Candidate Tip - Part 10

I started the ‘Candidate Tip Series’ on this blog with the intent to answer recruitment related questions from readers. The series was also introduced in an attempt to avoid redundancy in replies. I tweet these tips on my twitter account too, and use the hash-tag #candidatetip.

If you are a candidate, hope this helps. If not, you can help send this post to people searching for answers. I’ll continue to take questions and should you have one, you can send it to thehrstore@gmail.com

Looking for the earlier posts on candidate tips? You can read them here

1. Putting your spouse's contact number on your resume isn't a great idea. Recruiter's would want to talk to the candidate.


2. Not a good idea to place an interviewer 'on-hold' during an interview. And not return to the call even after 5 mins! Enough reason to reject.


3. Words like 'hyper-active' don't sound great on your cover letter. You may want to rephrase.
   
4. Using wi-fi connectivity during interviews is fine. Just don’t get hooked to it and forget the very reason for being there.


5. Use your name as the file/doc name for your CV. Eg: .doc/.pdf. Names like 'Cool Boy', 'HR Bull', 'Chosen One' sound insane!


6. If you're referred by a friend for a job at the company he works, let him know you'll meet him after the interview. Stay focused.


7. Avoid using acronyms in interviews. Else, first give context and then use it. Saying BRX, MNJ, XYZ means nothing to anyone outside your current company. Explain it.


8. It's ok to follow-up with the recruiter/hiring manager on the status of your interview. A couple of mails should be fine. Don’t go over-board. If they still don’t reply, you wouldn’t want to work for them
.

9. It's not a good sign when you want re-negotiate the job offer after you’ve accepted it. Think.


10. Take time. Read. Re-read. Ask questions. And only then say ‘Yes’.


11. It's ok to ask the hiring manager a few questions on his/her style of management. You'll know if it works for you or not.


12. Try to not change your contact number(s) in the middle of an interview process. If you really have to change it, keep the recruiter informed.


13. It's not a great idea to take another interview on phone, while you wait in the lobby for the present one to start! Not. A. Good. Idea.


14. Coming from a competitor definitely gives you an edge, but you still need to ace the interviews. Take nothing for granted!


15. Aggressiveness is an asset. Don't demonstrate by hitting the discussion table, to make ur point! It's not the same trait.


16. Getting a presentation to an interview is fine. Just don't force it on the interviewer; unless it was asked of you.


17. If you're invited for an interview outside the employer's office, it's your call whether to want to take it there or not.


18. Good hiring managers look for two must-have things in managerial candidates: (1) Emotional Quotient (2) Intelligence Quotient. Go prepared.

Things to leave off your resume!

• Links to your Facebook fan page, Twitter ID, blog (unless you manage a professional one for the business)


• Quotes from references. Really! Your reference will be contacted at a later time and given sufficient time to talk about your candidature.


• Your photograph. Take it off, unless you’re asked explicitly to add one to your resume.


• Confidential information from current employer, such as, links to your work that you’ve placed on a personal site (I’ve come across such a resume!)


• Personal information: about your spouse (where he/she works, company name, etc.), kids or neighbor’s dogs.


• Leave the resume looking professional. Don’t jazz up the background or have a font that’s best used on a greeting card!


• Weird email ID’s. Here’s why: http://bit.ly/2UphZ6


• Redundant contact details. If you don’t want to be reached, then don’t send out the resume!


• Abbreviations, acronyms and writing the entire resume in CAPS!

Candidate Tip - Part 9

Few months back, I started the ‘Candidate Tip Series’ on this blog with an intention to answer recruitment related questions from readers. The series was introduced in an attempt to avoid redundancy in replies. I tweet these tips on my twitter account too, and use #candidatetip for the tips.

If you are a candidate, hope this helps. If not, you can help send this post to people searching for answers. I’ll continue to take questions and should you have one, you can send it to thehrstore@gmail.com

Looking for the earlier posts on candidate tips? You can read them here

1. It's not a good idea to get your spouse to answer the phone, when an interviewer calls at a scheduled time. It's awkward!


2. If you're sharing your LinkedIn profile as a resume, don't include your personal Twitter/Blog Link. http://bit.ly/aTLGfm


3. Think twice before you take a role that requires you to report to a friend.


4. Why on earth would you want to put your sun-sign on your resume?! Beats me. Unless off course you're asked. That would be weird!


5. There's no real benefit in adding a redundant/not-in-use LinkedIn link in your resume. Avoid it.


6. Coming from a competitor definitely gives you an edge, but you still need to ace the interviews. Take nothing for granted!


7. It's not a great idea to take another interview on phone, while you wait in the lobby for the present one to start!


8. Try to not change your contact number(s) in the middle of an interview process. If you have to, keep the recruiter informed.


9. Yes, your spouse might be a financial analyst/genius., but the job offer and its components will only be discussed with you!


10. It's ok to ask the hiring manager a few questions on his/her style of management. You'll know if it works for you or not.


11. Your colleague(s) might be leaving the team, but it isn't a reason for you to look for a job change! Unless the entire project/program is canned.


12. It's not a good sign when you want re-negotiate after having already accepted the job offer. Think, ask questions and then say yes.

Candidate Tip - Part 8

Few months back, I started the ‘Candidate Tip Series’ on this blog with an intention to answer recruitment related questions from readers. The series was introduced in an attempt to avoid redundancy in replies. I tweet these tips on my twitter account too, and use #candidatetip for the tips.

If you are a candidate, hope this helps. If not, you can help send this post to people searching for answers. I’ll continue to take questions and should you have one, you can send it to thehrstore@gmail.com

Looking for the earlier posts on candidate tips? You can read them here.

1. Find a way to explain the difference between your 'needs' v/s 'wants'. Leaving it ambiguous, could result in interpretations.


2. When you're invited for lunch in between interviews, eat just enough to keep you going. Please don't binge! Burping isn't likeable.


3. If you're scheduled for an interview but decide against a job change, let the recruiter/manager know in advance. Saves everyone's time & effort.


4. Collecting job offers from many firms = burning bridges with ones you'll reject. Think & apply. Do you need that 2nd offer?


5. Speaking fast when you don't know the answer doesn't help your cause. Say, "I don't know" & ask for the answer.


6. Coming from a direct competitor doesn't guarantee you a job. You'll still need to ace the interview.


7. Interview slots are well planned (atleast at most firms), so if you choose to take a phone-call in between, make it quick.


8. An 'open' offer is a great thing. Yet, I would suggest you have detailed discussions before saying 'yes' to the offer.


9. Don't use your official email ID to communicate with a prospective employer!


10. At interviews, use the white board (when available). Helps interviewers visualize your explanation. It works in your favor.

Candidate Tip - Part 7

Few months back, I started the ‘Candidate Tip Series’ on this blog with an intention to answer recruitment related questions from readers. The series was introduced in an attempt to avoid redundancy in replies. I tweet these tips on my twitter account too, and #candidatetip for the tips.

If you are a candidate, hope this helps. If not, you can help send this post to people searching for answers. I’ll continue to take questions and should you have one, you can send it to thehrstore@gmail.com

Looking for the earlier posts on candidate tips? You can read them here.

1. Don't act surprised when you get a 'scheduled' call from an interviewer. You were asked for a good time to be reached. No?
2. If you're sending your LinkedIn profile for a role, then take out your wedding picture on your profile! Doesn’t look professional.
3. Please wait for the interviewer to finish the question. Else, u might miss out on answering the actual question in its entirety.
4. It's critical for your new employer to know your start date. Don’t commit to a start date without thinking. Keep some buffer.
5. Interview questions are NOT always about 'Yes/No'. Some are asked to understand your approach in getting to the solution.
6. Use interviews to ask as many questions. Really. You don't get rejected for asking questions. If you do get rejected for that, you don’t want to work there.
7. Show discretion when you want to disagree with an interviewer.
8. It's ok to have an exploratory talk before you dive into interviews. But once you decide, stick to it. Reneges aren't liked!
9. Ask for a 'job description' before you take up an interview. It'll give you some context to the role & future discussions.
10. Keep in touch with your references. Sending them a mail one fine day doesn't work at all times. Result: Job offer's on hold!
11. Don't be the one to end an interview. Let the interviewer end it. You can end it you aren't keen on the role. Saves time.
12. Use the word 'expert' in your resume, with utmost discretion. Any 'expert' claim will get validated with more rigor.
13. If you're talking to the hiring manager, ask for an email ID. Might be of help later (interview feedback, thank you note, etc)

Candidate Tip - Part 6

Few months back, I started the ‘Candidate Tip Series’ on this blog with an intention to answer recruitment related questions from readers. The series was introduced in an attempt to avoid redundancy in replies. I tweet these tips on my twitter account too, and #candidatetip for the tips.

If you are a candidate, hope this helps. If not, you can help send this post to people searching for answers. I’ll continue to take questions and should you have one, you can send it to thehrstore@gmail.com

Looking for the earlier posts on candidate tips? You can read them here.

1. You don't need to put your photograph on the resume, unless you're asked to put it. Looks very tacky and needless to say a good recruiter/hiring manager isn’t going to hire you for the looks, unless the role demands it.



2. It's ok to mail the recruiter/hiring manager, asking for an interview feedback. Moderation is the key. Don’t flood them with calls/mails every waking hour.



3. It’s fine that you are the kind who laughs a lot, but please answer the question. Laughing is not an answer. Yes or No, are the only two choices.



4. It's a phone interview. Didn't you know you shouldn’t talk when you have food in your mouth? Basic manners. Well, it’s a scheduled interview. You either eat or you talk.



5. If you reject a job offer, then I assume you've given it enough thought before deciding. Asking to reconsider might not always work.



6. You don’t need to put on a 'fake' accent in an interview! Why would you want to? Beats me. Talk slow. Listen well. Be precise.



7. Telling an interviewer that you got delayed because you went shopping before an interview, doesn’t really going down well. Retail therapy before an interview? Seriously!



8. I know music is soothing, but please switch off that radio in the b/ground. It's an interview! Not a music-fest.



9. On Skype video-discussion, make sure you keep your pet away from the screen. Yes, I understand he’s excited too, but this is an interview!



10. If you've given a secondary contact number, then please keep the owner of that number informed. An interview isn’t a spam call!



11. Attending an HR interview doesn’t mean you'll get an offer! Its part of the interview process and your callous attitude could cost you the job. It’s never over, until it’s over. Remember?



12. If you want to take the interview in a different language, then let the recruiter know your preference while scheduling the call. They either come prepared or send someone who understands the language or use an interpreter.

Candidate Tip - Part 5

Few months back, I had started the ‘Candidate Tip Series’ with the intention to answer hiring related questions from readers. The series was introduced in an attempt to avoid redundancy in replies.Further, I tweet these tips on my twitter account too using #candidatetip.

If you are a candidate, hope this helps. If not, you can help send this post to anyone searching for answers. I’ll continue to take questions and should you have one, you can send it to thehrstore@gmail.com

Looking for the earlier posts on candidate tips? Here’s part – 1, 2, 3 and 4

• When asked for a good time to schedule an interview, don’t give a time when you can’t take the call! Use a 3-step process: Stop. Think. Answer.



• I know it's your personal email account; but having 'corny' messages in your mail signature won't work in your favor in a job hunt.



• Dear Candidate: I didn't call to listen to your ringer-tone song selection! Pick up the phone at the scheduled time for an interview.



• If you choose send your LinkedIn profile instead of a resume, then ensure your LinkedIn profile is updated with details.



• Please don't mention your Facebook/Twitter links on your resume (unless asked). Same as with blogs (here's why http://bit.ly/astvvv)



• Changing your contact number is fine, but do keep the recruiter/interviewer informed. Common sense. No?



• Avoid clichés in your resume & you'll notice 2 pages is a lot of space to fill out your professional achievements. Try it.



• If you've a post lunch interview, plan your food intake with care. Over-eating leads to 'burping'. Only Garfield likes it!



• You might think you're friendly in your approach. But hugging an interviewer isn't the best way to greet! WTH were you thinking.



• Sending gifts to an interviewer isn't going to get you the job! Doing well in the interviews will improve your chances.

Candidate Tip - Part 4

Few months back, I had started the ‘Candidate Tip Series’ with the intention to answer hiring related questions from readers. The series was introduced in an attempt to avoid redundancy in replies.

Further, I tweet these tips on my twitter account too using #candidatetip. If you are a candidate, hope this helps. If not, you can help send this post to anyone searching for answers. I’ll continue to take questions and should you have one, you can send it to thehrstore@gmail.com

Looking for the earlier posts on candidate tips? Here’s part – 1, 2 and 3.

Here’s Part – 4:

Don't pick up the phone & start texting during an interview! If it's that important, keep the interviewer informed that you are expecting a text message that needs your reply. It’s obvious, you need to inform the interviewer before the start of the interview.

No, you can’t invite your wife for a luncheon that's specifically organized for you to get to know the team. Family day will come later.

Flying you down for an interview is an expensive deal. So missing a flight doesn’t show you in good light. It’s always better to be early at the airport. Plan well.

Nervousness while interviewing is ok. But don't ramble on when you don’t know the answer. It's ok to not know a few things.

When asked, "Do you have any questions?" in an interview. Ask. Don't wait for the offer letter to get to know the company. Might be late. You would have wasted everyone’s time. Especially your time.

You might have submitted your resume earlier, but it's ok to carry an updated one (if any) for the interview. However, keep the interviewer informed before the start of the interview.

No, you can't involve your spouse in the offer discussion! Red flag! Where did that come from? You were interviewed for the role. Did the interviewer miss catching something during the interview?

Cracking too many smarta$$ jokes / just laughing for no reason during an interview doesn't go in your favor. It question’s your very interest in the role. That might not even be true!

It's advisable to plan well & take the telephonic interview in a calm/silent place. That background noise might drown out our answer.

Increase in your personal expense isn't a 'valid' reason to ask for a hike! You don't need a hike, u need better money management. Think before you talk.

Do I send video resume to recruiters?

I’ve been looking for a job change for the last couple of months. I've sent a standard resume to recruiters, but haven’t received many interview calls. Would sending a video resume help in getting attention to my work, instead of the standard resume?

There are two parts to your question. First, you are using a standard resume, that you feel isn’t working. Second, will a video resume get a recruiter’s attention?

I’ll answer them one at a time. First, a standard resume does need customization before sending it out to recruiters. I’ll assume that you are using a common resume template for all the positions that you are applying. If yes, it’s not the best way to apply for jobs. You might be sending out customized cover letters. Why not a customized resume? Yes, it takes time and effort to understand and address each job opening. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of getting an interview call. On the other hand, there could be a possibility that your resume is perfectly fine, but companies aren’t hiring as yet. So not getting interview calls needn’t be just because of your resume. However, since your resume is the only thing you’ll be able to control and manage while applying for a job, I would suggest that you try using your social network for applying to jobs. This could give you a better chance of receiving a feedback.

Second part of your question was about sending video resumes. Video-resumes are very innovative by nature. It takes a whole lot of effort to put together things that can never be told on paper or for conveying things that are extremely difficult to explain in words. The overall idea is great. But should you send it to recruiters instead of a standard resume? My answer is 'No'. Resumes get a max of 30 seconds! Recruiters and hiring managers are crunched for time when it comes to reviewing resumes. Given the current market condition, each open position gets plenty of resumes. Hence they wouldn’t be able to give extra time to review video resumes. By sending a video resume of 3-4 mins you might be holding up the queue and that’s the primary reason for recruiter’s to not give attention to video resumes. That much time isn’t available. There might even be a remote chance that the recruiter might spend time on your video-resume, since he has dedicated a certain percentage of his time per day for reviewing resumes. But the chances for a hiring manager to review it, is very slim. For a manager, hiring is just one of the many things that his role requires him to do. He would have allotted himself very limited time for reviewing resumes.

Video resumes will work only when it’s specifically asked for, by the employer. It’s not yet recognized as a substitute for a traditional resume.

Good luck with your job search!

Posts that might be of interest:
Things that make a resume work.
Your Resume's Got Only 30 Seconds! Make It Count.

Candidate Tip: Part 3

In case you are reading this for the first time and wondering how come it's Part 3 already! Then you can catch up by reading the earlier parts to this series here & here.

1. Put your phone on silent mode during an interview. There’s only one other person in the room. So acting like it’s not your phone ringing, is stupid!



2. Talking in low voice because you're not in a good place to take the call isn’t the interviewer's fault! It was scheduled. Plan better.



3. It's ok to say that you don't know the answer for an interview question. Answering vaguely doesn't help. But do ask the answer.



4. Speak only in the language that's chosen as medium for the interview. Bringing in native words sounds unprofessional. Avoid it.



5. Are you a manager? Then isn't 'Conflict Management' a critical part of a manager's role? What's your approach? Critical to know.



6. When you are offered coffee/tea & you sip it loud enough to be heard 10 cubicles away, it's just GROSS.



7. Swiveling in your chair during an interview looks very unprofessional. Stay put. Unless you don't want the job.



8. If you chose to send your LinkedIn profile before sending your detailed resume, then please update your LI profile.



9. Why use a pseudo-name on a resume?!? I'm stumped.

Email ID's on resumes: Big deal?

Here’s a question I posted on Twitter:

Is it right to read into email ID's of candidates on their resume?

I really didn’t expect it to cause such a stir! It set off quite a discussion. The real intent was to understand the impact on recruiters/hiring managers/readers when they review resumes that have mail ID’s such as iamsingle@ / devil-may-care@ / crazydudeinahurry@ mentioned in a candidate’s resume. Well, many of them were of the opinion that they definitely found it weird that the candidate even considered such an unprofessional mail ID for a resume. A few argued that it gave them insights into the candidate’s innovativeness! It really might be the case, you never know.

My intention was not to judge the use of a particular ID. It was all about questioning the impact on end users. Think about it for a second. You got a mail sitting in your Inbox from a sender who chose an ID owntheworldbytomorrow@ to send the mail. What would your first reaction be? Treat it as Spam? No? Another set of detail-oriented folks may get into the nitty-gritty by stating that one can chose a different Display Name for an ID. But what if the person just put the same email ID in the resume? You don’t get a display name there. Or would you? See, nitty-gritty can have mind-numbing effects!

Instead, how about creating a mail ID for the sole purpose of job searches? An ID that sounds professional. You really don’t even need to check it after you’ve got a job. It’s that simple. Not to mention the obvious, it’s FREE!

Your resume is doing a lot of marketing on your behalf. It’s talking to people even before you get to the table. Much before you even get to say a word in-person. If it’s doing so much work for you, would you want to take risks by showcasing yourself as someone who doesn’t take things seriously? Think about it for a second.

Before you ask, a crazy/weird mail ID doesn’t mean your resume will get rejected. It shouldn’t be. Or rather, will not be. Recruiters don’t want to shrink their talent pool on the basis of a mail ID on a resume! However, that doesn’t stop either the recruiter/hiring manager from showing hesitation while talking to such candidates, especially if the role demands a professional outlook.

Here’s my take though: Email ID(s) on a job application/resume has importance. Candidates should choose to display one that's appropriate for job searches.

What are your thoughts? Would love to hear them.

Things that make a resume work...

I got some questions on resume writing and how to make a resume stand out. While there’s enough information that you can get by Googling, here’s a list that I would suggest. Yes, many things mentioned below are obvious. I might sound like a broken record, but when it comes to searching for jobs, candidates end up hurrying on the document which talks on their behalf.

Here are things that might help make your resume work:

• ZERO virus! You may wonder how that happens. But it does. Scan you resume.doc before you send it out.


• Your career objective. Even better if you can mention short-term and long-term. If you don’t have one I’ll assume you are OK with any role we have.


• Time periods for various positions. Previous held or currently holding. Both month & year. If there is an overlap or if you are working for different companies at the same time. Mention that.


• Your contribution/achievement to projects you’ve mentioned in each role. NOT your team’s contribution.


• Mention only those skills that you are confident with using / have used proficiently. Exposure to a certain skill doesn’t necessarily mean you know it in-depth! Right?


• Contact details (phone, emails, etc,). Absolute must. If you have a preferred time to take calls, mention that. Again, if don’t tell, means you’re ok to take the call at anytime.


• Don’t mention your blog. Please. Here’s why.


• Any gaps/breaks taken before completing your education or even between two jobs work? Such as a sabbatical, medical reasons, etc., Mention it. Else, if it comes up during later discussions, it will look like you were trying to hide something.


• Personalized cover letter. Please don’t send a mass mail with each recipient in the Bcc. It’s not a personal mail. It’s your career at stake!


• Anything beyond 3 pages will not be read. So don’t waste time mentioning each and every thing you did in the last 10 years. Read the job description and then apply.


• Read: Your resume’s got 30 seconds. Make it count.


• Your resume font is crucial. Choose one that looks professional. Comic Sans doesn’t look professional. Period.


• Typos. ‘Manger’ instead of ‘Manager’, ‘Martial Status’ instead of ‘Marital Status’, etc., Read thoroughly before submitting your resume.
  
• Finally, keep it real.

Agreed. You are currently doing all of this and yet you’re not getting that most-awaited-for call. That’s just the way it goes. You really aren’t in control of that. But you can and must control things that are in your grasp. Your resume definitely figures on top of that list in a job search. You’ll do yourself a big favor by making sure your resume is presentable. That it has things which the employer is looking for or stuff that would at least make them consider your resume.

Post that might be helpful too: Resume Writing

Good luck!

Hiring: Candidate Tip - Part 2

So if you haven’t read this post yet, then I’ll just recap a bit. I get a lot of questions around recruitment related activities from candidates. In an attempt to avoid redundancy in replies, I’ve started posting answers on Twitter using #candidatetip. Here’s the next set of candidate tips. If you are a candidate, hope this helps. If not, you can help send this post to someone you know, searching for answers. I’ll continue to take questions and should you have one, you can send it to thehrstore@gmail.com

1. Get to know the 'Role & Responsibility' of the new job/position. Title/designation means zilch if you end up not liking the work.


2. Don't 'password protect' your resume when you send it for a job opening. It looks silly. What purpose would it serve? Check twice before you send out your resume.


3. If you are asked for a good time to schedule an interview, think & then answer. One reschedule is OK. 2nd reschedule sends out wrong signals. You gave the time, means you have to plan accordingly.


4. Deactivate your account on job portals if you don't want to be notified of new job openings. Why have it there when you're not keen on a job change? Unnecessarily creates negative impressions.


5. 'Got stuck in traffic' isn't an excuse anymore! Cities are crowded / getting crowded. Plan better & leave early for an interview.


6. Leaving a contact number on your resume helps reach you faster than through an email. Unless you are connected 24x7 & even then a recruiter would want to call before scheduling.


7. If you don't answer your phone even the second time around; your turn to talk just got pushed to the end of the list.


8. Please read your resume thoroughly before an interview. It looks bad if you don't know what's on Page 2 of your own resume!


9. Don’t put an interviewer on-hold during phone interviews! If u have to take another call, keep the interviewer informed beforehand.


10. Ask for a 100% hike in compensation. ONLY if you have enough rationale. Not because someone from somewhere told you to ask!


11. Are you a manager/lead? Then you need to learn to describe your ‘management style’s in an interview. Easy to locate fluff! Avoid it.


12. If you aren't ok with relocating to another city, why would you want to interview for a position based there? You’re wasting time.


13. Watch your words! Using 'slangs' is not appreciated in interviews. Even if you said it bymistake. Avoid it.


14. Number of years of work experience doesn't guarantee (rather shouldn't guarantee) a move to the next role! Don't assume.


15. Don't type your entire resume in CAPS!! Looks ridiculous & not to mention, very rude.

Hiring: Candidate Tip - Part 1

Off late I’ve started getting a lot of questions from readers/candidates asking for advice regarding hiring/recruitment. More specifically about interviews, resume, cover letter, etc. A few questions do intrigue me enough to write a post with my reply. However, many questions are repetitive in nature and hence might seem redundant. I would be glad to answer your queries my mail, but here’s another way that I would go about answering those queries, on Twitter, using the hashtag #candidatetip. To make it easier for folks who are not on Twitter I’ll post those tips in parts on this blog. Hope that these tips would prove helpful.

So here’s the first part of the tips. Let me know your thoughts.

1. It’s best to avoid 'Comic Sans' as a font for your resume.


2. Do you mention your blog on your resume? I suggest you don't. Here's why: http://tinyurl.com/p9lxav.


3. No, you don't need to put your zodiac sign in your resume! Unless the role specifically asks for it. Really. Why would you put it there?


4. If you give 3 different email ID’s on your resume, the employer can choose to send their mails to any one of them or to all three ID’s! Be sure to check all mail in all your ID’s.


5. Maybe its time to get yourself a Skype a/c. Employers still aren't willing to spend on travel yet. It’s one more way to reach you!


6. If you have a preferable time to take a call but don't mention it in your resume/cover letter, your telling the employer your ok to talk anytime.


7. Don’t waste space in your resume by writing too much about your current employer. Maximum of 2 lines along with the official website should suffice.


8. You can't compare YOUR job offer with your friend's, even if both are from the same company. You just raised a big Red Flag! Here’s a post on this.


9. It's ok to reject a job offer. But keep the Company informed. You don’t join elsewhere & then call them. You just burnt a bridge.


10. Employers can reach any ref(s) from companies listed on your resume. Reaching ref's from present company is a no-no.


11. You don't call your prospective employer @ 10:30pm on a Sunday nite (unless its scheduled). Especially NOT when you're drunk! Silly? It has happened.


12. If you think you are the smartest one in the room (and have enough reasons to believe so). Then chances are you're in the wrong room. Get outta there. Go learn.


13. If you're scheduled for a telecon, DON'T switch-off your phone @ that time. If you can't take the call, just inform.


14. If you are not 100% keen on the role, don't take the job. It will catch up soon and only get worse.


15. When an employer asks for a week to revert, that’s 7 days. So don’t send mails/call during that week asking for an update. Reach them only if you have something critical to share. It’s ok to follow-up after a week.


16. Don’t give an email address that doesn’t belong to you. Even if it’s your spouse’s. It's sends out a wrong signal.


17. Keep your references informed about the call from prospective employers. If they aren't kept informed, it'll look like cold calling! If I had to do that, I wouldn’t ask you. Right?


18. On mails/any other form of written communication, if you get a name 100% wrong it’s ok. Apologize and get to know the correct one. Don’t tell it’s a typo error!


19. Put your cell on silent mode/switch off during an interview. It's basic manners. If you have to take a call in between, keep the interviewer informed before the start of the interview.


20. The excitement of getting highly paid for a job you don’t like; will eventually not sound exciting a year down the line. Really. You are better off not taking up that offer.

Stay tuned for more tips. And yes, if you are a hiring manager, recruiter or in any other role that requires you to hire candidates (and you are on Twitter), please use #candidatetip while tweeting. It would help candidates who could use those tips for better results.