5 Things to Never Reveal When Job Hunting

You can find lots of advice out there about what you should do on the job hunt. But what about when it comes to what not to do? It is definitely to your advantage to think about what your strengths and weaknesses may be as you search for your next job. This way you are well prepared to network, talk with recruiters, and interview with employers. Use our list of “Things to Never Reveal” to help you reflect, prepare, and ultimately land the job that ideally suits you.

1. Desperation

Many jobseekers are desperate. And with good reason! Sometimes you need to get hired to pay next month’s rent or mortgage. Then again, you might be thoroughly unhappy and dying for a change. Maybe this is your dream job, and you can’t stand the thought of losing it. Regardless, easy confidence and measured enthusiasm are the order of the day when job searching. Desperation, whatever its true cause may be, makes you appear unsure of yourself or, even worse, unqualified. It is therefore sure to raise a red flag for prospective employers.

2. Why you plan on leaving your current job or why you are unemployed

First off, do not share anything on this topic unless specifically asked about it. Even then, refrain from sharing particulars about the situation that resulted in your choice to leave your job, likewise if you find yourself laid off, fired, or otherwise unemployed. You don’t want to come off as evasive, but you do want to focus on the positive and not the negative.

If you were laid off, just say so, no explanation of why is needed. If you were fired, and you feel that the person is likely to find this out, then better to be honest. Simply say that you were let go, and share what you learned from the experience.

In all cases, briefly communicate what was positive about your previous (or current) job, and then say what exactly you are looking for next. Emphasize why you believe that you will find this in the new position for which you are applying. If you know your previous manager will be giving you a positive recommendation, then you might mention this, too.

3. Your previous or current salary

In some cities and states, it is illegal for employers to ask this question at all. (http://www.businessinsider.com/places-where-salary-question-banned-us-2017-10) This is because there is growing recognition that such a question works to the disadvantage of jobseekers and can lead to wage discrimination. Nevertheless, you very well might confront such a question in your job search. Reveal as little information as possible up front to maximize your negotiating leverage in the event you’re eventually offered the job. Telling a prospective employer your salary right away gives them most of the bargaining power down the line.

For more specifics on how to avoid spilling the beans on your current salary, see “The Best Way to Negotiate Your Salary.”

4. Work conflicts or resentments

Frustrated at your current job with a tough boss, shifty coworkers, lack of growth, poor work-life balance, or not enough pay? Not surprising since you are on the hunt for something new. Or, maybe you already left or were let go after a disagreement or mistreatment? This happens on occasion to even the best of workers. Never share these frustrations while you’re job hunting though, bottom line, whether it’s with a prospective employer or other contact in the field. Even if the person is sympathetic or has gone through a similar situation, you come off as a negative complainer at best and as someone who doesn’t work well with others at worst.

5. Marital/Parental/Health status

This is a tough one. Maybe you’re newly pregnant, married with small children, or living the single life. Perhaps you’re dealing with a serious but temporary illness or even a more permanent condition. Either way, it’s really not any of your prospective employer’s business. Generally speaking, avoid sharing information about your personal life until you have a job offer or have already started your new gig. This way you don’t set yourself up to be compared against other candidates unfairly, and it is perfectly okay to put your own interests first when job hunting—employers certainly do! The major exception to this is if your condition prevents you from doing the actual tasks of the job (i.e. you can’t lift heavy packages for UPS if you’re pregnant). Another exception is when sussing out work culture is more important to you than landing a particular job. If a certain maternity leave package, childcare options, or working part-time is a deal-breaker that you’re willing to be taken out of the hiring pool over, then go ahead and share this up front. Just be sure to communicate a plan for how you will succeed in the job given the circumstances. (This last bit goes for physical conditions that can’t be hidden, too.)

When considering these 5 tips, remember that they are not only important to practice with employers but also with colleagues, networkers, and even recruiters. You never know who will end up being a connection to your future job. Recruiters—do not forget—get paid by employers not by jobseekers. They may act like your friend, and it is in their best interest to get you a well-paying job. But you’re not their #1 priority, nor do they owe you any loyalty. Even when conversations are casual, it’s still business. Play your cards carefully; they’re all you have to lose on the job market.