What some job seekers don't know

[Miss Jasmine]

I Google names of candidates and I also look on My Space. I have learned some rather interesting things.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

I once received a Resume' with a video of the person in their spare time. It was all soft focus, of them with their children, washing their car (?), entertaining a family dinner, and receiving communion at church.

Yeah, I don't get why people think that discussing their personal life has anything to do with the interview process. I've had people tell me about trouble with thier spouse, medical info, things of that nature. I keep trying to redirect the conversation, but some of them won't let it go. Of course, those apps went right into the "thanks but no thanks pile."

 

[Honu]

In the last couple years I've had 3 candidates bring people (parents, friends, children) with them to the interview. Their entourages sat in our lobby, asked for beverages, one asked for the snack they saw being served to clients and they played on the visitor computer while I interviewed. We would have actually hired one of these candidates, if she hadn't brought her mom with her. I don't know WTH they were thinking.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

That's what happens if you're a recruiter for the Chippendales!

You read my mind!

When I worked in retail I happened to be at the registers a lot so I would hand out applications to anyone who asked. Some of the possible hires just plain scared me.

*Even if you aren't having an interview that day, don't come in for an application dressed like a slob.
-I once had a girl come in and fill out an application wearing a bikini, a sheer sarong, and flip flops and her hair was wet and thrown in a sloppy pony tail. Sorry, it doesn't leave a good first impression.

*I don't care what you are doing after the interview, come dressed appropriately. Wearing your "club" clothes to the interview is just wrong.

*If you plan on getting the job, please have actual hours you can work!
- I read an application once where the girl could ouly work something like Monday 5-6pm and Sunday 8-10pm (the store wasn't even open that late on Sundays).

*Please read to yourself what you put down for your reason for leaving your last job.

*Come into the retail field with realistic expectations for hour wages. $17/hour for a cashier position is not realistic.

But my all time favorite are the people who are scheduled for a Friday/Saturday night and call in "sick". Then come in the next day for a shift and talk loudly about the great party they attended the night before. It's even better when they do this their first week! Yep, great way to start off your new job.

 

[Robinrs]

We had a girl show up in Daisy Dukes and a tight red tee shirt....WITH HER MOTHER!!!! My boss actually took the mother in and asked her what was she thinking??

I once worked at an elderly independent home that was down the block from a horrendous apartment building. There was a new law that no one could get rental assistance if they were not gainfully employed by a certain date. DAILY we had visits from people who came in with this lovely introduction: "Y'all ain't GOT no jobs, do ya???"

 

[Hixski]

Sounds like you got it all covered! You'll be a shoo-in!

Seriously, though, good luck on your job search. It's not fun, I know, and hopefully you won't come across the HR equivalent of the bozo applicants I've seen (and yes, I know the HR-bozos are out there, too, I've worked for some, lol).

Thanks!! We are going to Las Vegas on Sunday. After we get back I plan on hitting the headhunters hard and heavy. I am an IT Operations supervisor on night shift. I am also qualified for IT Helpdesk. Being willing to work nights gets some companies begging you to work for them. I have been on nights for 20 yrs. I also worked 420 hours of OT last year. Working OT helps too. DH and I don't have children and it is easy for us.

I am just worried about my age. Being mid-40s and starting too look again is scary to say the least. On the other hand I do have the advantage of being able to do several IT jobs. My resume looks great and my boss said he will write me a glowing recomendation. I should be good to go.

 

[MareQ]

A few from me

Do NOT show up WITH your lunch and proceed to eat it while I am trying to speak with you.

On that same note.. Do NOT show up 30 minutes late for your interview and give me the excuse of "I was hungry so I had to stop for something to eat on the way"

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Hixski - I do some IT recruiting, and boy I wish I had something open in your area! Best of luck to you.