Common Job Search Mistakes

Common Job Search Mistakes

Has your job search landed you an interview yet? If not, you need to take a closer look at your strategy. If you’ve been job searching for a while now with no luck, then you might be doing it all wrong. Avoid these common job search mistakes: You’re Not Prioritizing. Finding a job can be a full time job in itself. If you’re currently in school or working, you might feel that there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Maximize the time you do have! Focus on positions and companies that match your career training and goals. For example, if you love computers and want to work in help desk support, only apply for positions that you’re fully qualified for and are genuinely interested in. You Rely on Job Postings. Job opportunities go far beyond the opportunities that companies advertise for. Many are always looking to hire the right employee, but won’t necessarily advertise for a specific position. You also won’t find all the available job openings strictly on websites such as Monster, Indeed, and SimplyHired. You need to tap into all your resources! Expand your network on LinkedIn to get your name out there, contact family and friends to let them know what you’re looking for, and browse company websites that you’d like to work for, are in your field, or located nearby. You Have One Résumé that You Mass Submit. A résumé is never one size fits all! You should create a custom résumé that directly reflects the position you’re applying for. That means you should have many different versions! Incorporate keywords that will catch the eye of the person who is often skimming through a stack of résumés. Convert your word document into a PDF and customize the file name. These small steps can make a big difference! You Have a Submit and Wait Strategy. Your future is in your hands! A successful search that ends in landing a job takes much more than hitting the submit button. It is your responsibility to follow up and follow through. Don’t rely on the employer to come looking for you. A quick email or phone call will show them that you’re serious about the position and that you have something valuable to contribute. At Porter and Chester Institute, we help our students and graduates take the necessary steps toward the career they’ve always wanted. Our ongoing career assistance supports our graduates with the guidance needed to help achieve success. Check out the variety of programs we offer and call (800) 870-6789 to learn more!