CareerAware.com

Content and Tips

Most Common Job Search Mistakes

27 Nov 2010 - After being involved in interviews, testing and all aspects of recruiting for sometime now I come across so many avoidable mistakes made by job seekers. Here are some of the most common job search mistakes.

The aim of providing these insights is to help job seekers improve their chances of landing the jobs they desire.

Lack of Focus

Is that new job an opportunity to create your future or just another meal ticket? Don't be so desperate that you come across as a jack-of-all-trades. Widen your opportunity net but not in the mould of "anything-goes-anything-will-do". Employers and clients have no regard for masters of nothing. Identify your strengths, interests and target markets. Be targeted in your efforts. Let your purpose and direction stand out.

Using materials that do not persuade

Your job search documents should inform and persuade. Too many submit CVs that are more about their life history than selling them for the job opportunity – usually something akin to “the life and times of Ali Baba”. Use your CV to position yourself above the competition. The process isn't just about submission of documents, or getting the right e-mail contact; it's most importantly about selling yourself. Focus on your achievements and abilities that matter. Address the job requirements by letting your presence and materials persuade decision makers that you are the best person for the job.

Burning Bridges
Associations are great but not enough for a job search that works. A big mistake job candidates make is to burn bridges with those who know them. Opportunity is never only about who knows you. Your connections will only open doors for you if haven’t burnt your bridges with them. Do your friends, family and acquaintances trust and like you? Getting recommendations from your contacts is a lot easier if you don't leave bad blood on your trail.

Taking things personally
The job search is not always a smooth road. Job seekers unfortunately do not respond appropriately to the downs. Hearing “NO” can sting. It can be hard to take. But you can’t sell yourself effectively by taking rejection personal. Setbacks are part of the cost of searching for opportunity. Just had a rough encounter? Stay at your positive high energy level and think beyond yourself. Appreciate that others will see things different from you. The earlier you learn that everything is not about you, the sooner you'll bounce back after disappointment. Learn from the good and the bad. Keep the faith and always focus on the positives.

Treating your job search as a rush job
In their haste to respond to job vacancies, too many job seekers don’t put in enough quality effort and time into the job search. Your application letter can make the difference between obtaining a job/opportunity interview and having your marketing materials thrown out. Developing your CV and writing effective cover letters are not rush jobs. Quality helps you make a good first impression.

Not being Organized
Lack of organization continually hinders job search. It makes no sense to pay attention only on one key aspect of the hunt while neglecting other important areas. You need to coordinate your effort to make your search worthwhile. There is really no point in attending interviews and sending in job applications if your CV and other marketing materials contain spelling and grammatical mistakes.

Failure to Research
Interest in jobs is not enough. Have you done your research on the company and the job opportunity? It pays to understand the company’s mission as well as the specified job description and objectives. Doing your research shows your interest in the company and the job while improving your level of preparedness. However, good research doesn't limit you to more knowledge on the company; it also let’s you know whether the opportunity is what you need.

Overloading of CVs
The objective of the resume is to get you the interview. Why clog your CV with excess details? Don’t overload your CV with your entire life history. Information overload is never in your interest. Leave the details for the interview. Make your CV simple and clear – presentable and containing relevant substance - with the right self-marketing focus to land you the interview.

Refusing to be Entrepreneurial
You get nothing in life without taking risks. Getting the job you desire is no exception. A large number of job seekers look for handouts. We need to wake up! There are no guarantees or silver bullets. Nobody owes us anything. Whether your desire is for paid employment or running your own business, you must think entrepreneurial - accept educated risk, sell yourself, have a desire to learn as well as a genuine interest in service and people.