A job search isn't something that works when done halfheartedly. It needs more effort than is generally assumed. And many job-hunters end up making mistakes that can seriously jeopardize their search. Here are a few job-search mistakes that you must avoid.
- Not giving it enough time. If you are unemployed, you must treat job-hunting like a full time job in itself. Put in all your time and effort into it, and don't just set aside a couple of hours each day to it. Even if you are currently employed, you must devote a couple of hours each day to some serious efforts towards job-hunting. Otherwise, it is just not enough.
- Not doing enough research. A job hunt needs extensive preparation. You must research the companies and industries and the kind of job you might be suitable for. This is especially true if you are job-hunting after a long break. Things change rapidly. The kind of jobs and nomenclature keep changing. Resume formats change, business etiquette changes. You must be up to date with all these changes in the job-scene.
- Applying for just any job. There is no use in applying for random jobs that you are not qualified for. This can happen in times of desperation, but desist. It is just a waste of your time and effort. And when no result comes out of it, it can be demoralizing too.
- Not having a near-perfect resume. Assuming that nothing can be perfect, you simply must own the best resume that you can possibly have. It must be accomplishment-oriented, and must be tailored for every job that you are applying. In case you are not qualified to do it yourself, or if you think that you cannot do a good job of it, consider approaching professional resume-writers. It is a worthy investment.
- Focusing only on one kind of job search. Don't rely only on one source to help you with your job hunting, for example, just the internet, or just one job site on the internet. Scan the newspapers, go via LinkedIn, tap your contacts, make phone calls, get in touch with professional staffing firms. Spread your net far and wide, but don't lose your focus.
- Not being prepared enough for an interview. You must go to every interview as if it were the only interview you'll ever be granted. Prepare for it extensively beforehand. Research the company thoroughly, google for it, look through your LinkedIn contacts to see if anybody can give you inside information on the working of the company. Try and get your hands on their quarterly reports. And don't forget the common HR questions. Concentrate on your appearance, and go with confidence.
- Not following up. Whether you have sent across your resume and cover letter, or have just finished an interview, you must follow up. Some people think that following up is a sign of desperation, but it can make a huge difference to whether you make or break it. A thank-you note immediately after an interview, or a polite follow-up call or email a few days after you've contacted them – these can help move things along quicker, and might work in your favour.
- Not networking enough. In any business, and in some businesses more than others, it is important to network. Keep in touch with all your contacts whether you need them or not. Approaching them only when you need to get work done can be off-putting. Offer your help, and go out of your way to assist them when they need it, because you never know when you will be on the receiving end. So, when you do need their help, you can be sure that they'll be available for you when you need them, whether to let you know about opportunities, or introduce you to potential employers, or just giving you some tips and information that will help you with your search.
- Not managing your job search well. A full-fledged job hunt can be overwhelming in terms of the information overload. You might have several different versions of your resume tailored for different jobs, and you have to keep track of where you have sent which resume, from where a reply is due, and all the other little things that go into any search of this magnitude. Organize it well. There are many online tools available, like JibberJobber and CareerShift which can help you with this.
- Not having an online presence. You simply must have a well-established online presence. Whether it is your site or a good LinkedIn profile, you must pay attention to it, and maintain it well. Job recruiters are increasingly going online for information about you, and the easier you make it for them, the better it is for you.
Stay positive always, and steer clear of these job-search mistakes, and you'll be well on your way to bagging that job.
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