13 Signs You Should Turn Down a Job Offer

It can be a difficult decision to make, to turn down a job offer, especially if you have been looking for some time. Remember though, that you spend a lot of your time at work, and it is really important that you find the right fit.

Taking the time to evaluate whether the job you have been offered is the right job is well worth it, for your sake (and your family) as well as for your potential employer. Remember, you’re not the only one whose turned down a job – here are some of the most common reasons for rejecting a job offer.

In addition to the job content, evaluate both the salary and the benefits. Here’s a job benefits comparison worksheet you can use to help with your decision-making. After you have crunched the numbers, consider some of the other factors that aren’t as quantifiable. Those are as important as the compensation package. When considering both types of factors, sometimes it can make good sense to say no thank you.

Review these warning signs that should, at least, get you thinking about whether it makes sense to accept – or decline – a job offer.

13 Signs You Should Turn Down a Job Offer

Your gut says no.

One of the best bosses I ever worked for told me to listen to my gut, and he was right. If you left the interview with a knot in your stomach and hoped you wouldn’t get an offer though the job offered a high salary and greater responsibility, it may be time to decline.

Nobody has anything good to say.

At lunch, you had the opportunity to meet some potential colleagues who report to your prospective boss. When you asked them to describe her management style, they hesitated and struggled to convey any positives.

You’re not sure what you would be doing.

The employer was unable to communicate a clear sense of what your job would entail. If more information would help you make a decision, it’s fine to ask for more details.

You’re looking for work-life balance.

You are a parent and need to balance between work and family. It became apparent during the interview process that a key to a successful career in the organization would be working late many evenings.

You would have to get up and talk.

The employer is looking for someone who excels at public speaking or requires some other skill that is not strength for you, and you are not interested in developing that skill area.

There’s too much turnover.

Turnover in your prospective job is much higher than normal for the industry.

The career ladder isn’t clear.

You are interested in career advancement, and a career ladder rising from your prospective job is not well defined.

There’s too much too learn too soon.

Neither formal or informal mechanisms for training appear to be in place, and the job would involve a steep learning curve for you.

Your values don’t mesh with the company’s mission.

Your personal values are at odds with the mission or practices of the organization. For example, you are a dedicated environmentalist and the organization has a reputation as a major polluter.

The company isn’t as successful as you would like.

The company is losing market share in their industry, and success in your role would require a well-respected brand.

The salary isn’t enough.

The salary offered is a step up for you but significantly below market for the job, and the prospect of gaining salary increases is not clear.

The base salary is too low.

Compensation is heavily weighted with commissions and/or bonuses and the goals for achieving adequate compensation do not seem reasonable.

There isn’t enough room for personal and professional growth.

The salary and benefits are great, but you wouldn’t be developing the knowledge and skills that would qualify you for the next step toward your ultimate job.

When and How to Turn Down a Job Offer

Even though this may not be the right job for you, the company may have other positions that are a better fit. You don’t want to burn any bridges, so take the time to decline politely if you have decided to turn down the job. Here are tips for how to decline a job offer with class:

• When to Turn Down a Job Offer
• How to Turn Down a Job Offer

Having Second Thoughts?

What if you’re already said yes? Here’s what to do if you have changed your mind, and want to decline a job offer after accepting it.

Read More:  Get Hired in 30 Days (or Less) | What to Consider Before Accepting a Job Offer

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Top 12 Do’s and Don’ts for Starting a New Job

Are you about to start a new job? Are you getting the new job jitters? Even though it’s really exciting to be beginning a new phase of your career, it can also be stressful and a little scary to start a new job.

Review these tips for starting a new job, and you’ll be ready for a smooth transition to your new employer.

Plan Your Departure

One way to alleviate some of the stress is to take some time to plan and get organized. If you’re currently employed, give notice to your employer (two weeks is typical), and let your co-workers know that you’re moving on.

Here are tips for resigning gracefully while maintaining a good relationship with your boss and colleagues.

Plan Your Arrival

Plan your arrival at your new workplace as carefully as you did leaving your old job. If you can, schedule a break between jobs. Taking a few days off, or a vacation if you can swing it, is a good way to decompress, relax, and start anew with a refreshed and engaged brain. 

Make a List

Start your planning by making a “to do” list. What do you need to get done before you start work? Take care of any appointments you need to schedule ahead of time. That way, you won’t need to be asking for time off right away.

If you need to figure out transportation, child care, elder care, or anything else you need in place prior to starting work, don’t wait to get it lined up. The more organized you are, the smoother the transition will be.

Also, make a “to do” list for starting your new job. Not doing much other than listening and learning, even though it sounds odd, can be on that list. Taking the time to prepare, will help your first day on the job a successful one.

Listen and Learn

One of the best bosses I ever had told me that whenever he started a new job, he spent the first couple of weeks immersing himself into the organization. He wanted a thorough understanding of how the company, his job, and his team worked before he made any suggestions or shared his input.

Of course, everyone’s job is different, but taking the time to learn as much as you can from everyone you meet at work is excellent advice.

There are other things you can do, as well, to make your first days and weeks on the job a positive, exciting, and fun experience.

12 Do’s and Don’ts for Starting a New Job

Here are 12 suggestions for what you can do, and what you shouldn’t do, that will help you ensure a smooth transition to your new position.

1. Get the facts.

It’s absolutely fine to ask questions ahead of time. Depending on your organization, you can ask the Human Resources representative or your supervisor any questions. If you’re not sure who to ask, check with the person who offered you the job. Find out about your work schedule, the hours per week you are expected to work, salary, benefits, and any information you need to successfully come on board.

2. Figure out what to wear.

What you wore to the job interview may not be what you will wear on the job. If you haven’t been given a dress code, ask what the appropriate attire is for your workplace. Have a few work outfits ready, so you don’t have to scramble finding clothes to wear.

3. Check on the company’s BYOD or BYOC policy.

Some employers have Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer) policies that include tablets and smartphones, as well as computers. You may be expected to use your own laptop, or you may have the option to use it. Here’s information on when a company can require you to use your own technology equipment.

4. Check on the company’s social media policy.

Check out your new employer’s social media policy. Some companies don’t care about employee’s posting on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or other social media sites during working hours. Others have policies that prohibit it. Find out what is acceptable before you start posting.

Take the time to vet your social pages. Some of your new co-workers or even your new boss might want to be your Facebook friend. Make sure what they can view is fit for public consumption. Check your privacy settings and be careful about who gets to see what.

5. Don’t presume you know anything. 

Being humble is worth a lot when you’re starting a new job. Nobody likes a know it all, especially someone who doesn’t really know anything about the job or the organization. As I mentioned, take the time to listen and learn before you start giving advice.

6. Be nice.

Being nice goes a long way, too. People like nice people, and if you’re nice to everyone you’re going to get ahead. Remember that some of the people at the bottom of the pay scale know more about the inner workings of the company than those at the top. That’s why being nice to everyone you meet is important. Here’s how to introduce yourself to your new co-workers.

7. Do arrive a little early.

One easy way to help minimize the stress of starting a new position is to do a trial run before you start the job. Figure out your transportation and where you’re going.  Make the trip a few days ahead of time to see how long it takes, giving yourself a cushion for traffic or other delays. Then give yourself a little extra time so you can arrive at work a few minutes early on your first day.

8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice.

There is no such thing as a stupid question when you’re starting a job. Your employer would prefer that you ask. That’s easier than having to fix a mistake. You won’t be expected to know everything, and it’s better to ask for help than to guess.

9. Ask for feedback.

Feedback is especially useful when you’re starting a job. Ask your supervisor how you’re doing, ask if he or she can give you any advice, and ask for suggestions on what you can improve upon.

10. Build relationships.

Relationship building can be hard, especially if you’re the new kid on the block. It can be harder when you don’t have an outgoing personality, and meeting new people is a challenge. Do your best to be friendly and warm, and again, asking for advice is always a good way to break the ice.

11. Be flexible.

Give yourself some extra time to work at the job when you’re first starting it. Leave room in your schedule to come in early or stay late, if necessary. Spending extra time up front can help your learning curve, and increase your comfort level with your new responsibilities.

12. Try not to stress too much. 

Think of your new job as the next exciting step in your career path. Don’t expect to learn everything at once. It’s all new to you, and it will take time. If you feel yourself getting stressed, take a deep breath, collect yourself, and remember that you aren’t expected to get it all at once.

Even though you’re bringing a wealth of skills and experience to the organization, it will still take a little time for it to all fall into place.

More Tips for Starting a New Job

• How to Handle the New Job Jitters
• How to Have a Successful First Day at Work

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Computer Skills That Will Help You Get Hired

In today’s technologically oriented economy, it’s no surprise that employees with strong computer skills fare better in the job market than their technology challenged counterparts. This trend influences hiring for virtually all jobs, not just technology-centered positions.

If your computer skills aren’t where you’d like them to be, there are many free and low-cost ways to upskill your credentials – and boost your career.

What Computer Skills Do You Need?

If you are in the market for a new job or formulating your professional development plan to position yourself for future career growth, then you should take some time to assess the technology preferences of employers in your field.

Before you start, be aware that there are basic computer and mobile device skills, as well as software skills, that employers may expect you have to have. If you don’t have them, take the time to brush up your skills so you’re a competitive candidate.

What skills do you need? Take the time to do some research to learn about the most in-demand skills for someone with your background and expertise.

How to Generate a List of Skills

• Review job postings for your target position on major job sites like Indeed.com and niche job sites for your industry. Make a list of the tech related qualifications that are cited most often.
• Review workshop and seminar topics offered through your professional association to identify cutting edge skills. 
• Consult colleagues in your field and ask them which skills are the most highly valued in their environment.
• Check LinkedIn to see what skills your connections in similar jobs have on their profiles.

Also review these lists of the top computer skills employers looks for and the top skills to list on LinkedIn to learn what skills employers are seeking in the candidates they hire.

Computer Skills That Will Help You Get Hired

Here are some computer skills that are prized by employers in a wide variety of sectors.

Basic Computer Skills

Skills vary by job, of course, but there are some basic skills that will help you get hired and boost your chances of getting a promotion. The more skills you have to include on your resume, the easier it will be to find your next new job.

• Basic Computer and Mobile Device Skills
• Computer Hardware Skills
• Computer Software Skills

Microsoft Office

Virtually all workers have some familiarity with Microsoft Word. However, individuals who can carry out mail merges, modify macro scripts, format documents expertly, and execute other complex functions are most highly recruited. You can get certified in Microsoft Office, which will enhance your resume and marketing to employers.

• List of Microsoft Office Skills

Spreadsheets

Facility with spreadsheet programs, especially Microsoft Excel, is referenced in many job announcements. Candidates who can create complex macros to organize spreadsheet information are in particularly high demand.

PowerPoint

A solid grasp of PowerPoint for workers who wish to conduct dynamic presentations or prepare materials for bosses and colleagues is essential. Job candidates who can show employers some attractive examples of presentation slides will often have a leg up in the hiring process.

Microsoft Access

Job seekers who can organize and manipulate data through programs like Microsoft Access have an advantage in today’s information-intensive economy.

QuickBooks

Many small businesses (and some larger ones) use QuickBooks for accounting, payroll, invoicing, reporting and more. If you’re working in an accounting or administrative role, a working knowledge of QuickBooks is definitely an asset.

• QuickBooks Skills

Email

We all use email as part of our personal and professional lives, but those individuals who can perform advanced functions with email programs like Microsoft Outlook can increase office productivity.

Web and Social Skills

Most organizations are looking to enhance their footprint on the web and within social media. Workers who can maintain and upgrade websites using tools like content management systems, HTML, Dreamweaver, WordPress and Java are very attractive to employers. Candidates who understand how to leverage social media to convey messages about their organization are in high demand.

• Social Media Skills
• Tech Skills Listed by Job

Graphic and Writing Skills

Knowledge of Photoshop and graphics programs like InDesign and Illustrator enable employees to optimize the look and feel of websites and other communications. Writing skills are also important for many different jobs.

• Graphic Design Skills
• Writing Skills

Enterprise Systems

Most larger employers utilize enterprise systems like Oracle and PeopleSoft as platforms for their operations. Mastering applications within these systems can enhance your appeal to these types of organizations.

Job Specific Skills

There are many skills that are job dependent. Check out this list of employment skills listed by job to ensure you have the top skills employers are seeking in candidates. Highlight those skills in your job applications to show hiring organizations you have the right stuff to get hired.

• Employment Skills Listed by Job

How to Upgrade Your Skills

If your skills need refreshing or you need to acquire a new skill set, there are many free courses online you can take to upgrade your skills. Want to start learning computer skills today? Here are 5 free and easy ways to learn computer skills and boost your marketability.

Be sure to include all the new skills you learn on your resume.

Showcase Your Skills in Your Job Applications

When you’re working on your resume and cover letters, take the time to mention the skills you have that are listed in the job posting. Show the employer that you have the skills the company needs. Here’s how to match your qualifications to a job description. 

Add a Computer Skills Section to Your Resume

An easy way to show employers the computer skills you have is to include them in a separate section at the bottom of your resume. Be sure to focus on the skills you have that are mentioned in the job requirements. For example:

Computer Skills

• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Analytics
• Adobe Photoshop
• Microsoft Office

More Resume Skills: Employable Computer Skills You Didn’t Know You Had

Write a Skills Section: Here are step-by-step instructions for writing a skills section for your resume.

Review a Sample Resume: Take a look at a sample resume highlighting the candidate’s computer skills.

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5 Free and Easy Ways to Improve Your Computer Skills

With technology becoming more and more prevalent in the workplace, it’s more important than ever to have basic computer hardware and software skills. An employer will be looking for computer skills on your resume, and you need to be able to walk the walk in addition to talk to the talk—meaning that you need to be able to know how to use a computer when you’re on the job.

Here are 5 free and easy way to improve your computer skills.

Short on time? Jump down to see some free courses, so you can start learning for free today!

1. Identify what you need to learn.

Most likely, you only have so much free time that you can dedicate to learning a new skill. Accordingly, it’s important to use that time wisely. Whether you’re looking to pivot your career or level up within your current field, analyzing the job description of your ideal position is a great way to identify what skills employers are looking for, as well as the tools you should know how to use.

Tip: The “Requirements” section of a job description is generally a good place to find this information.

Networking is another great way to discover what technical skills other people in your field have, or what software and apps they use on a day-to-day basis. This can be accomplished with a simple question, such as “Have you learned any new skills lately that have helped you in your job?,” or “What’s your favorite software or app that use regularly for work?”

In addition, you can also find much of this information online. If you are a customer service representative, for example, you might search for “customer service software.” Keep an eye out for the specific products that appear in your results. Capterra, a software review company, is another helpful resource for identifying common tools in your trade.

Not sure where to start? The specific skills you need are highly dependent on your position and your field, but you can familiarize yourself with this list of top computer skills to start out. Also review some of the best skills to include on your resume.

2. Start with the basics—and ensure you know how to use a computer.

While this goes without saying, before you learn any specialized technical skills, at the very least you need a fundamental understanding of how to use a computer—ideally, both a Windows or Mac. There are many free resources online. Sites like Lifewire, for example, are very helpful in providing comprehensive tutorials.

These days, it’s pretty common to find free (or affordable) computer training events. Check with your local library, community center or community college to see what they have to offer. In addition, you can take free Mac courses at an Apple store near you.

If you’re working in an office role, consider getting certified in Microsoft Office to improve your skills and add value to your resume.

3. Familiarize yourself with an understanding of how computers (and the Internet) work.

While this goes without saying, before you learn any specialized technical skills, at the very least you need a fundamental understanding of what a computer it is and how it works. In some cases, it can be helpful to learn how the Internet works, too.

Now, do you need master computer science? Absolutely not. But, having an elementary understanding of how the technology that you use functions provides a strong foundation for future learning. Here is a list of some free online computer skills lessons that you can start with:

• Computer Basics for Absolute Beginners – from GCF Learn Free (Free)
• Internet Basics for Absolute Beginners – from GCF Learn Free (Free)
• Computer Science 101 – from Stanford University  (Free)
• How the Internet Works – from Khan Academy (Free)
• G Suite Training Center (for Google Apps) – from Google (Free)

4. Take a free online or-in person computer course.

There are many free resources available, both offline and online. Be sure to check out offerings in your community, such as at your local library, community center, community college or YMCA. You can also search on sites like Meetup or Eventbrite for educational events or groups. If you live in Los Angeles, New York City or Chicago, CourseHorse is another excellent resource.

If you’d rather learn tech skills for free online, there are plenty of ways to do so! You should be able to search on YouTube for pretty much anything you want to know. If you’re looking for a more formal learning experience, you can find tons of free college-level courses online on sites like Coursera, EdX and Class-Central. You can also find free, introductory courses on sites like Khan Academy, Codecademy, and Free Code Camp.

Tip: Here’s an extensive list of free and low-cost online computer classes you can take to get started.

5. Apply the knowledge and get hands-on practice.

If a job description requests familiarity with a specific tool, try to see if there’s way to get hands-on experience. For example, say a position requires that you know how to use Trello, a project management tool. You could consider ways you might be able to integrate Trello in your current position. If this is not possible, perhaps there’s a case where you could use it in your personal life—like for planning a trip.

Get as creative as possible. Need to learn how to use Google Calendar? Start using it to plan and schedule your families’ appointments and activities. Need to know how to use Skype? Create an account and use it to make a video call with someone you haven’t talked to in awhile.

Alternately, if you are learning a skill like graphic design, web design or development, there are many ways to practice: you can enter contests on 99Designs, or solicit gigs on Fiverr, for example.

If you need to be familiar with a paid tool or software then you cannot gain access to, look to see if that app offers a demo or has any training videos on its website. At the very least, you’ll have a chance to garner a basic familiarity with the structure and functionality of the software

Remember, you should always be honest with an employer about your skills and abilities. Don’t oversell your skills. If you’re lacking a skill that is listed in the job description, you can always mention that it is something you are currently learning (or intend to learn), and emphasize your ability to pick up new skills quickly.

Bonus tip: Does your company offer an education stipend?

Be sure to check if your company offers any stipends for their employees’ professional development. There are a lot of high-quality online learning programs available for relatively low costs – Lynda, for example, is a great option for only $24.99/month, as is ed2go.

Suggested Articles:

• Computer Skills That Will Get You Hired
• Free Career and Job Search Tools

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How to Interview While Wearing a Face Mask

Since April 2020, when the CDC recommended that everyone wear a face mask in public, masks have become the world’s most ubiquitous accessory – and for good reason. The latest research shows that wearing a mask protects both the wearer and the people around them, reducing transmission of the virus.  

So, if you go on an in-person job interview during the pandemic, you will likely be asked to wear a mask. In fact, everyone involved should wear one, from the receptionist to the hiring manager. It’s the best way to keep everyone safe.

That said, it’s perfectly understandable if you’re a little nervous about interviewing while wearing a mask. It’s hard enough to communicate your qualifications without covering the bottom half of your face. But if you manage this the right way, you may be able to turn a challenge to your advantage. Interview well, and you’ll show the hiring manager that you’re someone who can shine through adversity.

Choose the Right Mask

Many people have gotten creative with their masks, making or buying custom versions with slogans, sports logos, even prints of their own face. But while those eye-catching masks are fun at the grocery store, they’re not a good idea for job interviews.

Why not? Well, in short, they distract from what’s actually important: you. Loud patterns, shiny embellishments, or goofy slogans will pull focus from your message.

Your best bet is to keep it simple. Choose a plain color or a simple pattern and make sure it doesn’t clash with your outfit. You don’t need to go all out and match it to your pocket square, but you want it to work together. Remember that the goal is for the interviewer to forget about your mask and focus on your conversation.

Bring a Spare

Remember the good old days, when an interview wardrobe malfunction meant spilling coffee on your shirt before the meeting? Now, you also have to worry about keeping your mask intact and presentable as well.

To ensure that things go smoothly, pack at least one extra mask that you’d feel confident wearing during the interview. The world is an imperfect place. Elastics snap, lipstick wanders, birds drop a present right before you enter the building. Have a backup, and you’ll be prepared for anything.

Carve Out Time to Build Calm

Even in pre-pandemic times, it was normal to have some job interview jitters. Now, you have the added stress of observing safety precautions, plus navigating an interview with half your face covered. If you’re feeling nervous, it’s totally understandable.

The best way to handle this new and unusual situation is to prioritize stress relief. If you haven’t already incorporated stress management practices like meditation, mindfulness, and breathing techniques, now is a good time to start. If you’re already doing so, be sure to leave extra time before your job interview to build a sense of calm.

Take an hour or two to de-stress before heading out. Go for a walk, meditate, do some yoga – anything that will help you regulate and relax. Remember that you’re not just interviewing – you’re interviewing while coping with a pandemic. Give yourself a break … by taking a break.

Remember Tyra Banks and Smize

Did you know that people can hear when you’re smiling, even over the phone? The same goes for when you’re wearing a mask. Plus, the top of your face will be visible, which means that the interviewer will be able to see your smile in your eyes. Your posture may also indicate that you’re feeling positive and upbeat. So, don’t use the mask as an excuse to wear a neutral expression. Smile, and the hiring manager will feel your enthusiasm.  

Use the Right Body Language

In addition to smiling, be sure to use positive body language. Avoid slouching, leaning back in your chair, or fiddling with your pen or paperwork. Keep your posture open and approachable, with uncrossed arms and a slight forward learn to indicate interest. Make eye contact, but don’t stare.

Above all else, avoid looking at your phone. There’s no quicker way to indicate that your mind is on other things.  

Be Respectful of The Interviewer’s Space

The pandemic has complicated interviewing, along with just about every other activity in our lives. But it also provides an opportunity to show respect and consideration – valuable attributes in a potential hire.

When you meet with the interview, adhere to social distancing guidelines by staying six feet away. Do not shake hands or touch the interviewer in any way. (If they offer an elbow bump, and you feel comfortable, go for it. But let them lead.)

Do Practice Interviews (and Dress the Part)

Mock interviews are always useful. They can help you practice answering – and asking – interview questions, as well as giving you a chance to try out your elevator pitch. However, practice interviews are more valuable than ever right now, because so much has changed from the normal routine of job seeking.

Ask a friend or family member to do a trial run, wearing masks and observing social distancing. Have them critique your performance, offering any tips for improvement. You might also consider making a video of the mock interview, so that you can see for yourself whether your body language communicates your message.

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What Not to Do in a Job Interview

Job interviews can be awkward. They give you just a couple of hours at most to serve up the perfect snapshot of your qualifications and personality. The pressure’s on. If you slip up, you may lose the opportunity or agree to something you don’t truly want.

Navigating a job interview is an art form that comes more naturally to some than to others. When you’re interviewing for a job, there are a lot of things you should do and tools you should employ to ensure interview success. There are also some things that you shouldn’t do if you want a second interview or job offer. You also don’t want to give a false impression – even if it’s a good one – because it will come back to bite you later.

Don’t Do These 12 Things During a Job Interview

Employers are evaluating more than just your resume during the interview process. Here is what not to do when you’re in the hot seat.

1. Don’t arrive too late or too early.

Arriving on time is the most basic prerequisite for a job interview. This goes double for online interviews, where there’s truly no excuse to be late. Prepare your travel carefully and leave a cushion for unexpected delays. If you are late one time due to an emergency, be very communicative with your contacts and try not to do it again.

However, don’t arrive too early for your interview and force yourself to sit nervously in full view in a waiting area. Plan to arrive no more than ten minutes earlier than your interview appointment time. You can grab a cup of coffee nearby if you get to your destination earlier than expected.

2. Don’t dress too casually.

Err on the side of overdressing to demonstrate that you are serious about the opportunity. Research the company’s website and social media pages to learn about their culture, and always dress one step up for an interview. Click here for tips on how to dress during online interviews, which come with their own set of rules. 

Important: If you’re interviewing in-person be sure to wear a mask.

3. Don’t appear disorganized.

You want to appear organized and focused. Don’t come to a job interview with a thousand bags or papers in tow. Keep it to one, neat, professional bag with a pen and a few copies of your resume, references, and other application requirements. Bring a tiny notebook and take copious notes throughout the interview. Keep your paperwork neat in folders or binders, and make sure that everything is easy to find so that you don’t have to rummage around.

 If you’re doing an online interview, neaten up your background. Don’t let the boss see all of those candy wrappers littered around your workspace.

4. Don’t come unprepared.

By the time you walk into a job interview, you have hopefully researched the company and the potential position. While most hirers won’t expect you to know everything about a new job, you should peruse the company’s website and social media outlets, and have plenty to say about your position. If you come into the job interview without preparing, one can only imagine your performance on the actual job.

5. Don’t be rude to anyone you meet.

Everyone in the office is part of your hiring process. You never know if you’re riding the elevator with the CEO – and frankly it shouldn’t matter if she’s the CEO or the receptionist. Treat everyone you encounter with the utmost respect. Rudeness toward your fellow colleagues is an instant dealbreaker for many companies.

6. Don’t look at your cell phone.

You want to be as engaged and present as possible, so don’t glance at your cell phone during an interview. Most of us are semi-addicted to those incoming messages and alerts, so knock out the temptation by silencing your cell.

If you have kids, an elderly person, or another potential emergency in your life, you can set your phone only to ring when certain numbers call you. Your interviewer should understand if you absolutely must take an emergency call. Otherwise, put it away.

7. Don’t use negative body language or negative expressions.

If possible, do not lean back, slouch, or display disinterest through your posture. Lean slightly forward to engage your interviewer(s) and show an interest in what they are saying.

If you find that you haven’t smiled in awhile, try it. Interviewers want to know that you’re enthusiastic about the position. Other negative expressions that suggest anger, nervousness, dejectedness, or anxiety should be left at home. Remain calm and professional at all times so that your emotions don’t distract from your qualifications. You can always scream into your pillow later on. 

Of course, if a disability or mental illness precludes you from doing any of these things, an interviewer by law must not hold it against you.

8. Don’t interrupt or talk too much.

Listening is an underrated interviewing skill, and routinely interrupting a hiring manager is a huge no-no. Make sure you know what your interviewer is driving at before you launch into an answer. You don’t want to do all of the talking. Here are tips for listening and responding during an interview. Getting into a cadence of listening and speaking is particularly important in virtual interviews, where interruptions can bring the conversation to a halt. 

9. Don’t lie.

There are many reasons why you shouldn’t lie during a job interview. You might get caught inflating your qualifications, for example, which will almost certainly cost you the job. 

Furthermore, there’s no reason to lie when you can instead emphasize your willingness to learn or refuse to answer potentially discriminatory questions. For example, communications coach and career brand strategist Lucy Samuels said that if an interviewer asks how much money you made at your previous job, you can deflect by saying, “I would much rather focus on the current position.” Or you can focus on your research and say, “I’ve researched this role, and this is the salary that’s appropriate.” 

In fact, many states have made illegal the interview question “What did you make at your previous job?” and it is against federal law for job interviewers to ask applicants about their pregnancy status, age, and potential disabilities, among other subjects. 

10. Don’t eat in a distracting way.

As a rule of thumb, try to avoid eating or chewing gum during a job interview. Eating is an informal experience, and you want to avoid unnecessary distractions or mess. Eat beforehand so that you’re not hungry. Stick to one cup of coffee, water, or tea, then proceed to sip and ignore it throughout the interview.

If you are in a situation where you absolutely must eat, such as true lunch interview, you still want to make the food as straightforward and unmemorable as possible. Order a small portion of something that can be gracefully consumed, like a salad, for example, instead of pizza or oily pasta. Don’t let eating get in the way of your conversation. Here’s more information on how to handle an interview at a restaurant.

Also, avoid ordering alcoholic beverages at all costs. It doesn’t matter if anyone else is drinking; you want to stay 100 percent lucid and professional.

11. Don’t play favorites.

Do not unintentionally play favorites during group interview situations. There is a natural tendency for most of us to feel a stronger chemistry with one or more of our interviewers than the others. You might look at the comfortable person more often or address your answers or questions to her more frequently. Make a deliberate effort to focus equally on each of your interviewers since it is likely that each of them will carry weight in the decision-making process. If you have to sit in a group interview, here’s how to handle that situation with finesse.

12. Don’t accept or reject an offer right then and there.

Your judgment is usually clouded during a job interview. Often your adrenaline is high and you want to please the boss. Alternatively, perhaps you had an encounter with someone in the office that rubbed you the wrong way, so you’re feeling down on the job overall. Either way, an interview is no time to accept or reject a job offer. Don’t give them an answer right away. You need to be away from the interview environment and alone with your feelings.

If you’re still interested in a job offer later on, you can start the negotiation process. You may even want to negotiate for things beyond salary, like your start date or the company’s remote-work policy. These things take time to consider and should never be hashed out in an interview.

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Firm Culture is a Key Factor for Job Seekers and Talent Recruiters

What do prospective employees look for in a new firm? When do firms and their recruiters miss the boat? And how can firms attract and retain top talent in the midst of business disruption like a pandemic?

What Matters Most to Job Seekers

Hinge Research Institute recently completed a study among professional services firms to explore perceptions about what matters most to job seekers. We gathered perspective from job seekers at various career stages and also from talent evaluators, to learn about whether – and how – expectations of each group align. Over 1,000 professionals responded to our survey for the 2020 Employer Branding Study, from firms across the spectrum of professional service businesses.

As you might expect, a competitive salary and benefits package ranks high for job seekers at every career level. 57% of all respondents rated compensation as their top selection factor. It might come as a surprise, however, to learn that perceptions about company culture and value – and whether the candidate sees a good fit – rank equally high.

Amidst the uncertainty of today’s economy, the story line is clear – a strong company culture represents a bedrock for both candidates and managers in search of top talent. In fact, for 75% of talent recruiters, gaining confidence about a good cultural fit was more important than a candidate’s work history and experience.  

Priorities Vary by Career Stage

How do other priorities vary among job seekers at different levels in their careers?

Entry-level job seekers look for messages about a company’s commitment to their growth and advancement. They tend to shy away from the risk and cost of a major relocation, and their first avenue to explore job opportunities is via the firm’s web site. Smart companies that rely on a steady flow of new grads will have a section dedicated to this demographic on their “Careers” tab, and will actively market into area colleges and universities.

What mid-career candidates value most (after compensation) is responsibility, an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, and a degree of assurance they won’t be spread too thin. These candidates often funnel through a recruiter or staffing firm and look for signals about desirable work/life balance, and assignments to develop leadership and collaborate with top management.

Senior-level candidates are attracted to organizations that present a clear vision for the future. These people value strong leadership and high-caliber colleagues, and expect to operate independently – nearly one in three respondents in this group prioritize working remotely.

The Impact of Disruptions

Employees become restless for a variety of reasons. As the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, more than half of all active job seekers noted their current company’s weak response to the pandemic; on the other hand, respondents not actively seeking a new job were four times more likely to have a favorable view of their company’s pandemic actions.

Predictably, merger activity can also spell trouble for retention. When companies lack a formal integration plan, fail to identify who’s in charge of the integration – and communicate about the whole process poorly – they run a high risk of dissatisfied employees who are ripe to pursue other opportunities.

What can we broadly conclude from these findings? For an employee who might be looking around, a prospective employer’s brand – and what it says about the firm’s culture – is worthy of your attention. You want to know what’s in the water before you wade in … and similarly, the hiring manager will be looking for assurance that you understand their context and are likely to adapt successfully and fit in.

Even Passive Job Seekers Are Flight Risks

The employer brand is particularly important to the passive job seeker – someone who’s really not looking for a new position, but could be spurred into action for the right opportunity, at the right organization. Statistics indicate that at any given time, there might be twice as many passive job seekers as there are active ones, and they are often attractive candidates.

This group actually ranks culture as more important than salary, so the most compelling employer brands will express what’s great about the firm culture, and capture a sense of the type of people who will thrive working there. It’s worth noting that a compelling employer brand also supports retention of current employees.

In today’s rapidly shifting economy, there’s an extra element of risk to any job change. No matter what your career stage, taking time to learn the signals about a prospective employer’s brand and culture can help you avoid the risk of making the wrong move.

Guest Author Lee Frederiksen is an award-winning marketer, Visible Expert®, and business strategist who helped pioneer the field of research-driven marketing. As the Managing Partner of Hinge, a marketing firm for the professional services industry, he draws on his Ph.D. in behavioral psychology and his CEO experience to help clients achieve high growth and profitability.

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