Top 5 Job Search Mistakes

1. Limiting your job search to the Internet.

After all is said and done, it is people who hire people. In our current economic situation, you cannot afford to limit your efforts to any singular place. The newspaper still has a classified section and face-to-face networking allows you the opportunity to meet potential employers/clients.

2. Expecting someone else to do the work.

Okay, so you’ve signed up for every job site that you can find, signed with a recruiter, and registered at several temp agencies. You cannot expect that employers/clients will seek you out or that your recruiter will have you at the top of the list and neither will the temp agencies. You have to be 100% proactive each and everyday. Set a specific time each day to check the job sites, call your recruiter, and the temp agencies. Don’t forget to follow up on leads and send a thank you note after an interview.

3. Overlooking networking opportunities and not being prepared for them.

Wherever you go you, is a potential opportunity to network! Have you heard of the “elevator speech?” Don’t be shy about telling people that you are looking for work. You don’t have to be obnoxious or sound desperate. Work it into a conversation and convey it in a positive tone! If you mention the fact that you’re seeking employment and you get a response, have an “on the spot speech” ready. Be specific and say what it is you are looking for. Remember to always carry your résumé with you! If you don’t have a business card, make a “calling card.” If you have software like Microsoft Publisher, make a “calling card” that has your name, phone number and email address on it. If you don’t have publishing software, Vistaprint is an inexpensive way to get cards made. A “calling card” makes it very convenient to exchange your contact information.

4. Hitting the launch button on a massive scale.

Blindly sending out your résumé in hopes that someone, somewhere will see it and call you for an interview is to say least, illogical. Most job sites utilize ATS (applicant tracking software). Read here to find out how ATS works. The bottom line on this one is that your résumé will end up “pigeon holed.” Also, you cannot customize your résumé to a particular employer/client or job.

5. Sending the wrong message.

You’ve joined a networking site and made a profile. Congratulations! Your email address is hotbunny@xyz.com or migthymuscles@xyz.com, your bio reads that you’re a single parent, have a cat named Twinkie, you enjoy long walks on the beach… Try to remember that it is a professional networking site. Create an email account specifically for your job search and keep your personal information, personal!

©2010 YP Mazzulo