Blog Post: Interview Faux Pas # 2736..."I'll take anything."

Here's how it too often goes down:

Recruiter:  So what type of work are you looking for?

Candidate:  I just need a job.  I can do anything, and I'll take anything.

Recruiter:  Oh, ok, well let me get back to you on that one.  (Recruiter looks for the EXIT sign and splits). Oops, guess that didn't go so well.  Let's go to the play-by-play and figure out how this potential career match went off the rails.

1.  The recruiter was testing your knowledge of the company and your response didn't address your knowledge of what they do.  Research the company prior to meeting with the recruiter and you'll have a better answer to this question.  Visit their website, and look them up on Jobing.com.  A better response might sound like this.  "I know that your company is a leader in field X and since I have ten years experience and a passion for that field.  I would like to learn more about your opportunities in that area."

2.  Your response didn't address what you bring to the table for the company.  We all need a job in part because we all need to pay our rent.  The recruiter understands that too.  However, the recruiter's main responsibility is to get the right people on the team and grow the company.  Their main responsibility is not to provide a livelihood for you.  Sorry, these are the facts.  To learn more about what the company is looking for, ask questions.  What skillsets are they looking for?  Do your skills match their needs?  How can someone like you help the company meet its needs?  What type of person succeeds in their company?  

3.  Desperation isn't an attractive characteristic in a date or a candidate.  By admitting that you're willing to take anything, you give the recruiter no reason to believe that you won't take off when something better comes along.  Easy come, easy go.