Sending resumes and filling out applications as often as you can but still not landing a job? If you are regularly applying for positions that you meet the qualifications for, it’s time to look at other factors that could be leading employers towards other applicants.

While most job seekers make their best efforts to provide an up-to-date resume, many neglect to consider their etiquette in the application and interviewing process. As with any situation, your first impression is usually the most lasting.

Here are a few quick etiquette tips for the application and interview process:

• Follow instructions. Complete the entire application and follow the application process set forth by the employer. Failure to do so is a surefire way to indicate that you don’t take direction well or have trouble paying attention to detail.
• Be polite and professional with everyone. Being demanding is surely not going to get you the results that you desired. Hiring managers often juggle many duties and may not respond as quickly as you would like to your application. Keep in mind receptionists and front desk professionals often are asked questions about your demeanor and are certainly not going to give you a glowing recommendation if you are disrespectful.
• Plan ahead. Being late for the interview, under dressed, and disorganized will quickly let your interviewer know that the interview and their time is not important to you.
• Be available. Not responding to calls and emails in a timely fashion will quickly land your application at the bottom of the stack. If the position isn’t a priority for you now, it likely won’t be if you were to land the job.
• Remember your manners. Remember those magic words you learned as a child such as please and thank you? If you want the position you need to use them! Also hold the door for others and don’t interrupt others while they are speaking. Seems simple? Many job seekers forget these basics in their nervousness.
• Pay attention to the details. Resumes and emails that include misspellings, lack of punctuation, lack of capitalization, or grammatical errors can quickly let someone know that this position or interview is not a priority for you.
• Be there. Appearing to be or being distracted by cell phones or other devices during the interview can be detrimental to your ability to land the position. Leave your tablet, phone, and other devices in the car to show the hiring manager this interview and their time is a priority for you.

Your etiquette as a job seeker speaks volumes of your dependability, interest level, and professionalism. Don’t send the wrong message to employers. Understandably, everyone gets nervous and may act slightly out of character. Take some time to practice how you would respond to interview questions remain confident in your abilities. These small steps can greatly decrease some of the above application and interview blunders. If you are inexperienced in interviewing and could use assistance in the job search process, consider partnering with a reputable staffing firm to assist you in the process.

Are you a stand out professional or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities?  Visit our job seekers section for more information!  Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.