I found a good article here, that some of my friends should proooooobably read. Are you looking for a job? Make sure that you’re not doing these.
- Are you too passive? Networking is VERY helpful in finding a job. Most jobs are attained through people you might know. Also, when you do have a lead from a network, make sure you follow up.
- Also, even if you already have a job, make sure you’re still networking and updating your resume. I update my resume whenever I have something to add or change. Also, get a LinkedIn if you don’t have one yet! I’m always adding new people to my LinkedIn. This will keep your networking strong.
- Are you holding out for the perfect job? I have some friends who have been unemployed for quite some time, and they aren’t even applying anywhere unless it’s their “perfect job.” What they don’t understand is how much this is probably hurting them. Doing something that is related to what you want to do is just as good to take until you find the “perfect job.”
- You don’t know how long you’ll be waiting for the perfect job, and you don’t want something to pass you up because you thought it wasn’t good enough, and then to only find out that it was.
- Do you make the job search all about you? You should learn about the company and position that you are interviewing for and research research research. Don’t make the interview all about you.
- All of the places that I got interviews for said that the main thing that separated me from others was that I knew things about the company and it was obvious that I researched about the position and the company past what the original job application said.
- Do you have a bad attitude? This one should be obvious, but a bad attitude is easy to notice, and people will judge you of course if you seem unhappy.
Do you know of any other ways that people might be sabotaging their job search?
Louise says
this is an great post, really good advice! I think a lot of people don't understand the importance of the application letter and resume in getting you the interview. It takes work and effort, you must tailor it for every job, not just send out the old information to every job you apply for.
Carrie Smith says
This is great career advice, and I totally agree with your points. Waiting around for the "perfect job" will probably never happen.I have a perfect job now, because I started at a not so perfect pay slot but saw that it had potential. Sometimes the perfect job comes from creating it yourself, not waiting around for it to somehow drop into your lap.I like your tip about LinkedIn. I have an account too and I really like it. I need to be more active with it though, and continue taking advantage of that professional network.
applecsmith says
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Liquid Independence says
Too many people make these mistakes, especially point #2. No job is beneath you if you don't already have one. The US only gained 80,000 jobs in October, less than the prior two months. But it could have been worse considering that during the same month we LOST 54,000 jobs in Canada (@_@) Maybe lots of people will read your post and we will see better numbers next time.