For job seekers, competition is fierce. For every great opportunity, there are hundreds if not thousands of applicants. To make matters worse, many job seekers unwittingly destroy their own chances at getting a job by making one or more of the following common mistakes.
1. No Job Search Strategy
A job seeker needs an organized plan of attack. Start by making a list of your short and long-term goals, as well as the specific companies for which you'd like to work. Break your goals into smaller chunks, and devote a lot of time and energy into making them happen.
2. Accepting Any Offer
As an unemployed job seeker, you may feel temptation to accept the first offer you get, if for no other reason than to pay your bills. But remember, taking on full-time work in the meantime can put a major delay in getting to the job you really want.
3. No Cover Letter
Your cover letter is what introduces you to hiring managers, and it highlights your relevant skills and experience. Without one, your resume is likely to end up in the trash.
4. A Generic Resume
Hiring managers can quickly spot a generic resume template and often won't give your application the time of day. To truly wow them, you must create a personalized resume for each and every job application.
5. Not Proofreading
A well-written resume and cover letter means little if it's riddled with spelling and grammar errors. In addition to using a spell checker, have a friend read over your documents to check for word flow or awkward sentences.
6. Showing Up Unprepared
Before the interview, conduct thorough research about the company. Find out the company's dress code, and choose your outfit accordingly. Preview the route to the interview location, and bring extra copies of your resume. There are few things worse than a job seeker showing up unprepared, late or frazzled on the big day.
7. Asking the Wrong Questions
Hiring managers encourage job seekers to ask plenty of questions during the interview — just make sure they're the right ones. Refrain from asking questions about salary, benefits, vacation time or other perks, as these inquiries make you seem preoccupied with what the company can do for you. Focus instead on how you can help the company.
8. Talking Trash About a Previous Employer
Prospective employers want to know why you left your previous employer. Refrain from giving too much detail or talking negatively about your former boss or company. Instead, keep it short and sweet, and mention how you're looking for new opportunities to expand your skill set.
9. Playing the Waiting Game
It's not enough to submit your resume, attend the interview and wait to be selected. Show genuine interest in the job by following up with the hiring manager at regular intervals.
10. Failing to Network
The majority of today's job opportunities are filled through personal connections, so use your network to your full advantage. Try seeking new opportunities through social media sites such as LinkedIn.
Finding and landing the perfect job is difficult, so don't make the job search any harder than it has to be by committing one of these common job seeker mistakes. Do your homework, show up on time and looking smart, and be professional.
Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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