A job hunt isn't easy, but resist the urge to share your problems with recruiters. Unscrupulous recruiters might use this information to coerce you into accepting positions below your potential or share this information with hiring managers to your disadvantage. Keep the following to yourself to ensure your job hunt proceeds smoothly.
1. Problems at Your Previous Job
Never mention problems with your former managers, conflicts with co-workers or issues with the company as a whole. A better answer for why you're looking for a job is that you want something that better meshes with your strengths.
2. Companies You're Pursuing
Recruiters don't need to know the employers you are already looking at. Their job is to present companies where they think you would be a good fit. Go ahead and say what you expect from a prospective position, but don't reveal the names of your dream companies.
3. Your Job Hunt's Been Going Poorly
If recruiters know you've already had a couple of failed interviews, they may start to see you as needy. This is also true if you've had few leads in general. For best results, remain optimistic when talking to recruiters.
4. You're Willing to Take a Pay Cut
Your willingness to take a pay cut leads to lower offers. The best recruiters won't ask you about your current salary or salary expectations right away.
5. You Think Employers Are Prejudiced Against You
Don't tell recruiters that you think your age or gender is working against you. Even if it's true, dwelling on it doesn't paint a positive image of your personality or focus.
6. You're Sick of Looking for a Job
This is another revelation that makes you look particularly needy. Showing neediness makes it easy for others to take advantage of you.
7. You'd Do Anything to Work for a Specific Employer
Regardless of how many good things you've heard about a particular organization, don't present one company as an end goal, and never state that you'd be willing to work in a low position, take a pay cut or give up benefits to do so.
8. A Plan for Suing Your Previous Employer
If you plan on taking legal action against a current or previous employer, hiring managers are going to wonder if you will later do the same to their company. No matter how justified, this information should be kept to yourself.
9. Personal Reasons for Rushing Your Job Search
Maybe your spouse is also unemployed or you need a new job fast to qualify for a mortgage, and you think that sharing this information with a recruiter will speed up your job hunt. Resist this urge, and keep your personal life circumstances to yourself. The best recruiters never expect you to share personal information.
10. You're Desperate
As soon as you appear desperate, recruiters and hiring managers start to wonder what's wrong with you. Avoid sharing your failures and uncertainties, and no matter how bad your job hunt is going, try your best to keep a confident demeanor.
If your job hunt is causing you stress, resist the temptation to share that anxiety with recruiters. Instead, find a confidant among your friends and family. Keep your job hunt professional to get the best offers in line with your career goals and qualifications.
Photo courtesy of Aldan Harvey at Flickr.com
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