Do you make these job search mistakes?

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Do you make these job search mistakes? If you not getting the results you want out of your job search? Perhaps no one is returning your calls, or you’re getting radio silence after submitting your application. You’re probably wondering what are you doing wrong?

You might be committing some of the common job search mistakes that many people make. We all make mistakes. We’re human, after all. Thankfully, you can avoid many of these if you’re willing to make a few changes to improve your chances of success.

But first, you need to know what mistakes you’re making. Below are ten of the most common job search mistakes people make. If you can avoid these, then you should start noticing more a response to your job applications, in a good way.

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Job Search Mistake 1: Resume Summary

You should always start a resume with a short summary of everything you’ve achieved. Many people use this space to describe their career objectives.

The issue is that companies aren’t interested in this. They want to know how you can help them and if you’re the right person for the job.

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Job Search Mistake 2: Not Tailoring a Resume for Every Application

A lot of people create a list of skills they’ve developed through their careers. While this helps list some of your strengths, it should still get tailored to the job you’re applying for.

Look through the job application and the selection criteria for the skills that the employer is looking for. Then tailor your resume to meet these requirements.

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Job Search Mistake 3: Forgetting Your Achievements

Many resumes include a list of duties and responsibilities for jobs. But they don’t specify how successful you were in completing these tasks or performing in the role.

No matter how long you stayed in a role, you should highlight your achievements or, at the very minimum, what you did that no one else in the company did.

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Job Search Mistake 4:  Random Work History

If you have gaps in your work history or have changed roles multiple times, it can raise questions for recruiters about your stability as an employee.

However, you can address this in your summary. You should also demonstrate why changing jobs or take a break has made you a better candidate. It could be due to using this time to study or develop other skills that are beneficial to the company you’re seeking employment from.

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Job Search Mistake 5: Including Your Entire Employment History

If you’ve got an employment history that spans 20 years or longer, you’re not expected to provide every detail or experience you’ve developed over this time.

Everyone grows and evolves as a person, and employers know this. They’re most interested in what you’ve been doing with yourself for the past ten years at most. Focus your attention here and include less information on your earlier roles.

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Job Search Mistake 6: Poor Resume Layouts

There’s no need for bright colours or artistic designs, but you do need to have a clear and vibrant resume in order for your resume to stand out with recruiters. There are thousands of templates online if you need some creative inspiration on how to format your document.

You also need to ensure that you’re spelling, punctuation, and grammar are flawless. It’s unacceptable to have any mistakes, and you’ll likely be immediately dismissed if anyone spots these errors, no matter how good your resume looks.

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Job Search Mistake 7: Using the Wrong Name in Cover Letters

You should always make an attempt to address your cover letter to the person that will read it. This can be found in job descriptions and company websites. You can even call the business to find out who to address the application to.

If you don’t have any luck with these methods, then you can choose to use their job title. As a last resort, refer to the hiring manager instead of using “to whom it may concern.”

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Job Search Mistake 8: Not Accessing Your Own Network

When people are looking for a new job, they tend to focus their efforts on job sites and boards. However, they forget to reach out to their own network and even their connections on LinkedIn.

There’s a possibility that your network might know about roles within their organisations or are aware of positions with their individual connections. These people are also more likely to provide a recommendation for you with these people.

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Job Search Mistake 9: Losing Faith in Yourself

If you’re not getting the results you’re expecting, it’s possible that you’re going to stop believing in yourself. No one enjoys rejection, but this is one of the realities of searching for a job.

No one else can correct this mistake but you. You need to continue to value yourself and persevere until you find the right job for you.

Do you make these job search mistakes?

Job Search Mistake 10:  Not Seeking the Help of Professionals

If you’re not getting the reactions you’re expecting when submitting your application, it means you’re missing something. You can try to figure this out for yourself and drive yourself crazy by trying to read the minds of recruiters, or you could get help from professionals.

Many businesses that help job seekers work with HR departments and recruiters, so they’re clear on what they’re looking for when placing an applicant. Instead of making the same mistake over and over again, it’s worth looking for some advice from these professionals.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’ve found a job ad for your dream position or are tired of not getting anything back from recruiters, then you should seek the help of professionals who can get you the responses that you’re looking for.

We can help ensure that your resume is tailored for any job that you’re looking to apply for. Our team has developed fantastic relationships with industry professionals to understand more about their expectations are for an outstanding resume. Get in contact with us to find out how we can help you avoid all of these common job search mistakes.

If you’d like to have a professional run over your jop prospecting resources, feel free to press the button above and get in touch. Matthew Tutty, our lead resume writer will be happy to engage a conversation.