Job search mistakes are very common. Many job seekers simply scroll through opportunities posted on popular job boards or ads in the windows, but is this the right way to search for work?
There are popular tactics used in looking for jobs that are common job search mistakes, hurting your chances to land the position you’re after or wasting time on in the job search itself. Read through the common job search mistakes listed below and learn how to avoid these common pitfalls before starting up your search again.
Unclear Job and Career Goals
One of the top mistakes job seekers make is not knowing what type of job they want or what career they’re after. Many people look for a job just to have some income and then land a position they don’t last long in, whether because it’s a toxic environment or the job itself isn’t enough. If you’re applying to random companies and any available position with it, not only does it look poorly to the hiring manager and give the impression of being unfocused, but you’re wasting time on opportunities that don’t fit your needs or qualifications.
How to Avoid this Mistake
The best way to know what type of job you’re looking for and quicken your search is to make a list of the ideal qualities you want to find in a job. These qualities can include things like the schedule, work environment or company culture, salary, whether they promote from within, and include your long-term career goals in the list.
Applying to Large Companies
It isn’t unusual for job hunters to avoid smaller or lesser-known companies, with fear of the unknown and job security being common reasons. Rather than competing with everyone for big-name employers, look into smaller companies that align with your needs and career goals.
Avoiding This Job Mistake
Take the time to look through the job opportunities that match your filters and don’t check any boxes that only include larger businesses.
Not Emphasizing Interpersonal Skills on Your Resume
When putting together your resume and cover letter, don’t forget to include achievements related to interpersonal skills like teamwork and communication. Listing off successful projects in school or work is great, but failing to mention how well you collaborate can be a red flag and is a frequent mistake people make.
Avoiding This Common Problem
List major team successes on your resume or use your cover letter to discuss your leadership role within a team or group project. How well you work with people is music to a hiring manager’s ears as no one is an island in a company.
Having No Job References
Any hiring manager is going to want to speak with your previous employers to vouch for your job skills and performance. Too many opportunities are lost because someone didn’t list their references and there are plenty of “justifications” for why people don’t. No matter yours, it’s essential to have them ready.
How to Have Them
Prepare your contacts ahead of your job search and ask if it’s ok to list them as a reference. This can also include managers and coworkers while also giving you some control over your presentation to prospective employers.
Limiting Your Job Search
The internet and social media have forever changed job hunting, leading to a new string of errors and mistakes to make. One common one is to stick to jobs posted online or, if a bit old-fashioned, the ones printed. Don’t spend countless hours at your desk scrolling through the same opportunities over and over, be proactive.
Avoiding Common Job Search Mistakes
If a company has caught your eye, don’t hesitate to reach out to their human resources department and ask about any open or upcoming positions. You could find out about a position before it’s even posted and easily avoid one of the most popular search mistakes.
Applying to Every Job
It’s one thing to be enthusiastic and quite another to be desperate, even if a job is needed ASAP. Applying to jobs indiscriminately not only waters down your job search quality but also reduces the quality of your application. Hiring managers have a sixth sense for generic cover letters and if your resume doesn’t match up with the opportunity or job description, you’ll quickly find your application in the virtual trash.
Avoiding This Frequent Job Search Mistake
Be selective and know why you’re applying for a particular job rather than spread yourself too thin. Thoroughly read job descriptions and tailor your application to highlight the most relevant skills and experience to it, focus on your career goals and expertise to ensure the opportunity aligns with them and you’ll find yourself skipping over these mistakes.
Only Applying to Jobs You’re Completely Qualified For
This may seem like a contradiction or should be listed as one of the top search mistakes, but only applying for jobs you’re completely qualified for isn’t the best way to avoid disappointment or find a leg up in your career. Waiting for a position that you will check every single box for will have you missing other opportunities and staying in the job search race.
Avoiding Errors in Confidence
One thing to understand is that hiring managers know they won’t find the perfect candidate that fulfills every skill and qualification listed; instead, job descriptions are closer to “nice to have” wish lists than anything else.
Avoid Them With Help
Your career deserves time investment, not just in skills, but also in the job search itself. To avoid these typical job search mistakes, you have to slow down and invest in the search, remember what you want, and that you’re worth hiring. We help job seekers with that.
Provisional Recruiting has been placing people in a range of positions for over twenty years. Our expertise has helped both job hunters and employers find the professional match that suits both best throughout the Northwest. Our job experts and recruiting specialists post quality jobs for our community’s talent, ensuring the match is right for everyone.
Want help to land the job you’re after and find some searching expertise? Contact us and explore our job board, we can help you online and off.