Over on Career Hub, Billie relays a story which demonstrates why proper manners count.    Zoe and I have spent years working with jobseekers, and it still amazes me how many people don’t realize (or maybe just don’t care :) how proper professional behavior and manners can influence a job hunt.  I wrote about this in "the interview begins long before the interview". 

Now as a coach, I can pick up on these potentially harmful behaviors early and hopefully curb them before jobseekers begin interactions with recruiters.  When working with clients, a few indicators which raise red flags for me include: 

Being late or no-showing for scheduled appointments.  If you’re working with any professional, it’s important to show up on time for (or reschedule in advance) any mutually agreed upon appointments.  However, it’s even more important not to keep the recruiter or interviewer waiting.  With a professional service provider, you may lose a little money or time.  But with a recruiter, you may lose your one shot at that dream job. 

Showing little passion or a total disinterest.  I understand a job search isn’t super exciting, and I can deal if a client isn’t overly enthusiastic or deeply engaged when we’re developing a resume or collaborating on job search strategies.  Of course, the more a client puts into the experience, the more benefit he or she reaps.  However, most employers do expect their candidates to put on a smile and jump in with both feet; a ho-hum attitude won't be tolerated.  The passion a client demonstrates with me is usually a good indicator of future behavior with a recruiter.  I can see past it; most recruiters won’t. 

Not providing all requested information.  An initial step in our resume writing and coaching processes is the completion of a written questionnaire.  This allows Zoe and me to gather the most important information up front to provide the best experience.  Each question in our document is important and matters, and the process can be delayed when clients leave answers blank.  Recruiters use a similar approach, usually by sending what’s called an email questionnaire or “e-screen".   Recruiters use the e-screen to compare potential candidates and further whittle down their list before conducting phone screens or passing information on to hiring managers.  Each question is super important, and omitting a section could prompt the recruiter to omit your candidacy. 

While I wish each client eagerly approached our services with vigor and passion, I’m not kidding myself … this is real world, and it’s ok. :)  

But a job search isn’t the real world.  It’s a reality created and managed by the employer, and it’s important that you approach each interaction with your recruiter or interviewer with the utmost respect and as much enthusiasm as you can muster. 

And in the meantime, I’ll be on the look-out for red flags to help guide you through the process. 

gretchen