
20 job search pitfalls you must avoid for the coming hiring season
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Getting hired for a dream job does not come easy. You have to get every aspect of your job application right, including a winning resume and a compelling cover letter. On top of that, you need smashing referrals from your professional network as well as an excellent list of professional references to conduct a successful job search.
So many good applicants get lost in the crowd in the hiring competition because they use poor job-searching strategies. Today, we will look at twenty job-searching pitfalls that are holding you back from your dream job.
1. Not entering your job search with a clear strategy
You need to have a clear job search strategy when you enter the job market. This will ensure that none of your skills, experiences, or talents get overlooked in the market.
2. Lack of research
It is very important to find out everything you can about the job, the company, and the employer before you apply for the job. It will help you understand the job requirements better.
3. Not tailoring your online presence
You should ensure that your online presence, including social media accounts, are aligning with the information that you have listed on your resume.
4. Applying for jobs with a generic resume and cover letter
You must always tailor your resume and cover letter for each specific job that you apply for. This will help you highlight just the right skills, experiences, and talents for the job.
5. Forgetting the ATS
Many companies use ATS to filter job applications. Therefore, it is important to write a resume and cover letter that the ATS can parse without difficulty.
6. Sticking to just one job search method
There are multiple job-searching methods available for you. Avoid relying solely on one type of resource such as online job boards. You should get full use of referrals, social media, and recruiters.
7. Applying for jobs without qualifications
It is okay to apply for jobs where you only have 95% of the qualifications. However, if you apply for jobs that you are 95% unqualified for, you will have trouble finding a job.
8. Forgetting to follow up
Don’t expect the employer or the hiring manager to remember you just because you sent in an application. Call the company or send an email to inquire about the status of your job application.
9. Not practicing for the interview
Some candidates are overconfident about themselves, and they don’t practice answering common interview questions. This will make you seem unprepared on the day of the interview.
10. Being too casual or unprofessional during interviews
Always dress professionally for your interviews, even if the company has a casual dress code. Avoid getting too friendly during your interview and maintain a professional demeanor.
11. Forgetting to ask questions after the interview
If you are one of those candidates who say, “No questions” when the interviewer gives you the chance, you will have fewer chances of landing the job.
12. Not thanking the interviewer
It is considered a good move to send a thank you note to your interviewer after every job interview. It will make sure that you leave a lasting impression on them.
13. Giving up too soon
Sometimes, it will take weeks or even months to get a great job. Don’t give up early because you get tired of looking.
14. Not leveraging your network
More people get hired through their professional networks than through job applications. Talk to your network and ask them to connect you with a good opportunity.
15. Having limited options
Once you enter a job search, be open to jobs outside of your industry and location. Great jobs will provide relocation assistance for you.
16. Not being clear about the salary expectations
Research the median salary range for your job title in your location and your industry before walking into the interview. This will help you give a clear answer to the employer.
17. Not negotiating salary
Employers generally expect you to negotiate the salary that they offer for a new job. This will show the employer that you know your worth.
18. Lying on your resume
Being truthful and transparent about your experience on your resume is important to present yourself as a candidate with integrity.
19. Being inflexible in the job search
Your job search will throw curveballs at you, Be prepared to adapt yourself to any scenario that comes along.
20. Taking video and phone interviews lightly
Your phone/video interview is still a job interview. Just because you are not face-to-face with the interviewer physically, you should not take your interview lightly.
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