Why Following Directions Sets You Apart in Job Applications

When you submit a job application, you are immediately evaluated by a potential employer. The work history, skill set, and experiences are of course at the top of the assessment list.  But what about the little things?  An inability to follow directions is a pet peeve for many prospective employers.  It's important to stand out, but doing so by bucking the system is rarely a wise move.  No matter the position, from ground-floor analyst to chief executive, successful employment involves following someone else's directions, guidance, or system.  This advice is particularly relevant for consultants, contractors, and anyone else who hasn't been in an employer/employee relationship recently.  As the old adage goes, if you're not willing to show that you can follow directions when it counts the most, an employer might interpret that as a sign of trouble ahead.