10 Things that Scream, "Don't Hire Me!"
By RACHEL ZUPEK, CareerBuilder.com
You just don't get it. You've applied to numerous jobs, been to countless interviews and made several new contacts in your network -- yet here you are -- still sitting on the unemployment list. What gives?Well ... have you ever stopped to consider that what gives might in fact be ... you?It's a hard concept that most job seekers have trouble wrapping their heads around, but applicants frequently -- inadvertently -- raise red flags to hiring managers that immediately scream, "Don't hire me!" But, it might not be entirely your fault."Most companies don't give direct feedback about areas people are weak in while they are employed. They are enabling poor performance and lack of accountability," says Tom Gimbel, president and CEO of The LaSalle Network, an executive recruiting firm in Chicago."The same mentality exists when people interview. They feel they did 'great' on the interview and never look at themselves for if they feel that the interviewer was looking for something different."Not sure if you're unknowingly blowing your chances at scoring your dream job?Here are 10 red flags to be wary of during your next job hunt:
Red flag No. 1: You don't have any contact information on your resume When you're crafting your resume, you should focus on highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments that are in line with the position for which you are applying. But what good is an impressive resume if hiring managers have no way to get in touch with its owner? If they can't find you, they can't hire you. Always provide a home address, phone number or e-mail address so employers can get in touch with you easily.
Red flag No. 2: You have long gaps between jobs on your resume Even if your long departure from the work force is valid, extended lapses of unemployment might say to an employer, "Why weren't you wanted by anyone?" Gimbel says. Anytime you have more than a three-month gap of idleness on your resume, legitimate or otherwise, be prepared to explain yourself.
Red flag No. 3: You aren't prepared for the interview There are many ways to be unprepared for an interview: You haven't researched the company, you don't have any questions prepared, you didn't bring a copy of your resume, etc. Plain and simple, do your homework before an interview. Explore the company online, prepare answers to questions and have someone give you a mock interview. The more prepared you are, the more employers will take you seriously.
Red flag No. 4: You didn't provide any references By omitting references in your application, employers could infer that you don't know anyone who has any positive things to say about you -- when in fact, you just forgot to provide them with people who can vouch for you. No references also shows employers that you aren't prepared for people to call them, Gimbel says. Always make sure the hiring manager has at least one person to contact who can speak on your behalf.
Red flag No. 5: You only have negative things to say about previous employment We know how tempting it is to want to tell anyone who will listen how much of a (insert expletive word here) your old boss was -- but a hiring manager for a coveted job is not that person.There are hundreds of ways to turn negative things about an old job into positives. Thought your last job was a dead end? Spin it by saying, "I felt I had gone as far as I could go in that position. I'm looking for something with more opportunity for advancement." Couldn't get along with your co-workers? "I really need to work in an environment where I feel like I'm part of a team and my last position didn't allow for that kind of atmosphere."
Red flag No. 6: You've held seven different jobs -- in the past six months Job hopping is a new trend in the working world. Workers are no longer staying in a job for 10-20 years; they stay for a couple and move on to the next one. While such a tactic can further your career, switching jobs too often will raise a prospective employer's antenna. Too many jobs in too little time tells employers that either you can't hold a job or you have no loyalty, Gimbel says. Pick and choose the jobs you include on your resume or prepare to explain yourself.
Red flag No. 7: You give inconsistent answers in your interview One tactic hiring managers use during the hiring process is to ask you the same question in several different ways. This is mostly to ensure that you're genuine with your answers and not just telling an employer what he or she wants to hear. Keep your responses sincere throughout the entire process and you should be good to go.
Red flag No. 8: You lack flexibility Most people know what they want in a job as far as benefits, compensation, time-off, etc. If you're unable to be flexible with some of your (unrealistic?) expectations, however, you're going to have a difficult time finding a job. Have a bottom line in terms of what you want before you start the hiring process and be willing to bend a bit if necessary.
Red flag No. 9: Your application was, in a word -- lazy Only doing the bare minimum of what's asked of you won't get very far -- in life or in your job search. Applying to jobs with the same resume and the same cover letter (or none at all) is pure laziness. And as Gimbel points out, if you won't spend extra time on yourself and your application materials, you sure as heck won't do it for a client.
Red flag No. 10: You lack objective or ambition If you have no long-term goals, then you really have no short-term goals either, Gimbel says. "Long-term goals may change, however you need to have some concept of where you want to go." Know where you want to go and how you plan to get there. Otherwise you seem unfocused and unmotivated, which are two big no-no's for an applicant.Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Copyright 2008 CareerBuilder.com

My own inclination, frankly, is to add that a little "snow on the roof," such as I have, is also a turn-off to potential employers; could you ever get any of them to say that out loud? Yeah, I know ageism is supposed to be a huge taboo, but ya know what? There it is. I've already had to dye my hair once, do I really wanna make this a habit? I suppose I could, really, but I consider my grey hairs to be a badge of honor. I've made it this far, what's the problem?! I was also discussing with someone that, well, I teach because I like to be in control. And it's true. What's not true is that I need to be in control, or that I'd step on anyone's toes to get in control. I wanna be successful, period. And at this stage of my life, I suppose that really is going to have to be on my own terms, whether that was necessarily my inclination or not. And I have an idea as to how, frankly, but I'm sure as hell not going to give away the game here.

In other news, I'm back at it again; four days in Taylor, with kids who, frequently, have never been in school a day in their lives. That's right; I'm assisting in a kindergarten classroom, at least till tomorrow. Ah, the trauma of seperation anxiety, as much for the parents as the children. And getting some of these kids to listen as you're trying to make the point ot them that, yes, you are in control of what they do, can be a power struggle the likes of which Conan the Barbarian (who we now find out is a Republican, go figure,) would have sweated over. But it's all good. And more importantly, it's all settling down; they're listening more as a collective, and they know that you and the teacher mean business. Then you try to make them realize it's for their own good. It's also unlikely, if everything I've been hearing is correct, that NCLB will probably not be renewed in the next go-round. Sorry George, only right-thinking Presidents get to make a genuine impact on the societies they govern. Nyah. I was also watching "Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader" last night, (believe me, it's not my normal fare,) and the contestant was Georgia's Superintendent of Schools, who vowed to donate her winnings to two Georgia schools for the handicapped. She was the first person in the history of the show to win the million. Way to go, and I guess the people of Georgia will see what comes of it.