Avoid these mistakes job seekers make and get your dream job faster!
Are you currently looking for a new job or thinking about a career change? We want to help you be as successful as possible in the quickest way. There are a lot of things that can cause you to not get your dream job or drag out the process longer than necessary. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes people make when job hunting. We hope it helps you avoid making these same blunders so you get hired.
If there is anything we can do to help you please let us know. We specialize in professional resumes and LinkedIn makeovers. We offer a FREE resume critique too!
Happy job hunting! We are here for you!
Mistake #1: Using ONLY Online Job Postings
Online job postings are a great way to see what is out there and available. They are also useful in comparing job duties, expectations, salaries, etc. The problem is that they don’t offer any personal connection or lead in. You have no way of knowing how many people are applying. They also tend to be pretty generic and vague. We suggest only spending a small amount of your time on these types of jobs. Instead, concentrate more on networking and researching the specific companies you really want to work for. Even if they don’t have a job opening, you can still start to make connections there. The majority of your time spent job searching should be done through networking, as in 90% of it!
Related: Networking Tips: How to Make Real Connections
Mistake #2: Don’t Wait for a Job Listing
Following behind Mistake #1, too many job seekers wait for a job opening. Sometimes you need to create your own opening by making contacts, researching, and visiting the companies you want to work for. If you can prove you add value to a company they might create a job or opening for you. We’ve seen this happen over and over again.
Mistake #3: Not Taking Advantage of LinkedIn
LinkedIn can be a very powerful tool to help you make connections if you use it correctly. You can find people who work for the company you are considering. You can do a lot of research. Find out who you know. LinkedIn can help you get your foot in the door. Many job seekers don’t fully understand the capabilities of LinkedIn and therefore don’t spend the time updating their profile and making it as robust as it can be. Getting a professional LinkedIn Makeover can be very helpful. We also offer a FREE LinkedIn Report. Check it out!
Related: Are You Using LinkedIn to its Full Potential?
Mistake #4: Not Being Specific Enough
If you are putting a ton of effort into your job search, and we know you are, then make sure you have an honest conversation with yourself about exactly what you want (and don’t want.) Too many mistakes job seekers make are related to the types of jobs they are looking for and being open to “any type of job” instead of the RIGHT JOB. Don’t settle. Figure out what you want to do and go after it.
Mistake #5: Not Having a Plan
A well thought out and executed plan will get you results. In order to succeed at your job search it is necessary to treat your job search like a job. Plan it out. Make daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Set goals. Reward yourself well and often! Hold yourself accountable. And most importantly, make sure you are keeping yourself healthy, physically and mentally. Being out of work can be very stressful. Take care of yourself!
Mistake #6: Using an Outdated or Poorly Written Resume
It’s no surprise that we would include resumes on this list, since Career Resumes helps thousands of professionals create the very best resumes and cover letters. What is surprising is the amount of resumes that are submitted with glaring typos, misspellings, missing / wrong info, and bad grammar. Nothing will get you tossed out of the ring quicker than a poorly written resume. Please don’t make this mistake. There is no reason to when we offer a FREE RESUME CRITIQUE. Now you have no excuses!
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