10 Mistakes You’ll Make in Your Job Search

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Job hunting can be a tedious task that requires an abundance of patience and persistence. In your search for that ideal job, it is important to learn from the mistakes that other job applicants make. This way, you can avoid those pitfalls and increase your chances of finding and landing a great position.

Here is a list of the 10 most common, and lethal, mistakes that job applicants make:

1. Not actively pursuing goals and a lack of definitive strategy.

Job searching should be taken seriously; a laid-back attitude towards this task may destroy the possibility of a successful job hunt. Make a list of what you want to do and select specific companies that you want to work for. Coming up with a detailed strategy and focusing your time and energy in achieving these goals ensure a greater chance of getting hired.

2. Taking anything that comes your way.

So you don’t have a job, but that does not mean that you should accept any available job. Taking the first job that comes along may seem like a good option at the time, especially if you are pressed for cash. But, taking on full-time work means that you’ll have less time and opportunity to look for another one. Plus, you may have to conduct your job search secretly as not to upset your current employer. These factors may result in you not putting as much effort into looking for your dream job as you would have if you were unemployed, and you may get stuck in a position that you don’t enjoy for a much longer time than you originally anticipated. So, if possible, have hope and hold out for that great job.

3. Not preparing a cover letter.

A cover letter paves the way for the hiring personnel to notice you. If you don’t have one, the chances are your resume will be cast aside along with all the others. Your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills and experiences in a more personal, stylized manner. Use it!

4. Handing out a poorly-written resume.

In addition to a missing cover letter, a resume that is not well-written will only decrease your chances of success in your job search. The resume is the primary determinant in whether or not you land a job interview. Hiring managers get bundles of resumes, so you need to make yours stand out. The employer doesn’t read each resume carefully; he/she just scans it briefly. This means that you need to ensure your resume is clear, succinct and contain keywords that capture the employer’s attention.

5. Handing out a generic resume.

If you don’t personalize each of your resume submissions, then don’t expect much from your job search. Hiring managers can tell whether or not you have put in the extra time and care; they’ve been in the business long enough to know what’s what. Put in the effort, if you want the results.

6. Not proofreading your documents.

A huge pet peeve of hiring managers is cover letters and resumes that are full of grammar and spelling errors. These documents are reflections of your personal and professional character, so make sure they’re good ones. Spell checking is as easy as a press of a computer button, so there are no excuses!

7. Not preparing for the job interview.

Are you are so confident you’ll get the job even if you don’t prep for the interview? If that’s the case, this may be your demise. Coming in late, not dressing appropriately, and performing poorly during the actual interview will render even the most qualified candidate unemployable.

8. Concentrating too much on your goals and wants.

You need to stop focusing on just yourself on your resume and during your job interview. Instead, focus on your connection or compatibility with the position and the company. Think like the employer: don’t just tell them what you are looking for, discuss with them what you can offer and bring to the company.

9. Sitting and waiting.

Make sure to follow up with your application at regular intervals. Show the company that you are really interested in working for them. If you have already been interviewed, send the interviewer a personalized and professional thank-you note reiterating your skills and qualifications.

10. Not taking advantage of networking.

With today’s advancements in technology, almost every person in the world is now within your grasp. Utilize social networking sites, LinkedIn in particular, to your full advantage. Doing nothing won’t bring you any good, so step on it!

Most of us have made one or more of these mistakes at some point in our job search. The most important thing here is to acknowledge these errors and strive to improve on them. Don’t sell yourself short; do all that you can to maximize your job search success.
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  • Arry
    Arry •
    That’s a great post!
  • Becky
    Becky •
    I feel so much happier now I understand all this. Thanks!
  • Chianna
    Chianna •
    That's really thinking out of the box. Thanks!
  • Jack
    Jack •
    Reviewing the list here, there many aspects to consider.A recent college grad may have a degree, but experience trumps. Getting that experience is tricky. The old CATCH22 still exist today. I recall a Mgr. noting he needs someone to hit the ground running. I understood but someone along the way needs to give you that break; so you can do the same.  It takes a while.However, regardless of experience level, I don't know anyone w/ a degree that will work for free (i.e. volunteer) without the strong potential of a real paying job. The educational system doesn't teach freebie.  Note: Employer's can't hire a volunteer bean-counter. Imagine that liability. I guess they forgot to teach that those "better than average" colleges.Getting your foot in the door - the end-result. Creating contact is important. But through a website, it seems were all pulling from the same sand-box. In some areas employers are taking the company know of the building. Websites are good, but in this dog-eat-dog environment, I don't know many people (friend or foe) willing to ante-up when there probably struggling to keep their job.Networking is another issue. You only network with the working class. Not someone who is your unemployed equal. As noted if your fresh in the game, then you don't have a network. If your industry has collapsed, you don't have a network. Nothing to take advantage.  However, opposite applies. Your veteran experience doesn't get you in the door, because your competing w/ your equal; or the twenty-something will probably kneel at my every command. Your contact is on the mark, but there's a game in at the company. A lot goes on.Again, for the beginner there are mistakes, but this isn't an environment for rookies. Taking what you can get may be the best thing going. Upsetting the current employer is a thing of the past. It just might scare you how fast you are replaced.
  • John S.
    John S. •
    Great article. Looks like surgeon has to adapt his resume to each job. That's the Catch 22. I have interviewed about fifty people. In ten minutes it is clear who can do highly specialized work. None of them are able to solve on the spot. Please send me somebody with an ugly resume and decent skills.
  • Melvin
    Melvin •
    Great article!
  • sohail M.
    sohail M. •
    Thanks for posting such valuable work.
  • margaret m.
    margaret m. •
    What if there is no one to network with? Anyone I might network with either works with me or at least in my company. My job search might get back to my boss.
  • ben w
    ben w •
    good information, I think number 10 social networks can backfire, I like to go get 'em in person, fill out the application and try to get seen, if only to introduce myself of course I'm old school.
  • Ron L.
    Ron L. •
    Being a team player can be demonstrated by taking a lesser position to establish yourself if it is  a really great company. Being too much of a specialist can hurt your chances of getting your foot in the door.  Above all, have an answer if the company asks about relocating or work travel.
  • Jackie G.
    Jackie G. •
    Take the first job offer and you will be a grunt worker and have more work piled on you than you can handle, you only have the choice of that or doing without a job. Employers are cutting back to save on the cost of running their company. By hiring one person to do the work of two or more workers. I know because I took the first job offered and that's where I am now.
  • Rob
    Rob •
    Here's a touchy and hard to prove subject--age discrimination.  My resume doesn't show my 35 years of experience but an employer will insist on knowing the year I graduated from college. The online applications require that the date be entered or you can't complete the form. I don't want to put down a false date, because I could be accused of lying later.  My resume and application are immediately trashed.  Because, I'm old, over-qualified or too expensive.  What's an old guy to do?
  • mrSamo
    mrSamo •
    Your list of 'mistakes' needs to be brought to the current job market. These recommendations you're offering would be applicable if our economic scenario was normal, but it's far from it. There are few jobs with many competing. If you, who are offering these suggestions, are considered authoritative in this job market industry you need to tailor your counsel to provide real help to those of us that are diligently seeking gainful employment.
  • James M.
    James M. •
    I disagree with #2 - "taking anything that comes your way" as being a mistake.  I think employers look much more favorably (I know I would) on candidates who are currently working. I have been out for 4 months and had no idea the job market was this bad.  I highly recommend taking a job in your field if possible and working your way back up to where you want to be in addition to continuing your job search.
  • Bert W.
    Bert W. •
    Perhaps a better approach would be "10 mistakes to avoid".  We are not all dumb or inexperienced.
  • Bert W.
    Bert W. •
    RE taking the first job:During my interview there were several red flags; not the least of these was that the product I was to be selling was not ready yet. He did not take me to lunch and let me go to the airport at 11:30.  He would not pay for my lunch ($10) even though I traveled by air from another city.  Later he offered me the job at a lower pay level. Perhaps more to the point I would have had to move my family and taken a pay cut(commission on sales that would not happen for at least a year, per the bosses estimate) while I paid for moving.Your advice has exceptions and seems to come from one who is employed and has a steady income; not from a well informed position.
  • Danita D.
    Danita D. •
    Your tips were a reminder of the little mistakes that all of us tend to overlook.  However, I had a comment for "Dave F.", the recent graduate of Accounting and Payroll.  Your situation is truly an age old Catch22.  In order to get experience, consider volunteer work. Volunteer work can be documented and verified.  On your resume, describe it with the detail and attention you would any job. Employers not only see the skill, but the extra effort (reveals initiation, motivation, time management).  Also, become active in a professional association related to payroll/accounting.  
  • John V.
    John V. •
    Your article on "The 10 Mistakes You'll Make on Your Job Search" was valuable. Thank you for your insignt on this subject.
  • Robert S.
    Robert S. •
    great article, a must for for any job seeker.
  • Dave F.
    Dave F. •
    My biggest concern is that I am a recent graduate in the Accounting and Payroll area of study and find it hard to land a job in one of these fields being simply that I lack current relevant experience and do not know how to gain this experience if no one will give me the opportunity to show my talents.
  • Darlene H.
    Darlene H. •
    I think nowadays, most unemployed people had better take the first job offer that comes along..sheesh. Might be weeks/months until the next one.I've had to do that most of my adult life! And I've graduated from vo-tech school..doesn't matter.

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