Things Job Seekers Do That Employers Find Strange

If you are sending out applications and waiting for employers to respond, you can do several productive things while you wait: attend networking meetings, brush up on your industry knowledge or take classes to improve your skills. Just don't ruin your job search by behaving inappropriately or giving hiring managers a reason not to hire you. If you are hunting for a job, you need to avoid these job search mistakes.

Sending gifts before or after an interview is not appropriate in the workforce, but some job seekers insist on doing it anyway. Hiring managers have received everything from bagel baskets to edible fruit arrangements from people hoping to make a good impression. Unfortunately, sending this type of gift makes you look unprofessional and a little out of touch with what is expected of an applicant. If someone is particularly helpful to you during your job search, send an email to thank the person. Don't send cigars, flowers, candy, event tickets or any other tangible gifts.

Showing up unannounced is another good way to derail your job search. If you sent in an application and didn't hear back from the hiring manager, there is probably a good reason. In some cases, your qualifications aren't a good fit for the job; in other cases, delays occur due to scheduling conflicts or heavy workloads. Showing up at someone's office unannounced is unprofessional and likely to make hiring managers think twice about putting you through to the next stage of the hiring process. You also need to avoid calling hiring managers too often or hounding support staff for hiring updates.

Finding a job is not always easy, especially in an employer's market. For some applicants, the job search can last several months, making it difficult to pay bills and save for unexpected expenses. If your job search has been dragging on for longer than you expected, don't give in to the temptation to offer your services for free. Well-meaning family members may tell you a trial period is a good way to get your foot in the door, but offering to work for free is not a good way to convince employers of your value. Employers also have to follow state and federal wage laws, so allowing you to work for free is not a good idea from a legal standpoint.

If you are in the middle of a job search, adhere to professional norms when sending application materials to potential employers. In the United States, employers typically expect to receive a cover letter and resume from each applicant. Do not send photos unless a hiring manager asks you to do so. Unless you are applying for jobs requiring a certain level of physical fitness, your appearance really has nothing to do with your ability to perform the essential functions of a job.

When you are ready to start a job search, take time to update your resume and write customized cover letters for each potential employer. While you wait for responses, avoid making these common job search mistakes. Otherwise, you might miss out on a fulfilling career opportunity.

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