While on the job hunt, especially during times where activity has been slow, it is certainly tempting to take a “shotgun” approach to the job search; that is, applying to every job you come across whether or not the description and requirements match your background. It may even seem like a no-brainer to employ this method. If you throw enough resumes out there, someone will eventually like what they see, right?

It’s not so simple. You may have heard the phrase, “throw mashed potatoes against the wall and see what sticks,” or variants of it. It may seem like a good idea to get your resume in front of as many hiring managers as possible without necessarily being precise, and while something may indeed eventually ‘stick,’ you will still have mashed potatoes all over the wall.

One major reason that it is a bad idea to do this (especially if you are working with one or more staffing firms) is that it greatly increases the possibility of a double (or triple, or worse) submittal. Many candidates (who are otherwise extremely viable) are of the belief that if a hiring manager receives their resume from five different agencies on top of receiving it directly from the candidate via the company’s own posting, it communicates that they are five times more interested in the job than some sucker who only submitted themselves once. This is dangerously untrue, for not only the candidate but also for the recruiter they are working with.

When a staffing firm submits your resume to a client of theirs, they are not just tossing another resume onto the pile. They are often able to leverage their relationship with the client to ensure that your resume gets looked at first. But if the client already has your resume in their system, why pay a premium to the firm for finding you? Why work with the firm at all if they are just going to send them resumes they have already obtained? This can be very damaging to the reputation of the firm you are working with.

“But that doesn’t affect me,” you say. “The end client still liked my resume, and if they have it from another agency they will just work with them to bring me on board.” Makes sense, right? Unfortunately this is generally untrue; many companies will take you out of the running immediately if they receive your resume from more than one source, and here’s why: instead of communicating that you are so interested in the company that you just had to apply five times, it can communicate that you don’t care where your resume is going; which versions are floating around out there, which agencies are sending it where, or whose hands it ends up in. It can communicate a lack of attention to detail, or that you are disorganized in general. It can communicate that you are just looking for whatever job you can find, rather than the perfect fit (and while this may be the case, it’s not something a hiring manager wants to hear). It can communicate that you may be disloyal and untrustworthy (I once worked with a candidate who, after we had submitted their resume to a client of ours, went and applied directly through the client’s website; the hiring manager didn’t like this and wouldn’t even look at the resume). It can communicate that you are simply unprofessional. These are all traits that spell doom for many uninformed job hunters.

A little precision can go a long way. Sure, it might take a little more organization or preparation on your side, but if it gets you that dream job you always wanted instead of just any job, isn’t it worth it?

Here are a few tips:

• Whether you are working by yourself or with a staffing firm, you should always keep clear records of all companies and staffing firms you have sent your resume to, and of all companies they may have sent your resume to.
• Always be in kept in the loop. Insist that any staffing firms you are working with obtain your permission before sending your resume to their clients (this is the policy of EDI Specialists). The reality is that there are many dishonest firms out there, so it is always a good idea to take the initiative and make sure that you always know where your resume is going. If you send your resume to Unscrupulous Firm X for a specific position and they submit it without your knowledge two months later to other companies they know are hiring, you risk being turned down when applying yourself or via a reputable staffing firm.
• Read job descriptions and requirements thoroughly. Decide exactly which positions you want to apply to and, if necessary, tailor your resume for each submittal (but do not directly copy lines from the job description into your resume).
• Only apply to positions you truly feel match your background. You want to be taken seriously as a professional, and not known as “that candidate who always applies to every single job posted.”

The bottom line is that if you throw your resume around too often, it -will- be recognized, but not always in a positive way. In any economy, you certainly don’t want to build a reputation as being someone who throws mashed potatoes.

Once again, it is a difficult job to stay true to the gimmick at this point. I could launch into a speech about how you should respect an interviewer’s personal space and how you shouldn’t be touchy-feely during an interview (once more we can think back to what happened to George Costanza after he nailed an interview and felt so confident that he thought it would be okay to feel the material of an executive’s blouse—for the uninitiated, he was promptly removed from consideration). Good information as that is, it can only really be simply stated; there isn’t much room for discussion. You just don’t do it! In another article I will share darkly humorous common sense blunders I have encountered over the years (as I’ve said before, the common sense and caution that many job hunters sometimes lack is quite surprising), but today I will wrap up this series with a word on adding a subtle personal touch to ensure that you are not only remembered, but remembered well and remembered for the right things.

I know what you’re thinking. “I can stop reading now. I know the rest. All I have to do is appeal to the hiring manager as a person. Find a common interest between the two of us and run with it. Does he or she have kids? Does he or she like rock climbing?” It’s great if you can find common ground with the person interviewing you, but don’t let that become the focus of an interview. One of the most common responses I hear from hiring managers is something along the lines of, “I liked Jim and we had a nice chat, but he isn’t the right fit for this role unfortunately.” It is excellent to develop a rapport with a hiring manager, but want to be sure to keep it professional and not lose sight of your target. Remember that the goal of any interview is to get a job offer, not to make a new friend.

Here are two examples:

1. “I think it’s great that we both enjoy kayaking; I go at least every other weekend when the weather allows it. I’m sure you can appreciate that! I’m actually in the market for a new kayak right now. My current equipment is pretty old. Some of the prices are outrageous right now so I’m waiting for the end of the season to buy. How often do you go paddling?”
2. “I think it’s great that we both enjoy kayaking; I go at least every other weekend when the weather allows it. I think having that common interest will really strengthen our professional relationship. I can already see that I’d really enjoy working with you and, based on the details of my background that we’ve discussed along with your goals for this position, I will certainly hit the ground running on day one and bring a strong skill set to the table.”

The first example doesn’t seem so bad (and, really, it isn’t as long as it doesn’t progress far beyond this point), but surely you can see how it is treading on dangerous ground. The goal is to show the hiring manager that there couldn’t possibly be anyone else who can do the job better than you can. If you can make a new kayaking buddy as well, terrific, but that should wait until after you’ve started working.

By choosing the second example, you’ve done several positive things. First, you’ve touched upon a personal interest without it becoming the focus of the interview. Second, you’ve made a connection between the established common interest and the goal at hand (getting the job). Third, you’ve made sure to steer the interview back into professional territory. Finally, in a subtle manner you’ve forced the hiring manager to envision you in the role. As a bonus, you’ve identified a common interest with a potential future colleague.

Let me say it again. The goal of any interview is to get a job offer, not to make a new friend. Whether it’s the initial phone screen or the fifth in-person meeting, your goal is for the hiring manager to conclude by saying, “Forget the others, you’re the one for the job. When can you start?”

Think back for a minute. How many times have you heard the phrase “listen up” throughout your life? At school: “Listen up!” At summer camp: “Listen up!” At practice/intramural/extracurricular activities: “Listen up!”

At your interview: LISTEN UP!

An interview is not just a test of your capability to get the job done. It’s a test of your capability as a tolerable and agreeable colleague. This might sound harsh, but it’s true and there’s really no way around it. If you give the impression that you are someone who isn’t going to be able to listen carefully and follow directions (even at the management level, you will be answering to someone), you will be passed on in favor of someone who will.

Your interview is a fantastic opportunity for you to show how you rise above the rest in this area. Listen. I mean really listen; don’t just nod your head and wait for your turn to talk, and then spout off a rehearsed answer. A manager can usually objectively discern your skill level from your resume; they wouldn’t have requested an interview with you if they didn’t think you looked good on paper. It’s so important to demonstrate exceptional communication skills. Think about what a decision is going to be based on if a manager reviews ten resumes, each with roughly equal skill sets.

I can’t tell you how many times candidates I’ve worked with have been passed on because they are unable to effectively articulate the details of their experience to a hiring manager. Even on candidates with 10+ years of experience in a particular technology, I have received feedback after an interview that they are very junior-level or even that they misrepresented their skills on their resume. Honestly! These are very serious allegations and, more often than not, are probably completely untrue, but I can certainly see how someone who does not communicate effectively could come across that way. The job market is a very competitive scene, and candidates who are otherwise qualified are turned down every day because of below average (or even poor) communication skills.

Fortunately, this presents a great opportunity for job-seekers: by demonstrating exceptional communication skills, you will instantly put yourself ahead of a large portion of your competition. It sounds simple, but  it’s absolutely true. Go that extra mile. Actively engage with your interviewer; make it a true two-sided exchange of ideas and information. Listen fully and carefully to a question or comment, and provide a thoughtful, well-articulated response rather than unleashing a dry, over-rehearsed monologue through soulless eyes the second the interviewer is finished speaking. Even worse is a simple “yes” or “no.” Just like in school, you will be penalized for not answering in complete sentences and providing in-depth detail where it is most definitely expected. You certainly cannot provide the necessary information if you aren’t paying close attention.

So listen up!

It is also very important to show the hiring manager that you’re interested in not only the job, but in the company itself. Research the company online before an interview. Check out recent news having to do with the company. Too often are candidates blind-sided when a hiring manager asks, “What do you know about our organization?” or “Why do you want to work with us?” Think of it like buying a car or choosing a vacation destination, only more important (this is your career!). What do you know about it? Why do you want it? What would you like to learn about it?

Asking questions is just as important as answering them. Just be sure that you let the interviewer control the flow of the conversation. Give them a chance to answer your questions before you ask them. Don’t ask questions that have already been answered (the key is to listen!). If you would like more information about something that has already been discussed, be sure to present your inquiry in a way that shows you are interested in additional information and not just a repeat of information.

For example: the hiring manager for a Support Technician role has indicated that their desktop environment is primarily Windows XP, but did not elaborate on any future plans. The interview has moved on to a different topic, but you still have a question about plans for the desktop environment (perhaps in your last job, you were a key person in the company-wide upgrade from XP to 7 and feel you could bring a lot to the table). Ideally you would want to ask this question at the relevant time but that is not always possible.

• Right: “Going back to your Windows environment: is there any initiative to upgrade to Windows 7 in the works or are you planning on sticking with XP for the the foreseeable future?
• Wrong: “So, which version of Windows did you say you were using?”
• Very wrong: “So, are your systems Windows or Mac?”

So do your research, know your stuff, and listen up. The hiring manager at Ford Kitchen Appliances will not be impressed if you conclude your interview with an obviously memorized statement about how you can’t wait to work in the automobile industry.

Even if you don’t follow your nose, the person interviewing you will follow theirs.

You just bought a brand new bottle of your favorite perfume/cologne/body spray. Time to load up and let everyone within a thirty foot radius find out how good you smell, right? Or, if you’ve always thought you smell your best right when you first wake up in the morning (your significant other or roommate may have disagreed in the past, but what do they know?), why fix what isn’t broken?

If you’re going on a date, this could go either way (but I certainly wouldn’t recommend it!). If you’re on your way to an interview, this is most definitely a terrible idea. Just like most dates, hiring managers often make up their minds as to whether they like someone during the first two or three seconds of an interview. Once you’ve been thumbed down for smelling like a corpse (even a pleasantly fresh one), there is little chance of digging yourself out of the grave.

I won’t get into fragrance application etiquette here, as we all know it’s been an ongoing debate for decades and there is no unanimously agreed upon method that works for everyone. But I will say this: if you absolutely must wear perfume/cologne, please take it easy. Nobody, especially someone trying to assess your skills and background and decide whether they want to work with you every day, wants to be in the uncomfortable situation of being overpowered by your scent (even if you think it smells great).

I would argue that you’d be better off wearing no fragrance at all (the trend lately has been an outright ban on wearing a fragrance to interviews, in the workplace and in public institutions), but if you absolutely must, think of it like a tie (as mentioned in Part 1: Setting Your Sights on Success): if it draws attention away from you and onto itself, it’s probably too much.

Something that you definitely want to avoid is showing up for an interview with the smell (even if it’s slight) of cigarettes lingering on you or your clothing. If you smoke, try not to smoke once you’ve showered and dressed for your interview. Unfortunately there isn’t too much you can do if your car smells of smoke and public transportation isn’t an option, but maybe give yourself a little spritz of a non-exotic Febreze or some other subtle fabric freshener after you exit the vehicle. Smelling of cigarettes is arguably even worse than an overpowering perfume/cologne, so do what you can to avoid it. At best, quit smoking!

On the other end of the spectrum lies the big ol’ onion that is sure to leave a poor impression on the hiring manager: body odor. As we all know, some have it worse than others but either way, you should do your best to eliminate it before the big interview. Shower and wash thoroughly, ideally soon before you leave the house for your interview. If your deodorant is an anti-perspirant, be sure not to leave any white streaks on your clothing! If you’re someone who often showers quickly, it wouldn’t hurt to spend more time in the pre-interview cleansing. Try to avoid a strong-smelling meal before your interview. Brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash; if you think your breath might be an issue, pop a mint before the interview (do not walk in there chewing gum!). You want to avoid “the onion,” bad breath, and/or that just-rolled-out-of-bed odor at all costs. They are your enemies and will do their best to sabotage your interview!

These things may not seem like such a big deal, but in the past I have honestly had a candidate turned down for a job that they were a great fit for because they showed up for the interview stinking very heavily of cigarettes, and the hiring manager (who, unbeknownst to us before the interview, happened to have a serious aversion to cigarette smoke) ultimately decided that he didn’t want to be working with that person every day. This candidate had done excellently during the initial phone interviews, so it is very likely that this carelessness about one aspect of their personal presentation cost them the job.

We are human. As humans, we make the sense of sight a huge factor in our day to day lives. Of course we can get by without it, but for most job-seekers and hiring managers, it is the first sense triggered on any interview.

As humans, we also make mistakes. A lot of humans mistakenly think that if they have the skills, they will get the job. They look at the interview process as a very straightforward and causal relationship: matching skills = hired. Logical, right? Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth. While the following may seem like common sense, I cannot express how many times throughout my career I have had to tell someone that they did not pass an interview they thought they aced due to making a simple mistake in their choice of dress.

Unless specifically told otherwise*, DRESS PROFESSIONALLY. This is absolutely one of the most important things you can do if you plan to be successful at an interview, as a hiring manager will see how you present yourself before the conversation even begins. If you appear unprofessional, you’ve already lost.

(*Please note that when I say “unless specifically told otherwise” above, I am referring to the rare cases where a company will inform you or your recruiter beforehand that they maintain a very casual environment and that you can dress “business casual” or, dare I say it, “casual” for the interview. This should be confirmed to death before the date of the interview, and to be honest I would recommend dressing professionally anyway unless you are specifically asked not to, or are otherwise told specifically that professional dress will be frowned upon. It is always a good idea and will always make a good first impression, so handle any “we’re business casual here, business casual is fine” interview situation with caution and care)

It is also extremely important to remember that “dress professionally” does not simply mean “wear a business suit/suit and tie.” Making a strong first impression requires some time and attention. Make sure your suit is clean and freshly pressed. Make sure it fits you properly (read: have it tailored, especially if you have not worn it in a while). Choose conservative colors. It’s all about how you present yourself. If you truly “dress professionally,” you will truly feel professional, and the hiring manager will see your confidence. It’s true. I dare you to prove me wrong.

What would you think of someone if they made their first impression on you wearing a suit that was obviously too small, or too large? Or wrinkled? One thing I have seen popping up in many job descriptions is the phrase, “Must be detail oriented.” Would you think that someone who shows up to the interview in ill-fitting, wrinkled or unclean clothing puts an emphasis on details? I wouldn’t.

Choosing conservative colors is less often an issue, but something that should be carefully considered nonetheless. In general, a black or navy blue suit with a crisp white shirt or blouse would be your best bet. For ties, choose a solid color or a simple stripe pattern. Avoid any colors or patterns that are too loud or busy. A good rule of thumb for ties: if it draws attention away from you and onto itself, it’s probably too much. Never, ever wear a bow tie to a job interview. You aren’t a ventriloquist’s dummy, and I have never heard of one being hired (by anyone other than a ventriloquist, that is).

Accessorize modestly. Avoid loud or ostentatious hairstyles and jewelery. Leave facial piercings (other than a reasonable number in your ears) at home. Cover up any visible tattoos. Be sure your shoes are clean and free of scuffs (preferably polished), and match their color (black shoes generally go with everything) to the rest of your outfit (and, if applicable, your belt). If your laces are frayed, get new ones. Sneakers, even shiny black ones, are a huge no-no.

Double and triple check all pieces of your garments for spots, stains, snags, tears, runs and holes. If you wear anti-perspirant (and you should), check your clothes for white lines.

Don’t forget collar stays!

Even with your personal presentation down to a science, knowing what to expect once you’re through the door is key. Fitting in to a company culture is crucial for long-term success. If your recruiter doesn’t mention anything specific about this, you should always make it a point to ask (if they don’t know, they can find out for you). If the feedback about the company culture doesn’t sound right to you, speak up as soon as possible. Do you really want to work somewhere where you don’t feel comfortable? If you coast through the process and decide on your third day on the job to act on what you knew in your heart before you even received the offer, everyone loses.

I’ll end with a true story: I once worked with a candidate who passed several rounds of in-person interviewing with a client. Candidate and client seemed to get along very well and the candidate had strong experience, but there were some members of senior management who were less than impressed by the candidate’s choice of a brown suit, yellow shirt and brown tie during the first in-person meeting. Although it sounds like an uncommon choice of colors on the candidate’s part, as his recruiter I felt just as much to blame when he ultimately did not get the job. I certainly learned my lesson, and what you can learn from this anecdote, as a candidate, is to make a habit of speaking up. Don’t be afraid to ask for details regarding what is expected of you, especially if you are working with a recruiter who tells you to “dress professionally” and leaves it at that.

If you follow the tips above and are diligent in asking your recruiter to get you as much detail as possible about the culture of the company you will be interviewing with, you will have all the weapons you need to break almost any hiring manager’s first line of defense.