Stupid Mistakes Job Hunters Make
By Dr. Thomas Denham
1. Being
negative
Number 1 is not having a positive, upbeat and enthusiastic
attitude. Evict any thoughts that are excuses, self-defeating,
limiting, or roadblocks. Forget about what’s not working.
Focus on what IS working for you. Put out positive energy. Key to
your success is staying mentally and physically fit with a good
diet, exercise, sound sleep and a dose of fun.
2.
Insufficient reflecting
STOP and really think about where you are, where you want to
be and how you will get there, and who will help you. Avoid
“Career of the Week Syndrome” by controlling the
impulse to jump from one appealing thing to the next.
3.
Procrastinating
Failing to focus leads to indecisiveness. Neglecting the daily
details will simply prolong your search. Vow to start with two
tasks daily, then increase the number of tasks each day.
Don’t let your day be reactive – be proactive. Just do
one thing each morning and one thing in the afternoon. Whatever you
resist persists! Stay disciplined with your daily routine.
4.
Inadequate self-assessment and career
exploration
Taking a strategic inventory of your strengths, skills,
values, interests, and personality traits is essential for success.
If you are feeling directionless, I urge you to get help; otherwise
your search will become fragmented. If you don’t know the job
targets, you can’t hit them. Narrow them down to ideal,
back-up and safety jobs.
5. Failing
to commit
Finding a job is a full-time job and your highest priority.
Get serious about it, and give it your hardest effort and make the
sacrifices. Ask yourself, “How many hours am I putting into
my search each week?” No sacrifices = No changes.
6. Lack of
researching job prospects
For each prospect, identify the job duties, mission, size,
structure, leadership team, market position, financials,
competitors, future growth, salary range, current events, and
challenges and opportunities. Do your homework.
7. Being
disorganized
Don’t lose your focus. Don’t get distracted. Keep
careful records of resumes, cover letters, networking progress,
employers, and your written action plan. Map out each week ahead of
time with your plan of attack. Don’t be unprepared
8. Weak
resume and cover letter
Get help with an objective critique of these essential
documents. Take the time to tailor them.
9. Going
it alone
Huge mistake! Swallow your pride. Solicit the emotional
encouragement of really good family and friends and your Dream Team
during this transition time. Your inner circle will rally to your
support. Share with them your specific goals. Ask them to keep you
accountable to prevent slacking off. If you can’t do it by
yourself, hire a professional that will help you.
10.Too little time
networking
Get out of the house every day! Getting things done around the
house is NOT a revenue producing activity. Do those things on the
weekend NOT during the day. You should be out having coffee with
two people every weekday without excuses. Hesitating to call people
you know only prolongs your search. Most people know at least 200
people so your job is to tap into other people’s networks.
Don’t ignore any referrals or leads. Make sure you stay
persistent.
11.Too much time on the
internet
If you are mostly using the Internet in your search you are in
for a huge disappointment. It is one of the least effective
techniques. Set specific limits on how much time you will spend
online and then get out of the house.
12.Neglecting other job search
techniques
The more methods you use, the faster you will get results.
Spend 80% of your time networking, and 20% using: direct contact
with employers, career centers, classifieds, temporary employment,
volunteering, professional associations, the Internet, career
fairs, and job search clubs/hosting a career party.
13.Not enough phone time
It is your responsibility to follow-up with employer,
networking contacts, references, and the Dream Team. If you set a
goal of meeting 10 people every week, the only way you can do this
is by picking up the phone. Just do it!
14.Unprepared for the
interview
Research and know yourself, the career field, the employer and
the particular job. Get a list of interview questions and have
someone objective to perform a video mock interview. Practice,
practice, practice! Dress to impress!
15.Inability to sell
This is truly a marketing campaign. Your resume and cover
letter are your sales brochures and you are the product you are
trying to get an employer to buy. The price they pay is your
salary. Be absolutely persuasive and toot your horn.
16.Neglecting to send thank you
letters
Send letters or notes to your interviewers, networking
contacts and anyone that has helped you. It shows that you care and
took the extra time to express your interest. They can make a
difference.
17.Failure to evaluate job
offers
Before you make this important decision, contact your career
counselor to carefully evaluate the mix of strengths and weaknesses
of any offer. Thoughtfully weigh such factors as the job content,
your supervisor, training, advancement prestige, salary, location,
corporate culture, and salary and benefits. Don’t make your
choice solely based on money.
