Refusing to follow employer protocols or meet their expectations can hurt your chances in a competitive job market. It's no secret that employers expect candidates to research their company and customize resumes and cover letters. This is especially true in a job market like today's, which is to say competitive. We know that employers can receive hundreds of resumes for each opening, and look for reasons to pare down the candidate pool. Unfortunately, dozens of qualified contenders ignore that information, submit generic resumes for a managerial position, and are summarily cast aside by the hiring manager. Want proof? Read this e-mail to Dice expressing his dismay. Why sabotage your search by failing to meet an employer's basic expectations? Why ignore their protocols or disregard their advice? Certainly you've got to be shrewd and "play the game" to the best of your ability - like it or not. It makes no sense to limit your chances by ignoring an employer's simple requests. - Do your homework by researching the company, the position and the technical environment. - Customize your resume and cover letter to match an employer's needs and  requirements. - Tout your business acumen and ability to influence business outcomes through technology. - Prepare for interviews and ask insightful questions. - Show enthusiasm and express your interest in the company and the position. - Don't talk on the phone or text during interviews, drink coffee or chew gum. - Follow proper business etiquette and send thank you notes after meetings and phone calls. - Don't be a pest, but do follow-up with the hiring manager and meet deadlines. - Complete paperwork and take technical and personality assessments upon request. - Provide references and other personal information when the time is right. -- Leslie Stevens-Huffman