Recruiters and staffing professionals see it time and time again: The same mistakes plague job seekers during their job searches and prevent them from securing the roles they really want. If you don’t pay attention, you might be committing some of these job-search errors, too. Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes so that you can know what to avoid.
Having typos on your resume.
There’s no quicker way to get your resume and cover letter thrown in the trash than by having a glaring typo on your documents. Proofread, and then proofread again. Have someone else look over your documents to get a second set of eyes on them. Make sure you’re submitting a polished resume and cover letter before you hit the “send” button, or you’re shooting yourself in the foot.
Not tailoring your application documents.
Sending out a generic application to every job you apply to won’t get you very far. Employers want to know that you’re interested in their specific company, in the specific role, not that you’re just applying to as many jobs as you can in hopes of a response. It takes time, but tailoring your application documents to the role you’re applying for gives you a much better chance of hearing back.
Being unprepared for interviews.
Finally, you’ve heard back from the hiring manager, and you’ve got an interview set up. This is not the time to sit back and relax. Being unprepared for an interview is another common job-hunt mistake that can be easily rectified. Take time to look over the original job posting, the requirements for the job, and how your skills and experience match up. Practice some interviewing with another person or just in front of a mirror; pay attention to your body language and tone.
Not using your network.
Job boards aren’t the only way to go about your job search. Don’t forget about your professional network. You’ve had past bosses, past team leads, former coworkers that you stay in touch with… use these people when it comes time to look for another position. You just never know when someone will know of an opening that you’re well-suited for. And when that happens, knowing the right people is the ticket to success.
Waiting for the job to come to you.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the perfect job will come to you. You have to go out and get it. Be diligent about your job search and treat it like a job in and of itself. Then and only then will the results that you want show themselves.
Want help with your job search? The professionals at Axiom Staffing Group are here for you. Contact us today to learn more and get started.
