17 Surefire Ways to Annoy Potential Employers

Despite the President's encouraging words, the job market is still in sorry shape. There are more job seekers than job openings, so do NOT make things harder on yourself by doing any of the things on this list! Never, ever do these!

  • Apply for jobs you are not qualified for.

  • Send a generic cover letter that doesn't identify the position you're interested in, or match your qualifications to the job.

  • Put a useless, seen-it-a-million-times Objective on your resume that says you want a "challenging opportunity with a forward-looking company where I can utilize my knowledge, experience and skills to our mutual advantage."

  • Make your resume a list of past duties instead of accomplishments.

  • Lie, brag or exaggerate about ANYTHING.

  • Keep making repetitive "notice-me" calls to ask if your resume was received.

  • Fail to respond quickly to messages left on your answering machine or voicemail.

  • Expect them to schedule your phone-screening interview after normal business hours.

  • Refuse to give your salary requirements when requested prior to the interview.

  • Fail to research the company prior to the interview.

  • Arrive at the interview late.

  • Be rude to the receptionist.

  • Put "See attached resume" instead of filling out the application completely.

  • Be unprepared at the interview.

  • Ask "What's in it for ME?" type questions at the interview.

  • Fail to send a thank-you letter after the interview.

  • Call to ask about the status of the position days before when you were told they'd make a decision.

    • Don't annoy people who hold your future in their hands. Be cool and professional!

    You may reprint/republish this article if you include my name and a link to this website.

    Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.

    In The News:

    pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Booster & Drainers

    Like huge anchors on cruise ships, other people... Read More

    Create Your Plan B Before the Layoff Axe Falls

    In one short week, the axe fell at a number... Read More

    Avoid a Three-ring Circus with These New Interviewing Strategies

    I referenced the circus because I just finished another interviewing... Read More

    Managing Change -- Endings Are Just Doorways to New Beginnings

    Every May we celebrate Mother's Day-a time to tell mothers... Read More

    Settling Successfully Into Your New Job

    The euphoria of getting a new job can sometimes be... Read More

    Negotiating Skills: How to Obtain the Salary You Want

    Salary negotiating is an important topic that must be addressed... Read More

    Are Your Intentions Clear in Your Job Search?

    1. Do you REALLY know what you want?2. Do you... Read More

    How to Survive in Business Long Enough to Win

    As a former human resources professional it has always intrigued... Read More

    Losing a Career When Youre Moving for Love

    Those who watched HBO's Sex and the City (SATC, now... Read More

    The 4 Job Search Facts You Need To Know!

    Are you harboring bitterness or anger towards your current or... Read More

    Tips for Getting Your Movie Career Launched

    Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to... Read More

    Your Value Proposition: A Critical Component To Having A Successful Job Search

    Your value proposition is a series of statements defining your... Read More

    7 Steps to Interviews that Win the Job

    These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The... Read More

    5 Steps to Standing Out Above the Crowd at Work

    Do you feel like one in a million at work... Read More

    Bringing Our Family to Work

    Let's face it, most of us consider professional success and... Read More

    Have Some PASTA with Your Interview

    When cyclists prepare for a big race, they always make... Read More

    Manage Your Boss - And Get Ahead!

    It's clear there are a number of common issues faced... Read More

    Identity Theft and Your Online Job Search

    While identity theft is nothing new, the Web has opened... Read More

    How to Write a Scientific Resume

    You're a scientist, you're very well educated, you're intelligent, and... Read More

    Job Dissatisfaction

    Job dissatisfaction is a driving force behind individuals seeking employment... Read More

    Become A Personal Trainer

    Every human body is different and a personal trainer will... Read More

    The Top 10 Mistakes Job Seekers Should Avoid In Contacting An Employer

    There are numerous tools and resources available to guide job... Read More

    F-E-A-R in the Job Search!

    Fear in starting a job search is a four letter... Read More

    Be Prepared for the Unexpected

    How long has it been since you last had to... Read More

    Hiring the OverQualified Employee or Mining for Gold

    I am having a hard time understanding why a valuable... Read More

    How To Find Quick, Free, Job Search Resurces

    There are many free job search resources available in any... Read More

    Losing Your Job Without Losing Yourself

    When we lose our jobs, no matter the reason, we... Read More

    Find Free Resumes Online

    Have you been spending money on countless job boards, only... Read More

    3 Creative Job Search Tactics

    It's a fact: the best jobs attract loads of competition.... Read More

    What To Do

    Ever had that perfect life when everything seems perfect yet... Read More

    Four Job Interview Mistakes That Can Torpedo Your Chances of Success

    What are the worst mistakes job hunters make? It turns... Read More

    Dynamic Pre-Hiring Practices

    The pre-hiring process can be a challenge. Much time and... Read More

    Dress For Success

    You have heard the phrase, "Dress for Success." This is... Read More