Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Job Search
When done right, looking for new career opportunities is a very time-consuming activity. Many people think they can cut corners, but it’s not wise to give anything less than 100 percent to a search of this magnitude. If you want to find your dream job, you have to put in the time and effort.
Every candidate takes their own unique approach to the job search process, but despite their differences, many ultimately make the same mistakes. Here’s a look at five errors people commonly make when seeking new opportunities, so you can avoid making them yourself.
Submitting a Generic Resume
Customizing your resume for every job you apply to probably sounds exhausting, but it’s a step you can’t afford to skip. If you’ve been employed by the same company for years, you almost definitely submitted the same resume to every opportunity during your last search, but things have changed.
These days, hiring managers expect to receive a resume tailored for their specific opportunity. In addition to showing your enthusiasm for this specific job, you’re also able to highlight your skills and experience relevant to the position.
Relying Solely on the Internet
Job boards are a helpful way to gauge the market, but they shouldn’t be your only avenue. Hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications for every job posting, so you need to get creative with your approach. Let your contacts know you’re looking for new opportunities, attend networking events to expand your reach, and seek informational interviews. The more you put yourself out there, the more you’ll get back.
Choosing Inappropriate Interview Attire
Knowing what to wear to a job interview can be tricky, because a suit and tie isn’t always the way to go. Dressing one step up from the company’s standard attire is a great general rule to follow. Choose your clothing several days in advance to make sure everything is clean, wrinkle-free and fits properly. When you look good, you feel good, so getting this right will simultaneously impress the interviewer and give you an extra dose of confidence.
Deciding Interview Preparation Isn’t Necessary
When you’re interviewing for jobs regularly, it can start to feel a bit routine. Since you’re applying for the same types of positions at every company, it’s easy to assume most interviews will be relatively similar. There might be some truth to that, but it doesn’t mean you don’t need to spend time preparing for each and every one. No two companies are the same, so you need to research each organization and practice tailoring your responses to common interview questions in a manner that best suits each unique opportunity.
Failing to Send a Thank-You Note
Post-interview thank-you notes are always a good idea. Some hiring managers automatically disqualify candidates who don’t send them, but even those with a neutral stance appreciate the gesture. This is also a terrific way to reiterate your interest in the job, highlight your fit and add any information you forgot to mention during the interview.
Steering a job search is hard work, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find your next behavioral health position, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected].