There’s a lot of pressure in starting a new job search, and the whole affair is stressful. With your future on the line, you’re dealing with so many factors that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In the shuffle of doing everything correctly, many job seekers will, unfortunately, continue to make some critical mistakes in the process.
Not every mistake is something obvious. We’ve looked at what experts believe are some common but underdiscussed mistakes job seekers make so you can avoid similar blunders.
Slacking on your networking
Having a robust network is vital to a successful career. More than just having someone who can help you find your next job, a deep network can open your eyes to new opportunities, informational interviews, other connections, and more, as long as you’re willing to do the same in return. Most job seekers know this. But where they falter is waiting until they begin a search to start actively working with their network.
Forbes’ Andrew Fennell says that you need to constantly be nurturing your professional relationships by checking in, attending industry events, and keeping an active presence (including posting regularly on LinkedIn). The more effort you spend developing your relationships, not just checking in when you need something, the more success you’ll have.
Taking a “spray and pray” approach
Many job search sites have an “easy apply” type feature that can make it easy for a job seeker to quickly apply for many jobs. You might think casting a wide net can get your name out there and generate more results. But it’s actually better to take a smaller, targeted approach.
Showing intention in your search will not only make you appear less desperate, but you’ll also be able to spend more time on each application. Qureos’ Ramsha Jameel says a generic resume is a common issue for many job seekers. Not only does it fail to help you stand out from the pack, but you’ll struggle getting past Applicant Tracking Systems, failing to be seen at all.
“What to do instead: Be selective. Target roles where you can work on the problems you solve best and where your skills can make the most impact.” –Staffing Advisors
Neglecting your personal brand
Taking time to work on your personal brand will make both building your network and having a targeted approach easier. If you’re able to find a niche and publicly establish yourself as a problem solver or an expert, it’ll keep your name in rotation even when you aren’t actively searching for a new role.
You can establish your personal brand by using tools like LinkedIn to their fullest. Not everyone enjoys using LinkedIn, but making a conscious effort toward posting and commenting on others’ posts will keep you afloat on the algorithm. Ensure any portfolios, websites, or social media pages are updated regularly, and consider attending industry events.
“Many professionals neglect this aspect of career development, missing out on opportunities to showcase their expertise.” –Andrew Fennell, Forbes
Telling instead of showing
Taking the above steps will help you establish credibility early on, giving you a good foundation to build from. You need to carry that momentum through any interviews to establish you’re the right fit for a role. But don’t just tell an interviewer you’re the best. Make sure you have examples ready that can back that statement up.
Practicing a framework like CAR or STAR will help you demonstrate your value through a short but impactful story of how you’ve succeeded in the past. Keep a list of your best accomplishments and frame them to show what you can do with the skills you’ve cultivated.
Undervaluing yourself
Ultimately, one of the key areas where job seekers make mistakes is in not valuing themselves and their accomplishments. Whether it’s sticking in a lesser role for too long, being afraid to apply for a job where they don’t meet every requirement, or not negotiating for the right salary, these types of mistakes can haunt your career for a long time.
Doing research on industry trends and position salary can help you gauge your monetary value, but if a lack of confidence is holding you back, it’s something you need to address. Rasmha Jameel says to focus on your past accomplishments and your role in them, talk to mentors, and search for areas of improvement. Even if you start by faking confidence, by trying to exude it, you might convince yourself.
Wrap up
The job market is tough right now, and the job seeker process is constantly evolving. To get noticed and position yourself as the ideal candidate, you need to constantly reevaluate your approach and stay informed. Mistakes can be more subtle than sending a blank resume or being rude to an interviewer, so it pays to be informed before you get your search in gear.
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