Common mistakes to avoid when job hunting

Common mistakes to avoid when job hunting
A job search is a tough process. It’s normally hard to figure out the best way to apply to a job and
stand out. After all, for every ninety-nine recruiters and employers who prefer chronological resumes to functional ones, you might come across one employer who likes them! That being said, there are some common mistakes that job seekers make that make many hiring managers cringe. Here are a few to avoid:

When you’re submitting your job application:

• Not responding appropriately to the job posting or following the directions. To make the best impression, demonstrate in your response that you understand what is included in the job description and have followed the directions. The job description may specify a particular way for applicants to respond or may include a question to be answered in the response, so pay close attention.

• Applying indiscriminately: Job seeking is NOT a “numbers game” with your probability of landing a job increasing with the total number of jobs applied for. Select jobs that are a good match for your skills and experience, and choose employers who genuinely interest you.

• Not proofreading: Hopefully, everyone has heard that this is a serious problem, and, yet, the lack of basic proofreading of submitted job documents still remains a significant factor in disqualifying applicants.

When you’re interviewing:

• Trashing a previous employer. Speaking badly of your previous employer may identify you as someone who is not easy to work with. Even if you left your previous job on bad terms, try to focus on what you learned and how you plan on moving forward

• Dressing and behaving inappropriately. Yes, this seems straightforward, but needs to be said: dressing too informally appearing unprepared and disinterested in the job and the organization are certainly problems to avoid. Yet a common concern is interacting with personal technology during the interview – answering the phone, texting, checking  Facebook, wearing headphones, and giving other indicators that the interview is not the top priority.

• Not emphasizing fit:  Of course, we have our own visions for our career and our own needs (financial and otherwise) that affect our career choices. Yet, an employer wants to hear why you want you want to work for them and what you’ll bring.

Other mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring social media. Social media faux pas can clearly be embarrassing and may cost you job opportunities. So, paying attention to what Google and Bing tell the world about you is smart.

• Selecting bad (or fake!) references. References are almost always an after-thought for most job seekers, yet this is a big mistake: Nearly half of employers (47%) had a less favorable opinion of the job seeker after speaking with their references (23% had a more favorable opinion).

• The best approach is to avoid the instinct to apply-apply-apply for every job you see! Take the time to apply for the jobs you really want with employers who interest you. You’ll do a better job of applying. Consequently, you’ll be more likely to land interviews, and you’ll be more impressive in those interviews.