What Behaviors Can Hurt Your Chances of Being Hired?

Being unemployed is a stressful time, and it is all too easy to become negative after a few unfruitful leads. Unfortunately, negativity is one of the traits that reduces your chances of getting hired. Hiring managers are looking for ambitious candidates with a positive attitude and a healthy dose of curiosity. Keep your job search on track by avoiding these behaviors that decrease your chances of finding a new job.

Not Talking Enough

Although occasional lapses in conversation are acceptable, talking is an important part of networking and showing your capabilities. Every time you interact with a possible connection during your job search, make it a point to talk about your industry, and show curiosity about new developments. Share things you've learned by keeping up on the news. Be memorable by sharing contact information and then follow up appropriately. Keep the conversation flowing during job interviews. Good communication skills are important, and quality conversation is a way for you to show sincere interest in the company.

Being Reactive Instead of Proactive

The reactive job seeker sends out resumes, and then sits back and waits for responses. After making a new industry connection at a social function, he sits back and waits for the connection to reach out. After a job interview, he waits for the company to get back to him. All this waiting leads to missed opportunities and an extended job search. A proactive job seeker eagerly reaches out to contacts and explores all of his options by contacting companies, talking to hiring managers and following up after interviews. Being proactive is the best way to get results.

Focusing on Yourself

Although it is important to share your strengths, it is more important to let companies know specifically how you will benefit them. Avoid the temptation to ramble on singing your own praises. Instead, focus on your potential new employers during all the stages of your job search. In your resume, tell how your actions directly affected your previous employers. During interviews, explain how you think you can help the new company. Ask questions about the company's operations — not about your future benefits and salary.

Negativity

Nobody wants a negative subordinate or co-worker; avoid sharing negative opinions with connections or interviewers. Keep your attitude positive, and answer the phone with a smile. Find good things to say about your past positions. Practice emphasizing the positive when talking about things such as gaps in your work history or past jobs in other fields. Most of all, avoid random complaining. Even when mentioning the weather, it is good to add a smile and a positive slant. Being a warm, likable person pushes you ahead of other interviewees who might have the same skills and experience.

Changing a few simple behaviors is a great way to move your job search along. Stay positive, and display a good attitude. Start conversations, and stay current in your field. Be proactive making the first move during your job search instead of waiting around for others to call you, and especially keep the focus on what you can do for hiring companies instead of what they can do for you.

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