Mistakes to avoid when you are looking for a job
Job hunting is complicated at the best of times, however to make it easier and to save you from making avoidable faux-pas, here’s a quick list of things NOT to do which could jeopardise your career chances:
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Unfinished courses and dropping out all have a detrimental effect on your career prospects as does too much partying. The telling tales on your CV mean you may well be passed over for event the most basic entry level roles.
PLANS
For every job you take you need to understand how this fits in with your ultimate job plan. No career plan means you might well drift from one role to another and not get anywhere. Every job needs to be a stepping stone to where you want to be.
LIES
Even the smallest fibs can be harmful, and if they are on your CV or Facebook you will lose all professional credibility. Exaggerating your skills, expertise or just calling in sick; if you are found out you may well be doomed
DISCREDIT YOURSELF
Social media including tweets and Facebook updates can harm your reputation irrevocably, labeling you as a slacker, party animal and one with controversial unwanted opinions.
RESPECTING BOUNDARIES
Again sharing too much information about your personal life either on line or with colleagues is wholly unprofessional. A balance of openness is required both at work and at home.
CRITICISM AND GOSSIP
Never ever comment about your boss, fellow colleagues or tasks and responsibilities you undertake. You could find yourself in a heap of trouble if things you say are considered slanderous or damaging. Bad mouthing competitors is also not advised. You do not want to tarnish your own reputation.
INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIPS
Romantic liaisons at work should not be encouraged and can seriously damage your credibility and harm other working relationships in the workplace making collaboration and team working stressful and unproductive.
JOB HOPPING
Changing jobs for the right reasons and following your career plan diligently is not be discouraged. However grabbing new roles because you want more money can lead to a fractious CV and appear to be detrimental in the long run. Remember that the best managers are often in jobs for many years before they become the inspirational leader they you might be aspiring to be. In addition many organisations have a last in-first out policy so you may be jeopardising your progression unwittingly.
REFERENCES
No matter where you go, respect your referees and keep in touch with them, updating them on your career progress. Professional references are valuable throughout your career.
EXITING
Be gracious in your departure, whether it is by choice or not. Your final day/s are remembered by an employer and leaving in a dramatic verbose way will do you no favours.