What to Avoid in Your Job Search

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


It's no secret that job hunting is challenging and stressful. Job search mistakes though can impact your success and ability to land the perfect position. Know the key mistakes job searchers make so you can avoid pitfalls that can extend your search and cause even more frustration.

One of the most common job search mistakes is applying for every available position, according to Masiello Employment Services. It's often difficult to pay the bills when unemployed, but applying to all available positions can be a waste of your time and efforts because it doesn't increase your chances of getting a job. A candidate who spends time and effort applying and interviewing for positions that aren't a good fit runs the risk of losing focus and motivation during job search preparation. In addition, you may see more rejections, which can be discouraging.Avoid taking rejection personally. It's not likely for candidates to obtain a job offer for the first position applied for or after the first interview. Accept you may face rejection, and use these experiences to improve and learn from feedback. This knowledge may prepare you better for the next interview.

Candidates aware of their strengths and capable of communicating them effectively on cover letters and during interviews often avoid one of the most common job search mistakes, which is to claim to be skilled in everything. Avoid proclaiming you can and will do anything to get the job. These expressions make candidates sound desperate to potential employers. Instead, focus on skills and experiences you have relevant to the position and be honest when detailing tasks or skills you may need to improve during the interview.

Negativity often tops the list of job search mistakes employers notice. Even though the job search is stressful, negativity can significantly impact your attitude and zap your enthusiasm during job search preparation. Commit to searching for positions with a positive and professional mindset. Be aware of your body language when presenting yourself in front of a potential employer, and stand tall and proud when speaking about your skills. Confidence is an attractive trait and a successful strategy to land the perfect job.

Candidates who fail to build a network while seeking employment are making crucial job search mistakes. Focus on making connections within your professional industry to obtain referrals that get you in the door at desired companies hiring. Keep in contact with managers you've interviewed with in case another opening becomes available. Maintain professionalism from the time you meet people within your network and throughout your career to improve your standing within the industry.

Job search mistakes can prove costly for job seekers. A lack of preparation for the search and interviews can lead to even more frustration and lost opportunities. Maintain a positive and professional attitude throughout the challenging process, and reach out to your network on a regular basis to potentially land the career of your dreams.

 

Photo Courtesy of winnond at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


 

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  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Lori - so true. You should apply for positions even if you do not have ALL of the qualifications they are seeking. That is their dream list and they know that more than likely no one has all of the experience and skills. But by putting them on the posting, they also know that they will get candidates that are pretty close to what they need. So yes - by all means - stretch yourself - put yourself out there. You never know. And you are right - NEVER lie on a resume. You might get the job but the truth always comes out. Especially in today's social media world - someone knows someone who knows you! So stretch yourself - sure but never to the point where you lie. Keep your great attitude and you will get the job you are seeking.

  • LORI S.
    LORI S.

    Thanks for posting John. Yes, I agree and never take rejections personally. I take them as more experience for the next time. I do apply for jobs out of my range at times, but I've noticed that some job postings expect way too much so they are just looking for someone as close to what they want as possible. I have gotten jobs like that in the past for putting myself out there. So I tell people to not give up and go ahead and stretch a bit on what you apply for, but do not say you know things you don't on your resume!

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