Embarking on a job search can feel like a full-time job itself. Between updating your resume, searching for open positions, researching different companies, and following up on applications, it can be a demanding process. Understanding common job search mistakes can help you work more efficiently and effectively toward landing an interview and ultimately a job offer.
Common Job Search Mistakes
As you go through the job search process, here are a few considerations to keep in mind. These types of errors or oversights can impact your progress and results. Taking the time to make adjustments and refine your approach can pay off.
- Casting Too Wide of a Net.
While you may be open to a variety of different roles, not having a clear focus can extend your job search. You may be applying for a lot of positions, but they may not all be a good fit. Instead, try to zero on not just your strengths and what you have to offer, but also what you are looking for in your next job as far as industry, location, schedule, or salary.
- Applying to Too Many Roles at One Organization.
It is great to have transferable skills that can enable you to work in different capacities, but you don’t want to overextend yourself. If a company has several positions open, pick one or two that are the strongest match for your skills and experience. Submitting your resume for a wide range of jobs, especially if they span multiple areas, can make you appear desperate and unsure about your professional identity. Plus, it can flag you by the company’s ATS.
- Not Being Critical Enough About Opportunities.
Don’t just blindly apply for a job because it is posted. Pay attention to the details. For instance, if there are hundreds… or event thousands… of applicants for a role that has been open for more than a month, the employer may not be very serious about filling it. Your chances of moving forward could be fairly low even if you are a strong match. Likewise, if a position opens up and then closes again within a day or two, the employer probably already has an internal candidate lined up but is posting the job because they are required to.
- Neglecting to Tailor Your Resume.
Using the same resume to apply for different positions can hurt your efforts. Not every role or company is looking for the exact same qualifications or experience. You do not have to completely rewrite your resume for every job opportunity, but you should take the time to go through and tweak your summary and core competencies to ensure they align with the opening.
- Failing to Follow Directions.
Read through the job opening in its entirety and make sure you are following the hiring manager’s instructions. For instance, if they ask for your resume in a certain format, want you to include a cover letter, or want you to label everything in a specific way, that is what you should do. You don’t want to run the risk of being rejected simply because you did not have the right documents or emailed your application when it should have been submitted via a company portal.
- Not Leveraging Your Network.
There are a lot of job seekers scouring job boards, and one common job search mistake is not taking advantage of your professional and personal connections. Put feelers out to see if anyone knows of jobs within their company that are coming open. They can also reach out within their network to see what is available. Furthermore, your connections can serve as references and help get your resume into the right hands.
- Lacking an Online Presence.
Building your professional brand and image is important. In addition to looking at your resume, employers often search for you online as well. This could bring up a variety of profiles, be it social media or LinkedIn. Make sure the information available to the public presents you in a positive light. Clean up your online image and update your profiles with current information, including any digital portfolios you may have.
When it comes to LinkedIn, build out your connections and actively engage in discussions. Share posts and original thoughts to show you stay abreast of what is happening in your industry or field. You can also get recommendations and endorsements to further emphasize your abilities.
- Underestimating Yourself.
Chances are, you are capable of much more than you give yourself credit for. It can be tempting to only apply for jobs where you are a 100 percent match and can check every box, but you may be missing out on some great opportunities. While you shouldn’t be applying for jobs that are far beyond your experience level and where you don’t meet most of the qualifications, as long as you meet a majority of the desired requirements, it can still be worth it to submit your resume. You want a position that gives you the chance to grow and advance in your career while still being successful.
Enhancing Your Job Search
Taking steps to avoid common job search mistakes can boost your efforts and increase your chances of landing your next role. As you pursue different opportunities, having a well-crafted resume that supports your experience, accomplishments, and skills can play an integral role. Contact Grammar Chic at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to schedule a consultation and feel more confident in your application documents.
