Have you found that your job search has come to a grinding halt? Searching for a new position can be a challenging and time-consuming process.
If your telephone isn’t ringing, it may be because you are accidentally sabotaging your success.
We have compiled a comprehensive list of the ten biggest job search mistakes job searchers make to help you determine if you are guilty of committing any of the following.
1. No Clear Objective or Drive
We all know individuals who work in jobs they have grown to hate. They become bored and uninspired with the day-to-day routine. To avoid turning into the “bored worker,” you must take the time to find work that merges nicely with your natural skills. Finding a position that works well with your personality and abilities will ensure happiness, satisfaction, and success in your working life.
It is vital to avoid choosing a career because “it is a family tradition” or “the money is good.” Use your skills and abilities to carve out your career path. Determine what motivates you, your values and your preferred work environment. Before you begin your job search, you need to know what you are looking for. Being unprepared or unfocused spells a sure path to failure.
2. Using a Standard Cover Letter
Have you ever sent out a standard, boring, mass cover letter hoping someone will bite? Almost every employer can spot a mass-produced, standardized letter from a mile away. A cover letter not tailored to the specific position will not result in an interview. The letter must communicate your personality and give employers a reason to pick up the phone and call you for an interview.
Consider tailoring your cover letter to each job posting or position to achieve optimal results.
Send a cover letter that matches the job requirements and qualifications when responding to a specific job posting. Always include the competition number when applying to a particular posting (if listed); if you don’t, your document could end up in the wrong folder or be discarded.
3. Using Limited Job Search Methods
This is a huge mistake that most job searchers make. If you only apply to advertised jobs, you miss many opportunities. Although your job search should incorporate scanning the internet, job boards, newspapers, etc., for job postings, your efforts should not end there.
In addition to applying to advertised postings, you should take advantage of the hidden job market. The undisclosed job market includes cold-calling companies, networking, and visiting companies directly when no job openings are advertised. Don’t underestimate the power of unsolicited resumes and cover letters— it does work, which is very effective.
Networking also allows you to meet with potential employers and seek out potential job leads. You never know who’s in your network that could land you an opportunity.
4. Using a Poorly Developed or Mediocre Resume
Recruitment managers and employers are bombarded with hundreds of resumes daily. Therefore, your resume must set you apart from the competition. Ensure your resume is clear and concise with one career objective. Support it with accomplishments that emphasize the benefits you can bring to the company.
5. Not Using Keywords in Your Resume.
Keywords are specific industry terms or buzzwords. They enable it to be successfully scanned by computer software and searched. Employers and recruiters use keywords to weed out unqualified candidates. When developing your resume, include industry-specific keywords blended within your text, profile, and skill summary.
6. Not Including Accomplishments in Your Resume
Your resume is your marketing tool, and keywords and achievements play a vital part. Modesty has no place here! You need to find and include relevant, concrete achievements that you can highlight in your resume. When describing your professional accomplishments, use influential keywords and statistics to stress the importance of your actions.
Format your accomplishment-driven resume in a way that will make them stand out. Don’t cluster your accomplishments and responsibilities together. Instead, write a paragraph overview of your responsibilities and draw attention to your achievements with a bulleted list. Aim to draw the employer’s eye to the critical selling parts in your resume.
7. Submitting Your Resume to the Wrong Person
Do you have any idea who’s reading your resume? Sending out your resume blindly without conducting a little research could result in your resume becoming lost or trashed.
Calling your targeted company’s Human Resources or Personnel Department takes a few minutes. The receptionist will provide you with the proper contact information. Remember to get the correct spelling and title of the hiring individual. This will ensure that your resume arrives safely in the hands of the right person.
8. Not Preparing for the Interview
Preparing for your interview may take a small investment in time, but it will make all the difference. Good interview preparation will also help you combat nerves. Before you attend an interview, you should research the employer. You will want to find out the company’s size, products or services they sell, key competitors, branches or headquarters, and any recent news.
Once you have completed your company research, prepare to communicate your importance through your achievements. Inspect your career for relevant examples of how you resolved issues, saved money, increased the bottom line, or created revenue opportunities. Remember, you are selling your strengths to this company; investing a little time in preparation will ensure a successful interview.
9. Not Asking Questions During the Interview
Usually, at the end of an interview, they will ask if you have any questions.
Avoid asking questions that may have already been answered or addressed on the company’s website. If you ask questions answered via the website or in the interview, it would indicate you did not take the time to prepare for the interview or didn’t listen well.
10. No Follow-Up
Once you have completed your interview, following up with a thank you letter to the person who interviewed you is essential. This is usually done within one day after the interview.
If a panel or committee interviewed you, one thank you letter will suffice, addressing it to the individual who supervised the recruitment process. Thank the person for the interview, and I ask that your appreciation be forwarded to the other committee members.
If, after two weeks, you have not heard from the company, it is perfectly acceptable to send a follow-up letter indicating your continued interest. The interviewer or committee members may be having difficulty making a decision. Your letter could be the key to finalizing their decision.
Please comment and share this article below with other job seekers! If you need an extra boost in your job search, contact Candace today!