Top 6 Things NOT to do in Your Job Search

The current job market is one filled with cut-throat competition; with the economy’s sluggish recovery, only the best are able to secure good, well-paying jobs that are satisfying and that help boost their careers. Circumstances such as these beg the question whether solid academic credentials and a fair amount of work experience are enough to make an impact in the corporate world.

With the unemployment rate standing at a fairly strong 7.5%, it is evident that there are significant factors that are often overlooked by job seekers when applying for a job. If you are currently looking for a job and are committing the following job search mistakes, it is time to hone your approach.


Not Proofreading Your Resume
Your resume is the point-of-contact between you and your future employer. It is what forms your potential employer’s first positive/negative impression of you as a possible contributor to the operations of the firm; hence it is imperative that the resume be perfect to the T. So whether you’re creating one on your own or having one professionally prepared; be sure that it is 100% error-free. In addition, an added precaution can be to ensure that the one you send via email delivers with no formatting errors whatsoever, so that your hiring manager can view your resume with ease.

Becoming Discouraged
This is easier said than done. Searching for a job is a painstakingly long and incredibly lonely process where you give interviews to up to a dozen companies and talk to an additional dozen people over the phone but never hear from any one of them in the days that follow. In such situations, it is important that you maintain a positive outlook and harbor positive energy as becoming demotivated and discouraged will only work against you.

Letting Everyone Around You Know That You’re Looking For Work
This is a common mistake that most job seekers are guilty of committing. If your current boss finds out that you are looking for greener pastures, he may not waste any time in giving you the boot. The last thing you want is for you to lose your current job before getting a new one. Keep your job search to yourself.

Using a Singular Strategy
Simply dropping off resumes at the offices of companies won’t get you anywhere. If you want quick results, then you should take advantage of every available lead as much as possible. Nowadays, social media is presenting people with numerous opportunities in terms of lucrative job offers. Utilize that avenue to your advantage; check Facebook and Twitter for regular job announcements.

Underestimating the Power of Networking
Many people undervalue the power of networking and think that job events and career fairs are nothing but a waste of time. But the fact of the matter is that these events are probably where your next key contact will come from. Many aspiring job professionals credit the power of networking for their current career success. Join or become active in professional groups. Also, volunteer for functions with your professional networking group. This is probably the best way to get noticed by the big heavyweights of your chosen field.