It’s no secret that finding a job these days is tough. With so many people competing for a limited number of jobs, it’s important to put your best foot forward. Unfortunately, some people make common mistakes that can sabotage their job search. In this blog post, we will discuss seven terrible job search tips that you may have heard that you should stop doing right now!
Apply to Every Job Opening Available
Applying to too many jobs is a common mistake that job seekers make. While it may seem like a good idea to increase the number of applications, submitting your resume to an excessive number of job opportunities will water down your job search.
Chances are that more than half the positions are less than ideal in some facet or another (i.e., salary, company culture, benefits, etc.). Not to mention the clutter of keeping track of when you applied to where is a whole task in itself.
Stay focused, find the best job descriptions that fit you, and apply accordingly. Your parents may have given you this terrible job search tip back when you were in college, but now, it is important to stay away from applying wherever. Applying to a few jobs that are the right fit will save you time and energy in the long run and increase your chances of landing the perfect position.
Also, if you are applying to as many job openings as possible. I am sure you are not customizing your resume for each job opening.
The most important thing when job hunting is to ensure your resume is tailored to each position you are applying for. A generic resume you send to every employer will not cut it. You want to highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to each job.
For example, if you are applying for a job as an accountant, you will want to focus on your experience with bookkeeping and financial reporting. On the other hand, if you are applying for a job as a web developer, you will want to highlight your experience with coding and web design. Taking the time to tailor your resume will show employers that you are truly interested in the position and that you have the skills they are looking for.
Put All Your Job Experience on Your Resume
Your resume is meant to be a snapshot of your professional life and experience, not a complete history. When tailoring your resume to a specific job, you should focus on highlighting the skills and experience most relevant to the position. Trying to stuff your entire work history onto one page will not only make your resume look cluttered but will also make it more difficult for employers to identify the information they’re looking for.
If you’re an experienced professional, chances are that some of your earlier positions won’t be relevant to the job you’re applying for. Including them will only clutter up your resume and distract from your more recent and relevant experience. So ditch the jobs you had in high school and focus on highlighting the experiences that will help you land the job you want.
Don't Bother Networking
In today’s job market, networking is more important than ever. With so many people competing for a limited number of jobs, it’s important to get your name out there and connect with as many people as possible. Yet some job seekers still don’t see the value in networking and choose to go it alone.
If you’re looking for a job, chances are that someone you know knows someone who is hiring. Networking can help you connect with potential employers and learn about job openings that haven’t been publicly advertised. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, or simply reach out to your contacts and let them know you’re on the job hunt. You never know who might be able to help you land your dream job.
Don't Worry About Your Online Presence
In today’s digital world, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with a strong online presence. A recent study found that 70% of employers research job candidates on social media, and nearly half have rejected a candidate based on what they found. If you’re not careful about what you post online, you could be sabotaging your job search before it even starts.
So if you’re looking for a job, take some time to clean up your social media profiles. Delete any old posts that might reflect poorly on you, and make sure your profile pictures are professional and appropriate. It would help if you also took the time to build up your online presence by creating a professional website or blog and actively engaging with industry experts on social media.
Cover Letters Aren't Important
Applying for a job can be a daunting task. In addition to crafting the perfect resume and preparing for an interview, you also have to write a cover letter. While a cover letter may seem like an unnecessary extra step, it can actually be the key to landing a job. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and tell your unique story in a way that a resume cannot. It also allows you to show your personality and give the employer a sense of who you are as a person.
With so many qualified candidates applying for the same position, a well-written cover letter can be the deciding factor in whether or not you get an interview. So take the time to craft a thoughtful and engaging cover letter, and you just might find yourself one step closer to landing your dream job.
Don't Be Yourself
When it comes to interviews, it’s important to be genuine and honest. First and foremost, companies are looking for a hardworking and qualified professional. But throughout the interview process, a genuine and honest person always stands out. Being the best of yourself is always better than trying to edit your personality to what you think will appease a hiring manager. Acting one way in an interview to gain points only to completely change your demeanor once you’re hired wouldn’t be a good start to your career with the company. Be comfortable, be yourself, and let the rest work itself out.
Follow Up Every Which Way You Can
After a job interview, sending a thank-you note to your interviewer is always a good idea. This shows that you’re appreciative of their time and reinforces your interest in the position. You can also attach your resume and cover letter to the email for safe measure. However, you don’t want to go overboard with follow-up inquiries. If you contact the employer too frequently, you run the risk of seeming overwhelming and annoying. It’s best to wait for the employer to get in touch with you. If they said they would reach out, then take them at their word. Sending a gift or stopping by in person is generally considered to be too much. It’s important to maintain a professional attitude throughout the process.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you focus on what’s important – your job search. And, when you do land that interview, be sure to check out our tips for acing it! Good luck in your job search!
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