Four Unprofessional Habits

One of the reasons the job search is so tough is that, because employers have so many potentially qualified candidates to choose from, the smallest mistake can disqualify you. Something that you consider to be harmless can actually be very unprofessional in the eyes of recruiters.

Below are four habits that you need to kick so you aren't branded as an amateur. It seems unfair that you can be judged because of such little things, but it won't do you any good to complain about it. The sooner you ditch these habits, the better off you will be in terms of your job search.

• Using a Silly E-Mail Address: Just because you get a kick out of it doesn't mean the employer will. You can keep that address for your personal use, but create a separate e-mail for professional purposes. This has the added benefit of keeping your contacts more organized.
• Failing to Proofread Your Resume and Cover Letter: An otherwise flawless job application can be ruined by careless errors. Make sure to proofread all documents you send to the employer. There's no denying this can take some time, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
• Not Preparing for the Job Interview: Even if you are at your best thinking on your feet, it's a big mistake not to do preparation. Winging it during a job interview can lead to more "ums" and pauses, which will make the hiring manager believe you know nothing about the organization.
• Failing to Send a Thank-You Note After An Interview: Nothing will paint you in a more negative light than neglecting to express your gratitude to the employer after an interview. Just because you thanked them in person doesn't give you license to not send a thank-you note.