5 Common Job Search Mistakes

For all of us who are looking for jobs, the search is filled with potential for mistakes and oversights that can cost us time and hinder our progress. Job searching is a skill and there is a steep learning curve. If you haven't had much luck yet, don't get discouraged. The main thing is to learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others in order to streamline your efforts and find the job of your dreams.

Here are 5 of the most common job search mistakes. If any of these sound familiar, it's time to change your tactics:

Not keeping your options open - If you are applying for a job at one of your target companies, don't put your search on hold in the hopes that they will call you in for an interview or give you a job offer. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. By keeping your options open and continuing your search, you won't put as much emotional energy into the job you really want and won't be as devastated if they hire someone else. In addition, knowing that you have other options will allow you to present yourself as a confident and energetic candidate instead of coming across as too desperate, which will only increase your perceived value.

Not sending thank-you notes - One of the crucial skills in job searching is writing a great thank you note. You should send one after every interview. Be careful that it isn't so long as to make you seem desperate or so short that the interviewer thinks you aren't serious. A thank you note should be short and to the point. Thank the interviewer for their time, restate your skills and experience and perhaps mention something that will help the interviewer remember who you are. The ideal thank-you note should be no longer than eight sentences.

Not checking your own references - Before you list people as references, you should check with them and make sure that not only are they willing to give you a reference, but that they are planning to say something kind about you. Also, you should make sure that the people you use as references are people whom you have worked with in the past or others that you know in a professional context. They potential employer won't be impressed that your friends like you. Show them that you are a well respected professional.

Ruling out temporary positions - Of course you want a full-time job, but don't rule out taking a temporary position. If you're out of work, just doing anything will prevent you from growing complacent or having your skills become rusty. Also, many temporary positions can lead to full-time work down the road. Even a short term job can help you pay bills and can even provide you with a great reference.

Putting to much focus on what you need - The job search isn't just about you, it's also about the company. Each business that is hiring is doing so because they have an unmet need. Instead of trying to be as flexible as possible and saying that you will accept any open position, focus on where you can make the biggest difference for an employer. Show them where your skills and talents can help them build their business.



By avoiding these mistakes, you can save time on your job search and create a strategic plan for finding the job you really want.



Have you ever made any of these mistakes? Please share your thoughts in the comments.