5 Job Search Mishaps to Avoid

It looks like this COVID pandemic isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Unfortunately, lots of people are still looking for work, but it isn’t without hope. Employers are adjusting to the challenging times, and I know quite a few people who have found jobs within the five months of navigating this pandemic.

But what about those that are still searching? Finding a job can sometimes feel like a secret society of the have’s and the have not’s. There are so many steps in the process, and it’s easy for a job seeker to not know the right thing to do that will catch the eyes of employers. There are even things that people mistakenly do that lead them in the wrong direction when it comes to their job search – I call these “Job Search Mishaps”. Here are a few of the most common that I notice and what you should do instead to achieve job search success:

Not knowing what you want

Not knowing what you want significantly delays the job search process. When you’re not clear about what you want then it creates confusion within yourself and hinders your motivation to be proactive.  This will have you going around in circles about which opportunities to pursue, and perhaps not even following through with anything. When you don’t know what you want, then you don’t know what to look for and you also don’t know what to tell people what you need when networking (more on this later).

Job search Success: You will need to identify a job search target before you can start an effective search.

Not tailoring your documents

Not tailoring your documents prevents you from convincing employers you are the right fit. You are not even trying to convince an actual person in the very beginning stages of applying for a job. You’re trying to pass the application tracking system (ATS), the computer software that screens your resume for keywords in the job description. This ATS makes it easier on employers, because there’s less guess work out of which applicants align with what they’re looking for. Sure, it’s more work for you in the beginning, but what other alternative do you have? Stay in the job seeker seat? We both know that’s not what you want…

Job Search Success: You will need to include the keywords from the industry, company, and job announcement in your job search documents.

Not networking

Not networking is one of the gravest job search mishaps of them all! You significantly limit your job search potential by not networking, and it ultimately delays the job search process. There’s only but so much time you have to devote to a job search on your own, and there’s only so much power you have as a job seeker.

Job Search Success: You will need to network to tap into the resources of your connections, so you can find what you’re looking for and benefit from the power of someone who can make something happen for you.

Not preparing your answers for an interview

Not preparing your answers for an interview limits your confidence. The less confident you are the more likely you will portray indifference toward the opportunity at best or portray anxiety about your ability to do the job at worst. What most people do to prepare for an interview is look at their own resume and cover letter to refresh themselves about why they wanted the job and what they believe makes them qualified. The employers have already looked at that, which is why they are inviting you to interview! They will be asking you questions based on how you used those skills, and they are also trying to understand your motives as a person and interest in this position. You have to show them what you can do by sharing descriptive examples of what they’re looking for, rather than tell them what they already know about you.

Job Search Success: You will need to practice what it is they are likely to ask about your character, skills, and experiences to be the most prepared for an interview.

Not sending a (handwritten) thank you note after the interview

Not sending a thank you note after the interview makes you look less professional. This is standard interview etiquette, and a handwritten note is actually preferred. You can find the company address on their website or verify it with someone at the human resources department. I would also prepare an email to send immediately after the interview as well. Employers don’t simply select applicants based on how well they believe that person can do the job but also how well they think you would be pleasant to work with. Sending a thank you note demonstrates gratitude for others and reflects interpersonal skills and strong character.

Job Search Success: You will need to send a thank you note, preferably handwritten, to seal the deal about bringing you on to their team.

Have people within your circle been getting new jobs recently? But yet, you’ve been applying and applying and still no such luck? Have you been wondering what it will take to be a part of the special pandemic-job-seeker elite? It could mean you’ve been committing one of these job search mishaps that I described above, and they are extending your job search beyond what you’ve anticipated. I hope you can take a look at these tips to get on track with your job search and that offer for that dream position you’ve been waiting for is just around the corner.