Three Preventable Communication Mishaps Job Seekers Make

Three Preventable Communication Mishaps Job Seekers Make What you say isnt always perceived the way you intend. These are three examples of communication mishaps job seekers make. Have you really considered what people think when you talk with them? In other words, what is the real interpretation of your message? Do you know what judgements or assumptions the listener jumped to because of what youve said and how youve said it? Whether your excuse is that you were taught not to brag about yourself, you were nervous, or   something else, you can and should be mindful of the words you use! Here are three communication problems that hurt job seekers and three fixes to improve the quality of your message during networking conversations, job interviews, and on resumes. Tada! I am Unemployed! You dont need to introduce yourself by confessing you are laid off! Sharing this information about yourself too early in the conversation can  distract the listener. The person either makes assumptions, feels sorry for you or worse, reminds them of their own job search saga. They may be thinking one of these things: Poor thing, this is a terrible time to be unemployed. Wonder what they did to get laid off? How are they ever going to find a job right now? Wow, it stinks to be you! Your introduction is about sharing the the best information about YOURSELF! The fix Focus your introduction on why youre great at what you do and what makes you unique and memorable. Summarize how you have helped previous employers by highlighting specific skill sets or including an example of a problem you have solved. Remember, this is a marketing campaign. You want to communicate a distinct message that will catch attention for the right reasonsâ€"you are talented at what you do. What you really want to say: When asked what you do, keep it short and positive. For instance, you could say: I help nonprofits gain greater awareness in the community by building partnerships with similar organizations. This collaborative approach grew membership by 25 percent last year. Me, Me, Me In a job interview, either over the phone or in person, you can send the wrong message by putting too much emphasis on your own needs and wants. Here are two examples: Interviewer: I am afraid you wouldnt be content with the salary we could offer. Job Seeker: It is less than I used to make but I could probably make it work within my personal budget. Or Interviewer: Were excited to offer you the job. Would you be able to start in two weeks? Job Seeker: Well, I suppose I could get things wrapped up in two, maybe three weeks. It is human nature to take care of our financial needs and make sure we have food and shelter. However, overtly putting your needs before your potential employer is like asking to see the engagement ring on a first date. During your job search, always show concern for the needs and interests of the employer first. The fix Dont be afraid to tell the employer what they want to hear. Your interest in the job comes across in the words you use and the tone of your voice. Be the most enthusiastic you can be, and be convincing. If they feel youre not interested in the job, youre unlikely to get an offer. What you really want to say: In the first example, you could politely ask the interviewer, What would make you think that? You could go on to explain why youre interested in the position and provide a specific example of what you will do to solve the employers problem. Money usually isnt the only concern in hiring. In the second situation, avoid sounding hesitant or delaying the start date without a strong reason. A planned vacation, needing to complete an important project or no excuse at all, but enthusiastically asking if you could start later. Ummm, Im Good with Words You know you should use keywords from the job posting in your resume. However, you must select the right words to get the interview. But using generic terms or ones that you dont actually possess is a problem. None of the statements below would differentiate you from the hundreds of other candidates; they are trite, and even worse, unsubstantiated. And by the way, arent these minimal work requirements? Excellent interpersonal skills, both written and verbal Adept at problem solving Work well as a team player or as an individual contributor However, you are great at building teams by soliciting feedback and creating accountability. Focus on that! The fix First, use the right type of keywords, such as specific job skills and technologies. Second, include specific benefits or outcomes of your work. Develop and use STAR stories. What you really want to say: Created monthly accounts receivable report for management and requested to present to senior management during committee meeting. Identified unnecessary forms and implemented solution for copying cost reduction, resulting in $2,000 in monthly savings. Collaborated with interdepartmental team to initiate new customer service procedures; implemented company-wide within two months and decreased customer complaints by four percent. Say What You Really Mean As you craft your answers to questions, pay attention to what the receiver of your message really cares about. Incorporate both their interests as well as your own. And always be sincere and truthful. A version of this article originally appeared on US News World Report On Careers