Job Seekers: Do You Appear Determined … or Aggressive?

Conducting a job search over a period of weeks or months can make most people wonder why they haven’t been hired yet. Of course, over time, this feeling of wonder can change into one of desperation—especially if you’re not receiving so much as an interview callback.

It’s well known that in the process of job seeking, you must be very determined. Acquiring a job often requires dedicating as much time to it as you would a full-time job. But in the process of reaching out to employers, there can be a fine line between being determined and being a bit aggressive. To avoid the latter, here are some tips to consider.

Avoid Sounding Preachy in Your Cover Letter

Some job seekers who feel that they’ve paid their dues for the past few months may develop an attitude that translates as an undertone in their cover letters as: “I deserve this job.” While you want to prove you are indeed the right person by proving it with the skills and background you showcase in both the cover letter and resume, you don’t want to send a negative message of entitlement.

Instead, maintain a humble approach of gratitude for the opportunity to apply, then convince the reader with your clever wordplay that the company wouldn’t be the same without you.

Follow Up, But Don’t Pester

If you’ve sent in your application and haven’t heard back in a while—or have been called in for an interview and now are curious about your status with the company—it’s natural to want to follow up. And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with initiating communication with a company, unless it precisely asks you not to.

But in your attempt to follow up, it’s important to avoid pestering the employer. In other words, send a follow-up e-mail, or place a phone call—and then allow the hiring manager to do his or her job.

Don’t Apply for Everything Within One Company

Your desire to be hired could convince you that being aggressive by applying for every job you think you’re qualified for within a company is a good idea. In actuality, the opposite is true. An employer wants to know that you feel committed to a particular position and bring specific skills to the table that can enhance the role. Applying for every job makes it appear as though you’re applying only for the money—not because you believe you would do a good job. So take time to review positions and try to limit your search to the one you connect with the most.

Employers are always looking for assertive, determined workers to fill roles. They need to know that the people who work for them are natural-born leaders. But appearing to be an aggressive person places you into an undesirable category. And unfortunately, this could result in your being turned away before you even get an opportunity to prove how great you are.

It’s important to remember to brand your resume before applying to each new position for more information on branding check out my recent article 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume. You can also get additional job search and career related advice by checking out our blog or following us on Twitter @GreatResume.