How to Avoid 3 Common Job Search Mistakes
Do you know the most common job search roadblocks? Just like planning a car trip, it’s best to know where the obstacles and detours are. In past blog posts and articles, I’ve talked about Job Search Direction, Job Search compared to Marketing and Sales, and the Real Cost (lost wages) of Unemployment.
Let’s take a look at the Top 3 job search mistakes most people make.
First, do you know the centerpiece of the job search? Think of this as the type of vehicle you are going to drive on your trip, the things you are going to put in it, and the direction you will drive it.
The résumé is the job search centerpiece. Think of this as the type of résumé you are going to drive (send out) for your trip, the things you are going to put in it, and the direction you will drive it (who you send it to).
Mistake # 1…. Using a résumé that does not fully support your job target and does not properly highlight your personal work history – the résumé undersells you and has trouble generating interviews…. This is like driving a car 1,000 miles when you know it has a transmission problem….. How to avoid this – make sure your résumé is tuned up – is it focused, is it formatted for your level of job target (entry versus mid-management versus executive), is it reader-friendly, and does it spark interest?
Mistake # 2…. Not putting things in the résumé that demonstrates the value you can bring to an employer – the résumé content is bland, uninspiring, and lacks punch…. It’s like going on a beach vacation and not bringing your swim suit…. How to avoid this – make sure your résumé packs what is important – does it show past accomplishments, are your achievements quantified, and does it have the right industry keywords throughout?
Mistake # 3…. Not distributing or circulating your résumé effectively – the résumé is not being found in online searches and it is not getting to the right people when responding to job postings…. It’s like driving to a hotel when you needed to go to the condo office…. How to avoid this – make sure you know where you want your résumé to go – is it being found online, is it getting to the hiring manager when you send it out?
If your résumé (the job search centerpiece) can avoid these common mistakes, then it can bridge you with job opportunities.
- read more about job search.
Tags: career change, Job Search, job transition, resume writing