You’ve researched the best resume layouts of 2021 and updated yours accordingly, so you’re almost ready to start looking for jobs. Last month, we covered things you should say to your recruiter when beginning your search process. Now, it’s time to discuss what you shouldn’t say.
As the person steering your job search, your recruiter wants you to succeed. However, it will be hard for them to advocate for you if you reveal certain things that will make them question your ability to succeed in a new role — including the following.
Three Things Not to Say to Your Recruiter
I’ll take any job.
You’re desperate for a new job, so you want to make it clear you’re down for pretty much anything. While you might think this will make you more marketable, it actually does the opposite.
Recruiters want to place candidates in positions they’re truly passionate about. Chances are, you won’t stay at a job too long or do your best work if you’re not really into it. This puts your recruiter in a tough situation because they want to help you find a job, but they also need to feel like they’re placing the best possible candidate with their client.
I just want to earn more money.
Most people want to earn a higher salary at a new job than what they’re receiving at their current one. This goes without saying, so there’s no need to emphasize it.
If you express more enthusiasm in earning a certain salary than the job that goes along with it, this sends the message you’re not actually interested in the work. Recruiters fill open positions with the best person for the job — not the candidate with the strongest desire for the salary that comes with it. If they don’t feel like you’re in it for the right reasons, they won’t be able to help you.
I hate my boss.
There’s a lot of bad managers out there, and yours is one of them. This isn’t your fault, but it’s also not something to blatantly tell your recruiter.
If you speak poorly about your boss, they’ll assume you’ll eventually do the same about your new manager — at the job they help you secure. Even if your boss is truly a nightmare, complaining about them in an interview sends the message that you’re the difficult one.
Avoid this by putting a positive spin on the situation — i.e., “I really respect my manager, but we have different work styles.” — and not offering up unnecessary information. Vent about your boss to your friends, not your recruiter.
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