How To Stay Off The Naughty List

With the holiday season right around the corner, we have some job searching and interviewing tips for you to stay off the naughty list.

1. Don’t Post Any NYE Facebook Pictures:
   New Year’s Eve is a very fun time for all of us and there is nothing wrong with going to a great party. What we caution you to do this year, however, is to restrain yourself and friends from tagging you in any photos. These can be found by prospective employers and immediately put you on the naughty list. The same goes for YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter, MySpace, and Google+.
2. Send A Thank You Note After An Interview:
   Many people believe that the thank you note is outdated or that they can send it via Facebook or some other form of social media. At the end of the day, a hand written note goes a long way. Of course, if you do not have the time or money, it has become acceptable to send a thank you note via email. They key when sending a thank you note is to send it as soon as possible. We would also you encourage you to check out a previous article which discusses thank you notes in more detail.
3. Be Kind To Everyone You Meet:
   Most people think, “Well, of course, obviously!” What people sometimes do not realize is that HR professionals and hiring managers will speak to the receptionist, security guards, doorman and other random people who pass by. They do this because they want to see how you present your yourself when not being watched. It is even recommended by many people that while you are waiting for the interview to begin that you should spark up a conversation with the receptionist.
4. Don’t Lie On Your Application:
   You would think this is common sense! Well, you’re right it is! However, so many people not only stretch the truth, but flat out lie. Sometimes people “forget” how much their exact salary is or make their title sound better than what it actually is. When you are filling out your next application and you do not know your exact salary or title, then tell the interviewer you will get back to them on that. Now, of course, that does not look good for you, however, what is worse is lying and being caught! One way you can improve this is to make sure your resume is in tip-top shape.
5. Interrupting The Interviewer:
   It happens more often then you think. People think they are right and the interviewer is wrong and on some occasions they are! However, this is not the time nor place to prove the interviewer wrong. On the same token, do not the interrupt the interviewer for any reason! If you feel you are going to forget something, take a second and write it down on your notepad. Wait until the interviewer is finished saying what they wanted to and then share your follow-up point.