We’ve blogged about how the IT job market is changing, and hiring managers are becoming very cautious and highly selective with job offers – even for those positions that require high-demand skills. This wasn’t always the case. Back in the 90’s, companies were in short supply of qualified talent, and IT professionals had the luxury of picking and choosing the job they wanted.  Those days are gone.  Today, candidates must not only possess the right hard skills and soft skills to be considered, they must impress the recruiter and employer throughout the hiring process.

Agile has put together a list of things that job seekers must avoid during their job search. These are things that actually happen, so if you’re in the process of finding a new IT job, be sure not to make any of these career-cringing blunders.

1. Going around the recruiter by directly applying for a job the recruiter discussed with you.
2. Working with two recruiters and allowing yourself to be double submitted for a position.
3. Emailing the recruiter 30 minutes before an interview to cancel.
4. Even worse, calling the recruiter right before the interview to cancel because you’re not really interested.
5. Not calling anyone to tell them you’re lost or will be late because you forgot to write down directions and phone numbers.
6. Making racial/insensitive/inappropriate remarks during phone and/or in-person interview.
7. Wearing sunglasses during an interview.
8. Going to meetings/interviews dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.
9. Texting during an interview.
10. Glancing at your watch.
11. Asking how long the interview will last.
12. Flirting with and/or hitting on the hiring manager during an interview.
13. Telling everyone you interview with what your IQ is.
14. Accepting an offer only to back out on your start date.
15. Asking for more money after you get the job.

For sure, there are more no-no’s that job seekers should avoid as they move along the hiring process. We invite you to share your thoughts and add to our list so that potential job seekers don’t end up making mistakes that will cost them from getting an offer.