Welcome to On Target, your source for professional development and career guidance from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law’s Career Services Office (CSO). We ensured the blog is smartphone compatible so you can easily access the information that you need: On Target on the go!
On Target aims to give you relevant information based on the time of the year. That is, we discuss resumes, cover letters and the like during the times of year that most of our readers need to refresh those items; search advice when most people are (or should be) focusing on search efforts; and other helpful tidbits of information in between. We also intend to simultaneously serve the needs of our law students and law alumni by posting messages relevant to both groups.
Join our guest bloggers and CSO as we provide answers to frequently asked questions and tips for the experts.
In our first post, we’re going to cover the 8 reasons potential employers do not call you back, provided by CAREEREALISM (we enjoy CAREEREALISM and suggest that all of our job seekers subscribe to this blog!).
It seemed like things were falling into place and you found the perfect job, but after the interview you never heard back. Why?
CAREEREALISM provides eight suggestions why you didn’t get the call:
1. Mistakes in Your Resume. Proofread, proofread, proofread! Don’t let a grammar mistake ruin your chances of landing a job.
2. Poor Interviewing Skills. Whether in person or on the phone, speaking and grammar skills count, as does your body language. Leave behind the slang and any bad posture…yes, posture matters when speaking on the phone too!
3. Inappropriate Social Media Content. This one should be a given: if you wouldn’t hang that picture in your childhood home, you shouldn’t post it on social media either.
4. No Online Presence. While an online presence may not be essential to a law career, it certainly does not hurt you to show that you are connected on social media sites. Keep in mind that LinkedIn is heavily utilized by recruiters and should act as a resume.
5. You Are Too Persistent. How many times have you called and emailed the recruiter? If you had to think about it, it’s too many. Incessantly contacting the recruiter does not show your interest; it simply comes off as annoying.
6. You Are Not Persistent Enough. On the opposite side of the spectrum, potential employers should not have to chase you down; respond in a timely manner and answer their requests fully. Timely = same day as the request.
7. You Are Defensive About Being Contacted. If you are contacted about a job opportunity that you are not interested in, don’t respond defensively. Feel flattered that they sought you out and keep in mind you may need that same person’s help in the future.
8. You’re Not Qualified Enough. Applying for jobs you are not qualified for will not help your chances of getting hired. If anything, it could hurt you when a recruiter begins to recognize your name – because you’re never the right fit. Put yourself out there, but be honest about your experience level and skill set.
Keep these tips in mind as your start (or continue) your job search! In addition, remember that alumni and students are always welcome to schedule a mock interview with CSO or students may take part in the formal Mock Interview program during the fall semester. If you ever need advice on a follow-up interview, interview attire, or any other tips, be sure to check out our resources on Symplicity, set up an appointment via your “Set Up a Counseling Appointment” quicklink, or stop by CSO during walk-in hours.
Tagged: employers, interviewing, resumes
