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

There are numerous tools and resources available to guide job seekers through the steps of a career transition. These tools are very useful and suggest much that you should do. At the same time, some individuals benefit equally by learning what to avoid. If you count yourself in this latter group here is a laundry list of things that "turn off" an employer. Make sure you steer clear of the following:

1. Don't submit your cover letter and resume using every format known to man.

Don't fax, e-mail and send hardcopy; one submission is sufficient.

2. Don't "stalk" the employer.

Calling and e-mailing daily to see if you have been selected for an interview looks needy and will not encourage the employer to contact you.

3. Don't say in your cover letter that you'll call the employer and then not call.

Better yet, don't say you intend to call. Employers don't have time to field calls from every applicant.

4. Don't ignore the employer's directions regarding the submission of your qualifications.

For example - if an employer has advertised for a technical writer and requested three writing samples, send three samples. I once received an e-mail from one applicant saying he had so many great samples that he was unable to decide upon three, so he wasn't sending any.

5. Don't call the employer and ask them to tell you more about the job before submitting your resume.

If you see a position advertised that looks appealing, go for it. You can get the details later.

6. Don't e-mail and forget to provide the attachments or provide attachments that are blank.

7. Don't ask if the job is still open within a week or two of an advertisement.

Whether the job is open or not is almost irrelevant. You will want to give yourself as many options as possible and getting your resume on file can be important, especially if the employer's initial offer isn't accepted or an additional candidate is needed.

8. Don't expect the employer to do your homework.

It's your job to research the employer. Search the internet, go to the library, and utilize your network to see what information is available about the company.

9. Don't send a resume without a cover letter.

Simply stated, most employers view this as being lazy.

10. Don't make it hard for the employer to place you.

Employers frequently have more than one opportunity available, thus it is important that you specify the position for which you are applying.

Pam N. Woods is co-author of a bestselling book, Create the Business Breakthrough You Want: Secrets and Strategies from the World's Greatest Mentors; endorsed by Ken Blanchard and Dr. Stephen Covey. She is a Coach U graduate and President of Smart WorkLife Solutions, a coaching and consulting company devoted to co-creating customized solutions to fit clients business and personal organizing needs. Prior to founding her own firm she had a successful 20+ year career as an insurance executive and Vice President of Human Resources. For more free how-to articles and advice, or to contact Woods, visit http://www.worklifecoach.com. © 2002 Pam N. Woods.

---

You Are Lucky in Your Career!

You Are Lucky in Being Satisfied in Your CareerJust for... Read More

Surviving The Technical Interview

Ah, the technical interview. Nothing like it. Not only does... Read More

Don?t Be Too Passionate About Your Work

Of course, she then offered me a six-month process, costing... Read More

Losing Your Job Without Losing Yourself

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

Shades of Grey

A paperweight sits on my desk, etched in... Read More

How to Overcome a Bad First Impression

Have any of these situations happened to you? Forgetting your... Read More

Workplace Melodrama--A Flair For The Dramatic

A flair for the dramatic is a theatrical term used... Read More

Thankk-You Notes: An Integral Part of Your Career

There is one little practice that is vital to generating... Read More

Networking Masterclass - Part 1 - Practicing Empathy

Practicing Empathy A vital part of your networking skills is... Read More

Why Use a Resume Writer or Resume-writing Service?

Here are some of the questions we have been asked... Read More

Inside Sales Jobs: A Job Worth Seeking?

Are you interested in inside sales as a career? Inside... Read More

Waiting For the Official Job Offer

At the end of the third job interview, Helene was... Read More

Preparing For Your Job Interview: What You Need To Know To Be Successful

In the limited time an interviewer has with you, their... Read More

Finding Success In Todays Job Market

This year we are experiencing the most dynamic and rapidly... Read More

When The Going Gets Tough -- The Tough Keep Going

If you've been in a job search for more than... Read More

Resume Writing - Tips and Advice

Job-hunting is not the most exciting thing in the world... Read More

Successful Job Interview Tips

Congratulations! You've finally landed that job interview you've been waiting... Read More

Working In Iraq: Is It For You?

The US Army Corp of Engineers and numerous private companies... Read More

Applying for a Job in China

Working in ChinaWorking in China is very common now. Either... Read More

Resume That Effectively Promotes You!

Imagine for a moment that you have created a wonderful... Read More

Job Dissatisfaction

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

4 Tips for Making Successful Job Offers

The interviews are completed, the paperwork is all filled out... Read More

So, Why Dont You Tell Me About Yourself?

"So, why don't you tell me about yourself?" is the... Read More

College Labor is Available in Ohio

Ohio has always been big on education and that means... Read More

How To Find Your Dream Job

Here's the bottom line: many people work in jobs that... Read More