1. Be Forthcoming

Between interviews, reference verifications and background checks – there is little in your career history that you can hide. And, chances are you likely recognize the areas that could be considered red flags. Be upfront. However, this does not mean you need to go into extreme detail, but you will do yourself no favors by hiding anything. This includes over-stating your experience & qualifications.  

4. Show You Have Learned

Occasionally, employees continue to make the same mistakes time and time again. Most hiring managers are forgiving of mistakes, but repeated instances of the same things points to a large problem. If you are having a difficult time not repeating the same mistakes, we recommend finding someone to talk with about strategies to help, be it a professional or a friend. You are the key to your success!

 

 

2. Take Responsibility

Hiring managers realize that everyone makes mistakes. What matters is that you can reflect on a situation and find areas in which you can take some personal responsibility. When faced with two candidates, both of whom made the same mistake and are equally qualified for the job, a hiring manager is more likely to make the offer to the candidate that demonstrates personal accountability. 

 

Choose Your Job Wisely

If you are unemployed, you may find yourself settling for a job that you know, will not work. Whenever possible, you need to avoid taking that job at all costs. Whether it is knowing the schedule is not going to work long-term, or you could tell in the interview the culture was not right for you, you should look to the future. Will this choice help you or hurt you down the road? Don’t set yourself up for any career failures.

 

 

 

3. Keep It Drama Free

Staying inline with being forthcoming, it is also key that you keep your explanations short and simple. Make sure when you are explaining your career shortcomings that you edit your comments. Stick with facts and less storytelling. Now matter how compelling your story may be, an interview is a professional setting and should be treated as such. 

 

 

 

 

 Common Career Missteps

If you are not sure whether you should be concerned about career missteps, here are some common ones:

  • Chronic Absenteeism/Tardiness
  • Frequent Job Changes
  • Terminations of Employment
  • Workplace Conflicts


If any of these are in your career history, it is time for some reflection. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download the PDF