the interview. Avoid career sabotage by forgetting what you learned the last time you looked for a job, and remember these five don'ts as you try to land your next opportunity.

1. Don't Be Afraid to Say Why You Want the Job

The general reason people want a job is for the money, but don't be afraid to tell the hiring manager why you really want the job. Do you have a personal connection with the company? Did your best friend from college work here a few years ago and he loved it? Career sabotage starts when you don't make a memorable impression on the people who want to hire you. If you have a unique reason why you want the job, that stands out from other candidates.

2. Don't Be Afraid to Tell Your Story

Show transparency by telling HR what you really want from this job in terms of your professional career. It's okay to say you see a lot of potential for moving up the corporate ladder or you want to move to the area so your kids have a better life. Be honest about your needs to help prevent career sabotage, as HR likes people who are honest.

3. Don't Worry During Negotiations

You don't have to negotiate your salary if you don't want to do so. When the employer comes back with an offer above what you wanted, don't be afraid to accept the terms after looking over the contract. If the offer seems low to you, step up and make your case for a higher salary. Career sabotage may come from the fact that you're worth more than you realize when you take a lower offer.

4. Don't Forget to Write a Thank-You Note

A handwritten thank-you note after the interview is polite, and it may convince a hiring manager to make you an offer if all other things with another candidate are equal. This simple thing can tip the scales in your favor. Sometimes you don't know if just one little facet of your personality can help you sidestep career sabotage, so you should err on the side of giving it your all during the entire job search process.

5. Don't Be Indecisive

When you choose a course of action, stick with it to its end. Indecisiveness wastes time on a job search, so trust in your self-confidence by looking for jobs that suit your personality, qualifications and skills.

Career sabotage while on a job hunt doesn't have to happen to you. All you need is a little practice and a few tips before you talk to HR, and you should do just fine. As you improve your game, you get closer to landing a job.

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