What NOT to Say

Now that you have received a call back for an interview, here are the big six deal breakers. Steer clear and keep your potential employer engaged during the interview.

Top Six Employment Deal Breakers

1. Speaking badly about a current or previous employer (no matter how bad the conditions)
2. Getting too comfortable in the interview (losing your professionalism)
3. Asking about vacation days (before you are made an offer)
4. Talking about you personal life or your current finanical situation(as it relates to getting the position)
5. The inability to provide solid details as to why you are the best fit for the position (knowing your strengths)
6. The inability to answer why you applied for a position with the organization

Go From Hang Ups to Call Backs

In my position, I have seen and heard many strange things. So I have decided to make a list of my first top five employment or job seeking tips.

1. When applying for a position, make sure that your call back number has a voice mail as well as a courteous message and not a ring tone.

2. If you must use a ring tone, please use extreme caution or use an appropriate one until you get the job. After you get a job, you can change back. Rap songs, long musical tones, and profanity will cause instant hangups by the employer and you will never receive a future call back. Aso, employers will not take you seriously.

3. Speak clearly and in a calm voice. This is your employers first impression.

4. Don't give potential employers "pet names" like sweetie, hun, and sugar. People are temperamental and depending on the recipient, they may be very offended. Plus it is not professional to do so.

5. If the employer calls and receives your voice mail, make a decision to answer right away or call back once you are prepared for the conversation. If you are playing the "caller ID game", and you do not recognize the number on caller ID and let it go to voicemail, wait before you return the call. It is better to return the call prepared then to answer and not be ready. Also, it is annoying as heck to leave a message and get a return call in two seconds!

Stay Tuned Next Week for more employment tips

Mary Jane
Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women