Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Job Search

Finding a job is never easy and sometimes it’s super easy to mess up. To help you get your dream job, we have compiled a list of ten common mistakes that most people do while trying to find a job. Avoiding these mistakes will put you in a better position to get a job. 

1. FORGETTING TO UPDATE YOUR RESUME 

Remember that your resume acts like your first impression to the employer and it is always better to be well-maintained, current, and suited specifically for the position. If a resume is made without much thought, it is forgettable. Make edits on your resume with respect to the jobs you are applying for in order to showcase the skills and experience you have that matter most. 

Tip: Try to incorporate the job details in the resume to boost the chances of it getting shortlisted by the ATS. 

2. NOT CHECKING THE COMPANY YOU ARE APPLYING FOR 

Not checking on the company you wish to apply to makes it seem as if you don’t want the job. Knowing beforehand about the company's goals and their endorsements will help you tailor your application and the questions asked during the interview to further your chances of success. 

Tip: Check the website for the company, check for any up to date news about them, and their social media accounts.

3. APPLYING TO EVERY POSITION OPEN

I understand that this may sound simplistic, but casting your net too widely to every job that catches your eye is a sure-fire way to burnout without ever hearing back. Invest your time in positions that complement an individual’s skills, has previous experience, and fits into their ambition. Acting thoughtlessly has the opposite effect and can make the whole process painful because of the effort expended and little to no reward reaped.

Suggestion: Seek positions where you qualify and the company you wish to work with resonates with your values.

4. OVERLOOKING SOME TYPES OF NETWORKING

Effective job search strategies involve networking, and networking encompasses a lot of aspects. With the advent of the Internet, one becomes very immersed in filling out online applications and forgets to leverage human interaction. Through networking, one can gain access to unadvertised job positions, obtain referrals, and get insight into a company’s culture.

Suggestion: Use LinkedIn, contact old employers or mentors, and participate in working agencies’ social media activities.

5. CONCENTRATING ON THE WORK TITLE INSTEAD

It is tempting to prioritize the title of the job you are applying for, however, like with any other position, the responsibilities that come with that title are what actually matters. Prestigious job titles often come with extremely challenging day-in, day-out responsibilities or alongside scant growth. Those are the aspects that will ultimately shape your career.

Advice: Emphasize the obligations, the possibility of acquiring new skills, and how the position fits into the grand scheme of your career goals. 

6. FAILING TO RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF SOFT SKILLS

Soft skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and collaboration, are equally important as technical skills. Companies are interested in hires who possess the ability to integrate into the existing company culture and work well with others.

Advice: Demonstrate during the interview how you have applied soft skills in previous roles or projects.

7. UNPREPARED FOR INTERVIEWS

Several candidates have the common problem of under preparation for interviews. Specifically, one should research common interview questions, rehearse answers beforehand, as well as formulate relevant questions to ask the interviewer. Not being prepared may give an employer a negative impression despite there being a strong knowledge-skill fit.

ADVICE: To ensure you are prepared, practice mock interviews with family or colleagues. 

8. MISSING THE FOLLOW UP

Immediate actions after an interview are just as important, and a failure to respond can damage your credibility. Not only does it strengthen your candidacy but it displays your appreciation as well. However, due to the increased competition, a lot of candidates fail to appreciate this further step and which can affect their chances positively. 

Advice: Aim to send an interview thank-you letter within 24 hours and ensure it is personalized.

9. SALARY ISN’T EVERYTHING

While payment matters, fixating on salary at the beginning can be a bit of a red flag for some employers. Try to think of the total compensation in terms of benefits, work-life balance, and their potential for personal and professional growth. Keep your options open and refrain from talking about salary too early.

Tip: Allow the employer to mention salary first. If you’re asked, provide figures that are supported by your research.

10. NOT BEING PERSISTENT

Looking for a job may turn out to be time-consuming and overwhelming. Most candidates feel disheartened after being rejected or not getting a response. You need to remember that being patient and persistent is important. For every “no,” there is always a step closer to a “yes.” 

Staying positive does work as long as you are willing to put in the effort. 

CONCLUSION: 
Avoiding these common mistakes while striving to achieve your dream job should outperform your competition with ease. Searching for a job takes time, focus, and determination, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Getting a job is one thing, but getting the right one is what counts!