Job Search Blunders

In the tough market competition there is no space for mistakes. In the market of today one should know what to do but also should be aware of the things that one should not do.

Following are some of common blunders while searching for a job

• Poor resume

As a matter of fact, a strong resume should be the very first step in any job hunt. Actually, a resume that does a poor job of marketing you, is of no use. If no result is produced through your qualifications, research, and job hunting, you must consider revisiting your resume or cover letter.

• Not to update the resume according to the job

Bring changes in your resume according to the needs of the position you're applying to. You must invest the time to prove that you understand their needs and that your resume is tailor-made for that opening.

• Not to do home work

Before applying for the job, research the industry, the companies in the industry, salary offered and other benefits. The following are a few questions you can ask in your job search plan; How will you approach your required job? What strategies will you use to reach employers? How will you differentiate yourself from the other else? Carefully write your plan and asses it. Lack of planning and research badly effects your job searching.

• Not applying enough

It is no surprise that applicants target one or two positions every week take several months (or even years) to re-enter the workforce. Applicants must apply for maximum openings every day. A highly competitive workforce and fewer available positions make it absolutely necessary to match or exceed the number.

• Poor follow ups

Not following-up at all or excessive follow-up are both not in your best interests. Try to make follow ups professionally.

Lack of networking

Networking is a very important component of your search. Also, networking is for life; always keep in touch with your contacts, even after getting employment.

• Not tracking performance

You will be wasting a lot of time if you don’t track the performance of your efforts. E.g. Which version of your resume is going to get the most responses? Tracking performances of you and taking corrective actions are most important.

• Focusing on your needs

Too many cover letters and objective statements on resumes focus exclusively on what jobseekers need, as they want stability, growth, enough salary packages. All this is not what any employer wants to hear. Employers need to know that you understand the needs of the company and you have the skills, education, experience and interest to make a positive impact.  so don’t focuses just on your needs.

• Don’t play blame games   

Stop playing blaming games, the unfairness of the job market, or their extraordinary frustration with the job search process such candidates with such kind of behavior are never selected.  There are many candidates who've received the same pink slip, but when they're interviewing, they are positive.

You have applied for several jobs and then you pray the phone will ring.  You must follow up with a call to make sure someone knows you exist. Find contact names by your search and look for an internal referral. Call or try to have a personal meeting with the hiring manager and recruiter responsible for filling the post. Don't assume that they have got your resume. Don't wait for the phone to ring. Time has changed you have to do a little extra effort.