Being Too Aggressive Could Hurt You

While it is a good idea to approach your job search with enthusiasm, being overly aggressive could actually reduce your chance of finding a job. Avoid coming across as desperate or pushy when conducting your job search. Follow these tips to avoid seeming too aggressive and improve your chances of success.

Don't be too aggressive in your cover letter. Some job seekers are so keen to explain why they are suitable for the job that they accidentally end up sounding arrogant. Describe your skills and experiences in simple language, without exaggerating or boasting, and remember to express gratitude to the hiring manager for taking the time to consider your application.

If you send in an application and don't hear anything from the employer, it is a good idea to follow up. Hiring managers are often very busy and can end up forgetting about your application. However, avoid being too impatient during your job search. Wait at least a week after the job application deadline before you follow up with a brief email or a quick phone call. Remember to always be polite when you call or email a potential employer, and don't keep the hiring manager on the phone for too long.

During your job search, you are likely to come across employers who don't contact applicants to let them know that their applications are being passed over. If you have been waiting for a long time after an interview to hear from an employer, it is acceptable to follow up with a call or email to find out what is going on. When you get a response, stay polite and express gratitude, even if you feel angry at the employer for ignoring you. It is never a good idea to burn bridges by getting angry during your job search.

If you want to work for a particular company, it can be tempting to apply for every vacancy offered by that organization. However, this approach can make you appear desperate to find any job, whereas employers are looking for candidates who are passionate about the particular roles for which they apply. Limit your search to only those jobs that most interest you within an organization. You can then spend time carefully tailoring your resume and cover letter to match the job description.

Throughout your job search, try to maintain a positive, enthusiastic attitude. At the same time, avoid coming across as overly pushy and aggressive. Be patient when waiting for replies to your job applications, and be careful to avoid sounding arrogant or entitled when writing your applications. Employers are looking for confident people who are able to assert themselves without being aggressive, so remember to always stay calm and focused.

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