11 Job Search Mistakes That Can Kill Your Chances

 

Although even the most knowledgeable job seekers may be well-informed, they may still make critical mistakes that could jeopardize their chance of securing their ideal job. To help prevent such blunders in this blog post, we have identified the 11 most common errors and provided recommendations on how to avoid them.

Error #1: Reacting to Online Job Advertisements.

Myers recommends that people avoid relying heavily on job advertisements and listings, as they are often not successful. Instead, he suggests that individuals should only spend up to five percent of their valuable time on reviewing public job postings, and dedicate the majority of their time to networking in a constructive manner.

The significance of networking as a tool for job seekers is underscored by the results of the Jobvite 2014 Social Recruiting Survey, which polled 1,855 hiring managers and recruiters. Of those surveyed, 60 percent reported that their top hires were sourced through referrals.

Error #2: Forwarding Resumes Without Solicitation.

Myers believes that unsolicited resumes are generally viewed as useless, unimportant and futile. Rick Gillis, who is a career consultant, speaker, and job search specialist, concurs with this sentiment. Gillis explains that unless a resume is formatted and tailored specifically to match a particular job opening, it is highly probable that it will be rejected by a business's Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Gillis suggests that it is not worthwhile for his clients to spend their time sending out unsolicited resumes. He recommends that job seekers should ensure that their resumes are tailored to match a particular open position to increase the chances of their resume passing through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). According to Gillis, blindly forwarding resumes without any targeting is a waste of energy and won't yield any response. Instead, he advises that job seekers should focus their valuable time and effort on activities such as networking.

Error #3: Restricting your job search to open positions only.

Myers suggests that more than 40 percent of job openings are created for the right candidate during an on-site interview. These jobs were not in existence before the candidate appeared. Therefore, it is essential to shift the focus from "openings" to "opportunities," which are abundant.

Doug Mitchell, the CEO of direct sales company Solutions, cites an example of a woman who applied for an administrative position but knew a lot about their company's different aspects. She provided suggestions on how she could address challenges and assist in other ways. Even though she had applied for a specific job, her knowledge and ideas impressed Mitchell so much that he hired her on the spot for a different position. She is currently their support and training specialist.

Error #4: The Ineffective Ways of Networking.

According to Myers, effective networking should be the main priority for anyone seeking a job. Good networkers are those who listen more than they talk, have a clear plan, and are willing to seek advice and feedback. Networking is a gradual process that may take time to yield results, but it can be rewarding in the long run. Jayne Mattson, senior VP of Client Services at Keystone Associates, suggests that having a structured and accountable approach to networking is essential.

According to Jayne Mattson, a good approach to networking is to set a monthly goal of connecting with three people, either through a short note via LinkedIn or email to catch up, or by scheduling a face-to-face meeting over lunch to discuss personal and work-related updates.

Error #5: Being too flexible in the types of jobs you're willing to consider. 

Myers suggests that it is crucial to keep an open mind about different job opportunities, but it is equally important not to be too broad in your job search. Instead of merely looking for any job opening, focus on finding the right job opportunity that suits you. Before you start your job search, you should have a clear understanding of the position you want and concentrate on pursuing that kind of opportunity with all your efforts, instead of focusing on a particular job role, according to Myers.

Error #6: Conducting an unplanned job search.

According to Myers, searching for a job or transitioning to a new career requires a structured approach. To do this, you need to develop a comprehensive plan, set aside time each day for self-reflection and planning, designate a specific workspace in your home for job searching, and keep track of your progress. You should also establish a system to ensure that you are responsible for your actions, such as submitting a certain number of job applications each day, establishing professional connections, revising your resume, and other related activities.

Error #7: Try not to undertake your job search alone without assistance or support from others.

Myers recommends seeking help and support from career coaches, resume writers, and job search experts, rather than dismissing their expertise. These professionals offer objective guidance, creative thinking, and a proven system for successful job search, and can also provide valuable advice on salary negotiations that can result in higher compensation than expected. Career support comes in many forms and price points, so it's important to consider investing in such help during your job search, according to Myers.

Error #8:Letting Others Control Your Job Search.

Myers advises that although collaborating with a career coach, resume specialist, or job search expert can be advantageous, it is crucial to remain in charge as the job seeker. He proposes working with only a limited number of recruiters whom you have investigated to ensure they align with your values and goals for your job search. While recruiters can play an essential part in your search, you should oversee the entire process. Don't allow recruiters to modify your resume without your consent, and make sure you authorize them before they approach potential companies and opportunities on your behalf.

Error #9: Insufficient preparation for job interviews.

Myers states that job interviews have five fundamental components, which include expressing your worth, demonstrating your familiarity with the company, posing astute inquiries, bargaining for compensation, and pursuing a follow-up.

Mitchell advises that it is important to conduct thorough research on the company and the interviewer before the interview as it can significantly increase your chances of being the preferred candidate for the job.

Mitchell advises job seekers to engage in small talk during interviews, as it can be a useful way to establish a personal connection and stand out from other candidates. He suggests finding a common interest with the interviewer, even if it's as simple as being a fan of the company. Being knowledgeable about the company's goals, competition, challenges, and how you can contribute can also impress the interviewer and increase your chances of getting hired.

Error #10: Failing to understand your market value.

It is important to conduct research and evaluate your worth in the job market before any job interview so that you negotiate from a position of knowledge and power. Myers emphasizes that salary negotiations should only happen after the employer has expressed that you are their preferred candidate and made a job offer. Being aware of the value of your skills, expertise, and experience can make the negotiation process less difficult.

Rebecca Bottorff, chief people officer at Bandwidth.com, suggests that utilizing resources such as compensation benchmarking can assist you in determining your market value by taking into consideration factors such as your technical skills, experience, and where you are located geographically.

According to Rebecca Bottorff, the chief people officer at Bandwidth.com, she uses PayScale.com to determine the compensation benchmark and assess the value of her employees to the business. This helps her to recognize how much to reward new knowledge and skills. By regularly monitoring her workforce's growth, she can ensure that her employees' skill sets are being paid according to their worth in the market, which reduces the risk of them leaving the company.

Error #11: Not Asking for the Job.

According to Gillis, failing to ask for a job is a major mistake made by job seekers. Even if you have successfully avoided the previous 10 mistakes and have made it through several rounds of interviews, you should not assume that you have secured the job. Gillis advises that you should not forget to alleviate any doubts that a hiring manager may have about you. After an interview, you should clearly and confidently state your interest in the job and make it known that you want the job. This can often make a significant difference in a job seeker's success.

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