What's the worst mistake anyone can do when applying for a job?

Question

Mistakes on a resume? Common mistakes when on an interview? The way you fix your hair or makeup for an interview? The way you dress? Anything. Please let me know.

Answer 1

It would be picking your nose during the interview and eating the boogers.

Answer 2

Dressing any kind of way: Even if the job allows you to dress casually(jeans, sneakers, etc.), dress professionally for the interview. It doesn't necessarily have to be a suit, but at least wear a work shirt and some nice pants and shoes.

Not volunteering during the group interview: During group interviews, the interviewer may throw a question to the whole group. Make sure you volunteer, because this is your last chance to make an impression.

Bitching about your old job: If they ask you why you left your last job, be honest, but don't go into too many details, or else you'll look like a complainer, which nobody wants. Just say "the atmosphere was unprofessional, and it wasn't conducive to my growing as an employee". They'll eat that up.

Know why you want the job: When I went for an interview at Barnes and Noble, the interviewer asked why we wanted to work there, and this kid said,"I'm in school right now, and I could use the discount". NEVER SAY THIS. I don't care if it's a job as a fry cook at White Castle, at least say that you want the job because of the atmosphere. Just BS your way through it.

Lying on your resume, and not going over it first: If you're going to lie on your resume(which I higly reccommend you DON'T), at least go over it first and make sure that what you say in your resume is consistent with what you say to the interviewer.

Being too honest: Again, you want to BS your way through this. Don't act overly eager, as if your life depends on the job, but don't be sitting in the corner, looking all tired and bored. They will not hire you.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Answer 3

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when applying is the over exaggerate your abilities. Just be honest about your skills and qualifications. On a resume; don't make it too short and make sure you spell everything correctly. And good to a Office Max type store and have them print your resume on resume paper. Then put it in a resume folder with any references or letter of recommendations. Ask for help in making one if need be. A women should dress for the position, usually business causal. A nice women's suit or skirt about 1/2 in above knees, and your make up use should be moderate. While interviewing again be honest and practical. Practice your answers to yourself or to a friend. Write down questions you have and take a pen and paper to write down their answers. Be polite and talk with some intelligence. After your interview, conduct a follow-up call about three days after. Also it wouldn't hurt to send a thank you letter. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

Go on line to get your resume professionally done. It must have no miss spellings and be concise and very professional looking. When on an interview you must have a smooth professional look. Your not going to the bar or to church. Dress like you are going to court. Do not over due the makeup. Where some, but not flashy eyeshadow or lipstick. Really tone it down. Do not pull your hair back all the way it will make you look to harsh. But do not show up with the big hair look. maybe half pulled back with some wisps of hair kind of flowing down. When speaking at the interview, do not go on and on. When asked a question answer it with confidence and be informative without being gossipy or bad mouthing former employers or employees. under no circumstances at an interview do you speak badly of anyone or anything. Be very graceful and and look your interviewer in the eye at all times

Answer 5

The best way to ruin an interview is as follows:
1. Show up late
2. Have sloppy appearance (wrinkled clothing, unkempt hair, etc)
3. CHEW GUM
4. Be uninterested in the position and/or talk about your personal problems
5. Groom (file nails, pick at teeth, comb hair)

Avoid the above mentioned things and you should be fine. Just use your common sense. Make yourself out to be the only person for that job (by no means lie, but if the position is for a law firm, try to know everything there is to know about the firm and the job, just don't be a know it all). Above all else, be confident.

Answer 6

here are some things I've seen in job applications that automatically rule the person out:

1. they don't know what job their applying for (either they apply for the wrong job or they didn't read the qualification requirements.)

2. they have no experience. unless it's an entry level position, having no relevant experience is usually an automatic disqualification.

3. they are overqualified. less common, but sometimes someone is just way overqualified and it wouldn't be a good fit.

4. they don't complete the application or leave out required information. if someone can't complete the requirements for a job application, it's not a good sign that they will pay attention to detail on the job.

5. there are spelling or serious grammatical errors in the application. this is more important for some specific positions that require strong written skills.

Answer 7

Biggest mistake on resume is spelling errors.

Interview mistakes:
being late, bringing friend or kids with you, looking out the window and not making eye contact, not smiling, saying anything negative about a previous boss, having your cell phone on during your interview, bringing up what the wage will be (let the interviewer bring it up).

Answer 8

Don't lie on your resume.
Don't chew gum during your interview.
Smile and be as positive as possible.
Make sure you have done your research about the company.
Make sure you have questions to ask the interviewer.
Be prompt.
It is better to be overdressed then underdressed.
Always use answers that pertain to the job.
Obtain a copy of the job description and use all the key words that are on it. For example - If they are looking for someone with great customer service skills, be sure to mention how great you are with people and how much you enjoy helping people.
Don't wear open toed shoes (on the interview)
Make-up should be subtle
Hair should be well kept and out of your face

Hope this helps

Answer 9

The worst mistake is getting fired from your last job for being late 2 or more times in 30 days!

Answer 10

It's a good idea to get some background info on the company if you know nothing about it. Do not show up late no matter what better to be early. Write a list of things you are concerned about so if they are not covered you are able to ask better to know what the job entails before you accept it. Be prepared to answer when asked why you should be considered for the position.

Answer 11

Rules of thumb:
Dress appropriate, if you'd wear it to a club...it's probably a don't. Be neat and clean. Smile and think positive, it sounds cheesy, but there is a lot to be said about attitude.

Less is more, tasteful hair and jewelry selections, and don't over do the "bling"

Be prepared, Have answers to questions that are standard, and have questions of your own

No street slang, turn your cellular off, and be on time.

Don't have mis-spellings on your application and/or resume

Be prepared for on the fly tests of your skills/competency.
Most of this is common sense stuff, but there are a lot of people lacking in that dept...
GOOD LUCK!