Job hunting can be a demoralising and painful experience, especially for graduates who are just entering the job market.
To get your dream job, you need to go through the whole job hunting process with a clear mind, as well as sufficient information to facilitate the process.
Most people make common mistakes that are a turn-off to potential employers or interviewers.
On the other hand, others fail to follow the appropriate job hunting channels.
Make things easier for yourself by avoiding these 4 common job hunting mistakes….
1. Failure to take responsibility and to make the search your sole focus
Job seekers today often do not dedicate enough of their time in looking for the proper job. They spend less time searching online or in nearby industries for potential employers.
Consequently, those who spare time to look for these jobs aren’t objective enough to diversify in a variety of options.
Once you set out to find a job, have a committed routine to the job search. Engage in various activities that increase the possibility of meeting potential employers.
Examples of such activities include volunteering, learning new skills, attending job workshops, and meeting people. The key points to note is that with robust interaction and diversity, getting a job will be quite easy.
It is a common mistake by job hunters to lay blame on others, particularly colleagues and family, for the challenges faced during the job hunting. Let your focus be on the positive feedback from interviewer rather than dwelling on negative thoughts and self-doubt.
It is imperative to be objective in the search while putting in mind that the harder you go after the job, the more it escapes your grasp. Most people often chase too hard without stopping to think through the already available options.
The key point:
Seize control of your situation, put yourself out there, and you will land the job of your dreams in the shortest time.
2. Over-reliance on the online listings and sending tailored resumes
It is good to keep an eye on job postings online as well as job ads because they can be an excellent source of job opportunities for you. However, you also need to watch out not to over-depend on such listings because they may yield little value in the long run.
It is possible that most of those job postings are scams or ways of getting your personal information for malicious intent.
Learn how to figure out which opportunities are for real.
Read more to understand which are the requirements and the responsibilities of each position within a company. Most job seekers get duped into issuing their resumes to fake organisations looking for traffic on their sites.
To avoid this mistake, only apply for famous companies and brands, or do a little research on the company or potential employer.
Also, new college graduates have the habit of editing their resumes to increase the chance of being recognised.
Examples of such traits involve inserting unrealistic grades or excessive praise of oneself on the resume. Adding qualifications that one lacks can pose a big problem especially in the interview where you are to display your expertise in the mentioned field.
Besides that, unsolicited resumes are also considered garbage by the employers and can bar you from getting the job. Once you mail an unsolicited resume, it will end up at the secretary’s desk who has instructions to disregard such applications.
3. Portraying an inauthentic image
Today, employers are tasked with reviewing over 250 resumes for every job opening.
In ideal situations, they sift out a handful of qualified individuals whose qualification and skill are close to each other. If you fall into this category, it will take one unique quality for you to be recognised by the employer.
Authenticity is a key trait that most people fail to show when it can be the turning point between getting the job or not. Putting on a face or bringing out a fake vibe that is done by most people in an attempt to please the employers often result in loss of job opportunities.
Related Articles:
- The 60 Best Self Help Books for Your Career
- What is the Difference Between a Job and a Career?
- Resume Format – Everything You Need to Know
Employers often look for depth and composure when you approach them looking for a job. Innately knowing the applicant is a tool that will help them fit you into their company dynamics.
To overcome this problem, look at your prospective employer as a close affiliate and address them warmly but with respect.
However, ensure to maintain a defined boundary and be open and ready to be judged. For instance, do not engage in activities such as cursing, asking for a socket to charge your phone or talking ill of your previous boss during an interview.
These are red flags that will change the potential employers’ perspective of you.
4. Focusing on job openings only
Another mistake done by job seekers is paying attention only to job opportunities listed in the vacancies section of newspapers, journals, or online postings.
Searching for open posts in companies is a futile hunt because employees do not get laid off their posts often.
The right way of going about it is shifting the focus from vacancies to opportunities which are available in all industries.
Potential employers tend to create job opportunities for prospective employees during the interview based on their qualifications and unique skills. One thing to note is that all firms are hiring from time to time particularly if you have what they need at the right moment when they want it.
A good example is showing your employer an additional skill such as database skills or management skills besides your main career.
To get such opportunities, you have to network aggressively.
When looking for a job, people make the mistake of speaking too much in an attempt to request for jobs. It is bothering for employers who are busy making policies and growing their respective companies.
To avoid this mistake, make it your primary focus to network in every job search. As a great networker, you should listen more, make agendas and share them with potential employers. While at it, do not be shy to ask for feedback or response from them.
By proving to them that you have more to offer than just claiming it by word of mouth, you will be better placed at getting your desired job.
Another mistake associated with less networking is being open to any job. It goes a long way to focus on the right job by picking just a few than going after myriads of unsatisfying jobs.
Make connections in the right industries and look for opportunities within your scope.
Conclusion
It is imperative to note that a good self-presentation in an interview situation can play a huge role in getting you a job.
Also, networking is an important tool in your search for a job. Interact with as many people and organisations as possible and the right opportunity will pop up.
This is a guest article by Addison Jenning, who is an HR manager and a passionate writer.
After graduating from college, she got a job as a recruiter and since then Addison managed to create a beautiful career. Having worked with entrepreneurs and employees, Addison can offer useful advice for both sides of the recruiting process.
After nearly 10 years in this field, she understands how important it is to create a business culture that can also work as a recruiting strategy.
