5 Things That Are Doing More Damage To Your Job Application Than You Realize

• 2-minute read •
When you’re searching for a job, it’s easy to spot a good position and just go through the motions of submitting a resume and cover letter without even thinking. But when it comes to making yourself stand out among all the qualified candidates, being on auto-pilot only hurts you. After all, just one little blunder can turn a recruiter off.

To avoid that from happening, we’ve identified five pretty common—but surprisingly harmful—pieces of information that most of us are guilty of including in our job applications. Next time, leave them off—and focus on the information that’ll really make you shine.

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Are You a 'Value-Added' Employee?

What is your focus when you go to work? Are you thinking "What can I give today?" or "What can I get?" Both questions are important, however, the former will get you further faster. It's that simple.

Often, when I am consulting with a company or team, the hew and cry is "The company/ management does not do enough for me/us." This may certainly be true, however, my first question is the opposite, 'What are you doing for the company/management?'. That's the way the equation works best. You give and then you get. Strangely, that's the way it works best in any relationship. Have you noticed that?

What you pay attention to expands. If you are focused on what you think you are not getting, that overshadows everything. Attitudes shift and conversations turn into whining sessions. Soon, morale dips and everyone is complaining. Often, the complaints have grown completely out of proportion and no one remembers why they were attracted to the company in the first place.

You can change this. Be a 'value-added' employee. Build your strengths rather than focusing on company weaknesses. What a concept! You choose your focus and attitude. You choose how you use your time. You choose your perceptions and perspectives. Use that power to become 'value-added'!

Now, I'm not talking about giving 'til it hurts. No, I'm talking about the way you use your energy to focus on your career path. Sure, there are employers who devour employees and spit them out spent, burned out and disillusioned. They exist. If you're working for one of those...and examine it carefully to be sure...move on.

I am talking about your choices to create the career you want. How do you want to be seen in the workplace? How does your current position further your progress towards your goals? Why did you choose it? What is your plan and how can you best follow that blueprint in your present position? Be pro-active in your own life.

How do you want to be seen in the workplace? As competent, confident and valuable, or, as adequate, mediocre and expendable? Unless you are working for Attila, the Hun, the way folks see you is mostly in your control. Good employees come to work on time, do their tasks well, and cause few waves. Great employees do all that and more. They are focused on the company's mission and vision. They can be excellent team-players and excellent leaders when needed. They are clear about their own purposes and visions and know why they have chosen to work where they work. They care about others and help them to achieve their goals. They do these things because it clearly moves them further along their career paths. It is in their own best interest to do so. They have their 'eyes on the prize'.

Here are a few secrets. Many folks would rather complain about things than fix them. By being a 'fixer', you are being 'value-added'. Many folks would rather find fault than good. By catching people doing things well and commenting on it, you are being 'value-added'. Many folks would rather see what they can get away with than see what they can give. By giving just a little more than expected, you honor yourself and you are being 'value-added'. Many folks would rather feel 'done wrong' than state their needs and boundaries. By being clearly communicating what you need and want, you are saving time and energy...and being 'value-added'.

Which side of these equations are you working from? Only one will get you where you want to go...although you'll have much more company on the other. Your choice!

Are You in the Best City for Your Job?

Elizabeth A. Campbell was happy with the job offer from a top Houston law firm, but she wasn't itching to leave the comfortable life she had built for herself and her two teenage boys in suburban New Jersey. Other than a detour to Michigan for law school, she was a lifelong Northeasterner.

Campbell drew up a table of the pluses and minuses of relocating. On the plus side: more affordable real estate, no state taxes, cheaper food and services, an international airport, and strong schools and sports programs. Only one minus: saying goodbye to friends and family.

It has been almost a year since Campbell joined Houston's Andrews Kurth law firm as a partner and chief diversity officer, and the angst is long gone. She sold her 2,800-sq.-ft. house in Bordentown, N.J., for $350,000 and upgraded to a 4,200-sq.-ft. place on a golf course with five bedrooms and a game room six miles outside Houston. The price: less than $325,000.

Houston Is Rolling in Oil

"The bottom line was: 'How come I didn't live here already?'" Campbell said. "I came here because of a job. But it's a wonderful city, and I can see myself retiring here."

Only a few years ago, Houston was reeling. The implosion of Enron in 2001 had sandbagged the local economy, and the mood was grim. But that seems like a long time ago now. The explosion in energy costs has boosted the city's oil- and natural gas-fed economy, which is home to ExxonMobil and Royal Dutch Shell, as well as Waste Management, KBR, and many more. Job seekers in all sorts of careers have started streaming into Houston, where the unemployment rate was 3.8% in April, the lowest level in eight years, and where the job growth rate was 2.8%.

Businessweek.com worked with Seattle's Payscale.com to determine where the best and worst cities are for 20 common careers and found that -- when it comes to earning a comfortable living -- Houston it at or near the top for most jobs, from human resources manager to graphic designer. We adjusted the median compensation for jobs in each of the top 25 big-city metros for cost of living. Houston, Dallas, and Charlotte, N.C., rose to the top for many of the jobs because they're affordable cities with competitive salaries. New York, San Francisco, Washington, Los Angeles, and Boston, which have some of the highest salaries, sank to the bottom because residents there pay through the nose for real estate, parking, groceries, and almost everything else.

Accepting a lower salary might make financial sense if you were willing to leave an expensive city such as Seattle and settle in, say, Oklahoma City. But it's also important to know when a salary looks higher than it actually is.

When Is a Raise Not a Raise?

"What looks like a 20% raise might turn out to be a pay cut if you're moving from a less expensive place like Pittsburgh to San Francisco," said Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at Payscale.com, which provides real-time salary information to individuals and employers.

For example, the median income for the executive director of a nonprofit in New York is $87,800, more money than you could expect in any other of the nation's 25 largest cities. But on our list, New York is actually the worst place for the job because -- adjusted for cost of living -- the salary would be equivalent to just $41,400 in a city such as Detroit where lifestyle costs equal the national average.

Of course, there's more to a job than compensation (the number of available jobs, opportunities for advancement, etc.), but our list focuses on relative compensation. Also, there's more to a city than how affordable it is. Many people would rather squeeze into a studio in Manhattan or San Francisco than live a more luxurious life in Dallas or Cincinnati. One could also save money by commuting to work and living in a less-expensive suburb. Our cost-of-living analysis assumes that the employee lives in the core city of the metro area where he works, which in the case of New York is Manhattan.

Barton Smith, a professor of economics at the University of Houston who summers in Colorado, towed his favorite 1987 Dodge Colt Vista station wagon back to Houston one year because it would have cost him more than twice as much to replace the engine in Colorado, he said.

Housing Is a Crucial Cost

"The real wages in Houston adjusted for cost-of-living differences are relatively high because cost of living is low," Smith said. "It's not just housing, but housing gets a lot of attention."

Many employees have become reluctant to relocate with the economy pointing toward recession and the housing market slumping. The need to stay put is especially strong in California, Florida, Michigan, and Nevada, where many homeowners can't unload their homes without taking a massive loss.

Some employers have beefed up relocation packages to make the move more feasible, in some cases covering the loss on a sale and helping spouses find jobs in the new location, said Margery Marshall, president of Vandover, a career management and relocation transition consultant in St. Louis.

"There's a general reluctance to move, not just because of the economy," Marshall said. "Today, there's also a reduced loyalty to the company. People say: 'Why move with the company when they don't care about us?'"

Staying Near Mom and Dad

But there are many other reasons for the reluctance. Baby boomers don't want to leave aging parents or pull teenagers out of school, and relocating is especially complicated for dual-income households, said Jane S. Howze, managing director of Alexander Group, a national executive search firm based in Houston with offices in New York, San Diego, and San Francisco.

Some employees who can move are finding that they can get a good deal on a house in markets that are crashing, especially in California or Nevada, she said. "But it gets kind of tricky if you can't get rid of one house in order to cash in on a downturn elsewhere," she said.

Companies have long offered temporary cost-of-living adjustments for employees who are transferred to more expensive cities. Employers do not, however, cut salaries for workers who are transferred to low-cost cities, so it's possible to improve your lifestyle hugely by simply getting a transfer (This phenomenon is magnified in developing countries where many expatriates, who lived modestly back home, can afford mansions, chauffeurs, and teams of servants).

Salaries Aren't City-Indexed

Kay Burd of Runzheimer International, a Rochester (Wis.) management consulting firm specializing in calculating cost-of-living and travel costs, said large companies like to pay what a job is worth rather than what it's worth in one specific city.

"What companies don't want to do -- if they're relocating people quite often -- is to inflate a salary because of cost of living," Burd said.

Al Blumenberg, manager of global relocation for St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, said many employers do provide cost-of-living adjustments but aren't responsible for an employee's lifestyle choices, which can change the cost equation.

"What you as a young person view as a lifestyle might be totally different in New York than it would be in St. Louis," Blumenberg said. "Companies don't try to address lifestyle. I can't tell you whether to live in a brownstone in Greenwich Village or out in Connecticut. That's a personal choice."

Lifestyle Adjustment

Colleen Ide was moved by her company from St. Louis to Orlando this month, and she's getting used to her new lifestyle. It's too early to tell whether the cost-of-living adjustment she received will cover her much higher utilities and real estate taxes.

A salesperson for 14 years, she was able to pick up a two-year-old house in Orlando for 30% less than it had sold for two years earlier, all because of Florida's weak real estate market.

"My new house is about the same size," said Ide, who used to live in four-bedroom custom house on five acres outside St. Louis. "But the neighbors are right on top of me. and there's a whole list of development rules and regulations I'm not used to."

Are You Too Sexy For Your Job?

Warning: Too much cleavage can be hazardous to your career. This past year brought us two high-profile cases involving women who were deemed too sexy for their jobs.

In the U.S., Harvard librarian Desiree Goodwin, who holds two post-graduate degrees from Cornell University, claimed that she was passed over for promotion sixteen times because of the way she dressed and her physical attractiveness. Goodwin claimed the jobs she sought were given to women with less experience and education and that a supervisor told her she was perceived as a "pretty girl" who wore "sexy outfits."

Meanwhile, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Caterina Bonci, a Roman Catholic religion teacher, said she was fired from her job at a state-run school for being too sexy. (The school principal said both parents and teachers complained about her short skirts and extensive cleavage.)

"In the 14 years I had this job, I have always been attacked by my female colleagues and the rest of the staff because of my attractiveness," Bonci was quoted saying in the Italian media.

"And if you consider that at our parent-teacher meetings it was always the fathers who came to see me, one can see why I have so often been at the centre of attention and a target of gossip."

Bonci failed to win her job back; Goodwin not only lost her civil law case, but also had to foot the bill for Harvard's legal costs.

Fair or not, courts around the U.S. are upholding employers' rights to ban "sexy" dressing in the workplace. Just how do the courts define "sexy?" According to Eric Matusewitch, deputy director of the New York City Equal Employment Practices Commission, the courts consider "sexy" attire to be clothing that is particularly revealing and of extreme fit, as well as excessive use of make-up.

To those who argue that this discriminates against women, Matusewitch replies, "The code applies equally to both sexes. So, if employers require men to dress conservatively, they can require women to avoid tight, flashy and revealing outfits as well."

But forget legalities. The cases of Goodwin and Bonci illustrate what career experts have always known: dressing provocatively is a sure-fire way to sabotage your credibility at the office.

"If you flaunt your figure in a professional setting, colleagues and clients may question your judgment or make unflattering assumptions about your character," warns Susan RoAne, lecturer, author and business etiquette expert, who adds that several clients have sought her advice on how to inform employees that their revealing attire detracts from the company's image.

"After all, who wants to entrust their child to a teacher who dresses as if she'd rather be clubbing or invest their money with a financial planner who looks like she should be swinging from a strippers' pole?"

With the current "skin is in" fashions and the media full of images that suggest provocative dress is acceptable – even desirable – in the workplace, how can you make sure you don't cross the line? Here are some guidelines:

Skirts: Too little is too much. Skirt lengths should be no more than one hand-width above the knee.

Tops: Make sure there is at least one-inch of room between body and fabric and that it is long enough to conceal your midriff. Stomach, breasts, back and shoulders should be covered. Fabric should not be overly thin and a bra should be worn (with no straps revealed).

Dresses: No halter tops or cleavage-baring necklines. Avoid overly snug fits. Hemlines should hit no more than one hand-width above the knee.

Trousers: Shun overly tight or hip-hugger trousers or jeans that expose the midriff. Stick with neutral colours.

Shoes: Heels should be no higher than two inches; toe should be closed. Avoid shoes with straps, bright colours and patterns.

Hair: Keep your hair sleek and off your face. Avoid the high-maintenance, over-processed look.

Make-up: Keep it clean and natural. Avoid heavy eyeliner or evening lipsticks.

"Clothing and appearance are visual shorthand," RoAne concludes. "The point is to be noticed for your business skills, not your short skirts or push-up bra.

"If you want a job, dress the part. If you want to show off your body... well, that's what your free time is for."

Are You Sabotaging Your Career? Six Signs

Stealing office supplies and not going to staff meetings will undoubtedly diminish your chances of securing the biggest and best office. But besides these faux pas, there are other, less-obvious activities that can hamper your career prospects. Perpetually missing deadlines – even by only a day or two – for example, also can spell disaster. Here are six additional no-nos that you should avoid on the job:

1. Failing to follow through.
You may be the hardest worker in the company, but if your boss and colleagues cannot rely on you to deliver results as promised, you may be passed over for plum assignments. Build their confidence by arriving at meetings on time and keeping them informed if you're unable to meet project deadlines. More importantly, execute your tasks with enthusiasm and attention to detail. In order to garner greater responsibilities or a more coveted role in the organisation, you must produce quality work in addition to sticking to the schedule.

2. Refusing to admit your mistakes.
Creating an excuse to justify poor performance is dishonest and unprofessional. Plus, chances are your ploy won't stand the test of time. If you make a mistake, own up to it, then devise a plan for both correcting and avoiding similar incidents in the future. Employees who accept responsibility demonstrate professional maturity and confidence.

3. Becoming complacent.
Enthusiastic employees who are not afraid to take calculated risks and assume new responsibilities find themselves in a prime position for a promotion or raise. Conversely, those who simply serve their time often get lost in the organisation. If you are serious about moving ahead, always go the extra mile. In addition, take steps to keep your skills up to date. The more talents you put to work for the company, the more valuable you are to it.

4. Running on empty.
Working on overdrive can be just as dangerous to your career as simply getting by. While taking on new projects and responsibilities is a great way to expand your skill set, too much of a good thing can lead to burnout. If you're spending excessive hours on the job, you may want to speak to your manager about delegating less important tasks to colleagues or adjusting your workload. It's also a good idea to take breaks throughout the day. Just a few minutes spent on a break each hour can help you recharge your batteries and work more productively.

5. Being too modest.
While no one enjoys working with someone who has an overly inflated ego, it's alright to blow your own trumpet in the office once in a while. Not receiving the credit you rightfully deserve – either through oversight or confusion about who actually performed the work – may not only cause hurt feelings but also can hinder your career growth. If you've successfully completed a major project or received great feedback from a client, don't be afraid to bring it to your manager's attention. One way is to track your accomplishments in a weekly activity report to help keep your boss informed of your performance.

6. Damaging team spirit.
Despite your best efforts, you won't always get along with everyone on your team. But that doesn't mean you should be a killjoy or take every opportunity to vent your frustrations. You'll likely work with members of the group again and need their assistance, so keep relationships friendly. Positive attitudes are contagious, as are negative ones.

A major mistake isn't the only thing that can damage a promising career. Sometimes more subtle mistakes can compromise your professional standing. Avoiding these six career killers will keep your professional reputation out of harm's way and may even put you on the fast track to promotion.