It feels like you’ve been doing it forever. You spend hours each day searching for a position, but you still come up empty. It might be time to reconsider your approach and figure out the job-hunting mistakes you might be making.
If you’ve had trouble landing interviews or closing a position, your technique might need some refining. By reviewing how you are going about your search and looking for ways to improve, you can get your job hunt back on track.
Here are a few common errors you should look out for:
Not Focused Enough
It seems like an obvious rule of thumb: the more jobs you apply for, the more likely it is that you will score a position. However, it might not work out that way. The shotgun approach might feel like the smart way to go, but it can often hamper your progress.
If you lack significant focus, your job search can become an aimless trudge through the wilderness. Instead, redefine your goals. Concentrate on the types of positions you want and invest more resources into those individual opportunities.
Using the Wrong Resume
A resume represents your introduction to a potential employer. If it doesn’t sell your skills and experience effectively, you won’t get another chance to get the position.
As such, make sure your resume does the best possible job of selling your value. If you’re having problems getting interviews, double-check your resume. You might need to reframe some of your details.
Also, research the current standard for resume presentations. You might be using an old-fashioned style, limiting your ability to impress potential employers.
Not Giving Enough Attention to Cover Letters
Along with the resume, your cover letter offers the best chance to make an excellent first impression. The document lets you supplement the information provided in a resume, and provides a platform for detailing your specific interest in a particular position.
When you apply for a job, tailor the cover letter to the position. You can use a generic version as a template but fine-tune it to fit the specific circumstances. Also, watch the tone of the document. Match your presentation to the cultural values of the company.
Lacking a Portfolio
Companies want to see practical examples of your ability to perform. As such, you should be ready to present examples of your work.
Depending on your area of specialization, an online portfolio may provide a great way to achieve this goal. Bring some of your best work together onto a single page, which you can share with prospective employers.
Falling into a Negative Attitude
Searching for a job can be a frustrating and grueling endeavor. It is easy to let rejection get you down. However, you can’t give in to that impulse.
Approach every potential opportunity with optimism and enthusiasm. A negative attitude acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Prospective employers can sense desperation and pessimism.
Not Using Your Network
It can be embarrassing to ask for help. This fact makes people shy, limiting their ability to find suitable opportunities. Don’t make this mistake.
Your network is there to support you. Your loved ones want to help you find a job, and your professional contacts want to see you succeed (if only to bolster their own network). Don’t feel embarrassed or shy. Reach out to the people you know to speed your job search.
Meanwhile, there are ways to supplement your network with professional help. A reliable recruiting partner, like Recruiting In Motion, provides the broad pool of potential employers you need to find the ideal position.
Contact Recruiting In Motion today to learn more.
