How to NOT Get a Job

Here's an interesting story that happened a few months ago. I thought it served as a great example that you have to be aware of everything (how you look, how you act, and, in this case, how you dress, when you apply for a job.)

My wife and I were in a local health food store checking out when a young man came up to the register and asked to fill out an application for employment. I'd guess that he was about 16 years old or so and while he wasn't nicely dressed (he was dressed the same as what most 16-year-olds would be on a Saturday morning), he wasn't a slob either.

But it wasn't HOW he was dressed that made the impression on me, but WHAT he was dressed in. His simple, black t-shirt had two big words splattered in yellow on it. The shirt read:

"Easily Distracted"

Now, knowing nothing else about this young adult, would you want to hire him? Maybe so as you think he has a great sense of humor (or overwhelming honesty). But I'll tell you, that shirt would have killed his job chances with many potential employers.

My point here is that every single thing about you is being judged on a job interview and you need to think about each of them prior to going in for the meeting. After all, your career is your most important financial asset and a little bit of extra attention to even the small details can eventually make a huge difference in your personal finances.

Comments

[Chris]

I'm pretty sure for a minimum wage food sacker job, a kid with clean black t-shirt is already ahead of most of the other applicants.

[PaulD]

I actually saw a young man apply for a job while he was wearing a t-shirt that said "SLACKER". I wasn't sure if he was dense or whether he just going through the motions of applying because he is was required to submit applications (e.g. unemployment compensation requirement, terms of probation or the like)

[LotharBot]

My sister gave me a shirt that says "Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult".

I don't wear it to job interviews.

[Minimum Wage Impersonator]

The best way I've found to not get a job that pays more than minimum wage is to not apply for jobs that pay more than minimum wage.