Many of us have been in a situation where we desperately want a job. Whether we’re out of work and need the income or simply love the company and role on offer, desperation is never a positive quality.
In order to avoid looking like a desperate job seeker, you should avoid these nine actions.
1. Applying for numerous jobs with the same employer
When you’re keen to find a new job as quickly as possible, it’s tempting to fire off applications to every job and company that looks remotely suitable. However, applying for several different roles with the same employer is a red flag for hiring managers. It suggests that you either don’t know what type of job you want, or that you haven’t read the adverts properly and realised the roles are with the same company.
In a lot of instances, if a recruiter or employer thinks that you may be better suited to a different role then they will suggest it to you when they get in touch.
2. A plea in your cover letter and/or your interview
It’s important to show employers that you want the job you are applying for, however, don’t go overboard as this could make you look desperate. You certainly don’t want to give them the impression that you need this job (even if you do). This could cause them to question whether you are a high-quality candidate. Plus, employers want to feel like you have chosen them because you really see yourself fitting in and being passionate about their company rather than just needing a job.
3. Presenting past performance reviews
Hiring managers don’t need to see your past performance reviews in order to make a decision about whether you are the right fit for their role. This could just look like you are grovelling. If they want evidence, they will request references themselves.
4. Bragging about how much your previous managers liked you
When it comes to interviews, you should be talking about your skills and qualities and backing these up with evidence examples. Talking about how much your previous managers liked you, however, may sound like a desperate attempt to prove you are worth hiring. Instead of talking a lot about your previous company and managers, you should be asking about the one you are interviewing for.
5. Continually chasing the company after an interview
It can be extremely frustrating if you have attended an interview, really want the job and then hear nothing at all from the employer. If you haven’t heard anything you should leave one voicemail or send one email asking for an update, but no more. Sometimes they may just be taking a little while to make their decision, however ultimately if an employer is rude enough to completely ignore you after an interview, do you really want to work for them?
6. Trying to connect on LinkedIn
Building your professional network on LinkedIn is great, however, trying to connect with the hiring manager immediately after your interview may look a little desperate and intrusive. Wait a while before connecting.
7. Apologising for a mistake you made in your interview
After attending an interview, it’s good to send a quick email thanking the interviewer for their time, expressing your enthusiasm for the role and saying you look forward to hearing from them. However, you should never use this as an opportunity to apologise for your interview mistakes. Many of us make little mistakes and errors during an interview and your interviewer may well have already forgotten about it. So, don’t remind them!
8. Dropping off gifts
Baking some cakes and dropping them off at what you hope will be your future office is a nice thought, but it’s not professional and may look desperate. Wait until you’re actually working there before bringing in treats and goodies for the staff.
9. Significantly dropping your salary expectations
We have to be realistic about our salary expectations and there may be some negotiating if you make it to the job offer stage. However, offering to significantly drop your expected salary or forfeit benefits suggests that you may be a bit desperate.
Before you start applying for any jobs, you should do your research and set a salary bracket that you would be happy with. At this point, you should also decide what the lowest salary you would be happy to accept is and don’t drop below that.
Bringing it all together
Good companies won’t hire desperate job seekers, because they will want people who are aware of their value and have self-confidence. So, remind yourself that you have plenty of great skills and qualities to offer and conduct yourself professionally throughout the recruitment process.