Are You Making These Job Hunting Mistakes?

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Are You Making These Job Hunting Mistakes?

Posted by MMarquit 581 days ago (http://www.moneyedup.com)
Category: Careers | Tags: career job hunt job search

This economy presents a tough job market for seekers. However, just because you are desperate, it doesn’t mean that you need to come off as such. It is important to avoid some of the basic mistakes that you might be tempted to make in this market.
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Jessica07 579 days ago

You made some very good points to consider when job hunting. Creating a game plan should definitely be the number one priority. Also, you’re right; it is easy to make that game plan too general—from clothes to cover letters.

I think it’s important in today’s volatile market to remember the little things that will help you stand out. For instance, along with keeping your references updated and informed that they may be called upon. You can also do yourself a favor by giving them some heads up about what job you’ll be applying for. Generally, if they’ve taken enough interest in you to be a reference, they’ll be able to better articulate how you will be good for that job in particular. This is another way to stand apart from the “general” crowd.

Moreover, attaching a cover letter to your resume is always a good idea. If you craft each one towards each potential employer, you can truly jump your odds at getting an interview. Then, if you can, print the resume out on professional resume paper. Using sheets of 24lb, 100% cotton paper in ivory will take your resume from plain to classy without risk of being gaudy.

If you’re not sure how to compose a good cover letter, here’s how: Keep your cover letter to one page. In the first paragraph, mention why you are writing—what position you are writing about, how you knew it was available, and a quick summary of your qualifications for the position (keep this brief, as your resume is attached for more detail). Then, in the next two paragraphs, surmise how your qualifications and past work experience relate to the position you are applying for. How will those qualities help you in that job? End with a final paragraph letting them know when you plan to follow up and how they can reach you.

Anyway, you did such a good job listing mistakes to avoid, Miranda, I can really only think of one more (since you asked): Assuming your first impression will be the interview.

Be sure that you dress nice when you go in to pick up the application. (Of course, it depends on how you go about getting the application.) With many companies turning to online applications, this isn’t as imperative as it used to be. Regardless, there are enough companies that still request prospects to “come in and pick up an application,” that it is an important rule. You never know who you’ll be getting the application from. The person who happens to be up front could be your potential boss, so you could be making an extremely important first impression.

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