Taboo: 7 Things Job Seekers Shouldn’t Bring Up when Applying

You’ve probably been taught to avoid discussing religion and politics in certain situations, like a dinner party or other social event. Sure, both topics are interesting and provide for passionate fodder for a lively conversation, but they can also lead to a seriously uncomfortable situation.

Job seekers should know that, just like at the dinner table, there are certain things that simply shouldn’t be mentioned at the beginning of an application process. Good or bad, some topics should be saved for later, or never discussed at all, so as to not turn off a prospective employer.

Check out these 7 things job seekers shouldn’t bring up when applying:

Demands

When hiring, employers are looking for what an employee can give to them, not the other way around. Don’t kick off your cover letter, application, or email with a list of demands and expectations.

The job seeker who writes in their cover letter, or tells the hiring manager, “I expect to be promoted to management in three years” is going to have a hard time winning over potential employers.

Money talk

This one pretty much goes hand-in-hand with demands in the application. Unless otherwise instructed, and as part of the formal application process , save the salary talk for later. Absolutely, be prepared for the salary requirements discussion, but bringing money up early on with an employer is telling them that your #1 priority is a paycheck, not a career. For some of us, this may be our reality, but zeroing in on the compensation package too early in the process not going to help your chances of getting that check.

Check out: College to Career: 4 Things You Need to Know About Money

&%$#, etc.

Unless you’re applying to a tattoo parlor, keep profanity and slang out of your application. You might be okay with hearing it, but your employer and co-workers may not be. Profanity is not acceptable. Period. You never know who might be offended.

Your flaws

​In dating, if someone approached you and started talking about their bum knee, lazy eye, and skin condition, would you want to date them? Probably not. The same applies for the job search.

It might seem like you’re being humble by mentioning your inadequacies, but you’re really just giving the employer a list of reasons why you’re not good for the job. Be honest, but show off your best qualities.

Check out: Attitude Adjustment: 4 New Outlooks Every Job Seeker Should Adopt

Their flaws

Similarly, if someone approached you and gave you a list of reasons why you weren’t attractive, would you date them? You’d probably be more inclined to smack them. Or, at least order a 5-course meal of the most expensive items on the menu, then excuse yourself to go to the restroom, but instead you go out the back door through the kitchen of the neighboring bistro, and ditch them leaving them with the huge check to pay. But, I digress.

In your cover letter or application, avoid pointing out the company’s flaws. Feel free to bring up your ideas, but make it seem like your ideas would improve on an already great concept.

Other applications

Employers know that job seekers aren’t sending out applications one at a time. Chances are greater that you’re applying to several different companies simultaneously. That said, don’t bring up that you’re applying to X other companies. It makes the employer feel like you’re dropping names to create a sense of urgency or demand, or maybe that you are just desperate for a job and aren’t really invested in that particular company.

Check out: Should Something You “Like” on Facebook Affect Your Chances of Being Hired?

Your crummy job

You might have a miserable boss, irritating coworkers, smelly clients, and a miniscule ​​ office, but your prospective employer doesn’t need to know that! No one wants to hire ​ a di ssatisfied employee.

As you mention your last (or current) job, highlight the accomplishments you had, skills you developed, and progress you made.

What do you think? What else should be deemed “taboo” in a job application? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


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