Recently, one of my former bosses from one of my first work-from-home jobs contacted me if I still had time to do some work for her. 

I felt blessed that it has been more than ten years since I had worked with her and she had offered the job to me on a silver platter. I was even asked about my rate. Moreover, I didn't ask for an HMO coverage, and yet I was immediately included!

My job is to screen applicants in the company before they get to be interviewed by the team leaders, COO, and CEO. I also have to do the necessary administrative tasks for their hiring and monitoring of current employees.

It has been a while since I have done an HR job, so I'm a bit surprised on the kind of applicants that we have these days. Since I have followers who are college students, I have thought of compiling the DON'Ts in job hunting. The tips that I'm going to give will somehow help them to land a job in the future.

Tip #1: DON'T ask the interviewer what the company is.

Of course, the one contacted you for an interview will introduce the company to you, like by simply giving the name of the company. To ask the interviewer about the nature of the business of the company is a big insult. It is the responsibility of the interviewee/applicant to do some research about the company since everything is on the Internet. There are cases that the interviewer will ask the interviewee/applicant about what they know about the company. Saying some information about the company also gives an impression that you are really determined to be part of the team.

Tip #2: DON'T ask about the job during the interview.

You can only ask about the details of the job when you get hired. Don't have the audacity to ask what you will do should you get hired by the company because it is a clear indication that you didn't read the job ad very well. Ask about the details of the job once the management has decided to offer you the position and decide from there if you wish to sign the contract with the company.

Tip #3: DON'T lie down during a virtual interview.

In this time of pandemic, face-to-face interactions are limited, including job interviews. Consider virtual job interviews as a formal appointment: dress-up, find a quiet place for an interview, and have a steady camera. I have already encountered interviews that the applicant is in a public place or lying on their beds. Automatically it's a NO for the company.

Tip #4: DON'T forward your resumes.

Always create a fresh email when you send your resume to the company. When you forward a previous email, it leaves a trace of where you have sent your resumes. It's unethical and unprofessional. It is also advisable that you send resumes with a cover letter, not simply forwarding your resume. The cover email should include a summary of your resume and your desire to be part of the company.

Tip #5: DON'T cancel interviews, especially that you have already confirmed attendance.

It's so surprising that there are lots of applicants these days who have the audacity to cancel interviews at the last minute, when in fact they have already confirmed that they are available on the said date. Whenever I contact applicants, I introduce to them who the interviewer is (manager or the COO or the CEO) and even mention the position in the company. You are going to be interviewed by your future bosses, so by non-attendance, you are also showing disinterest in the company. While some companies will contact you again to give you a second chance, but there are also companies that will not schedule an interview again. 

Tip #6: DON'T apply for a job that is too far from your place and you're not willing to travel or relocate.

While most companies have a temporary work-from-home set-up these days, it doesn't mean that they will have a permanent work-from-home set-up once the pandemic is over. Companies indicate in their job posts that the set-up is only temporary, so put it into consideration that sooner than soon, you will be asked to report to the office. If you are not willing to do so, don't waste each other's time in applying.

Tip #7: DON'T speak in English if you're not confident in using the language.

Some jobs do not require good English communication skills, so if you can explain yourself better in Filipino, do so. You will not be judged by your interviewer if you are not good in speaking, especially if the job you're applying for does not require you to talk with a lot of people (e.g. back-office jobs). 

Tip #8: DON'T let the company feel that you will only stay with them for a short period of time during the interview.

Interviewees will sometimes ask you about how do you see your future with the company. One of the mistakes that interviewees/applicants do is that they let the company feel that you do not have a long-term goal with them. If you let the company feel that you're only applying for experience so that you will have better chances of working in your dream company, why not apply in your dream company directly instead?

Tip #9: DON'T apply for a job that does not fit your present qualifications.

Read the job ad very well. Some jobs require a specific skill, so if you do not have any knowledge or skill in that area, might as well not waste time in applying. It will save time for both parties. Also, it will be a shame if you will be asked about that particular skill and you cannot even elaborate on it. 

Tip #10: DON'T ask the company during the interview if they will give you a training so that you can perform the job.

Yes, companies also provide trainings for their employees, but not to train them to do the job. There are jobs that require you to have a minimum skill, so if asking the company to give you training for that particular skill, it's a clear sign of incompetence and lack of knowledge about the job. The trainings that companies provide are already mastery trainings and not basic skills trainings. Companies are looking for full-time workers, not interns.

To those who will read my blog, good luck on your job hunting!