Searching for a job is a daunting task. There are many moving parts when it comes time to look for your dream job, and we want to ensure you are armed with the best defenses. Today, we want to discuss some common mistakes that you should avoid during your job search, to ensure you are putting your best foot forward.
Mistake 1: Your resume is generic
The job market is competitive, which means that your resume should stand out among other potential candidates. Using a generic resume, that you use for each job application, simply won’t get you ahead of the pack. For your resume to make an impact, it should be tailored to the specific position, using keywords and language that will show your value and expertise. What might work for one job application, might not work for another. Therefore, being mindful and tailoring your resume to each posting will help. This is where our skills-based resumes are beneficial as they do exactly this. By highlighting you as the ideal candidate, our resumes are unique, well-crafted and market your abilities so that you can stand out from the rest.
It is also important to show your value, and using a generic resume won’t do this. Therefore, while knowing your previous job titles may seem important, the key is to use concrete and specific examples of the contributions you made in those positions and the accomplishments you made. For example, what did you do to push the company forward? Use facts and figures to support your success as these examples are much more impactful than a list of job titles void of meaningful content.
Mistake 2: Underutilizing your resources
While job boards and job search websites are an incredibly helpful tool to utilize in your job search, you shouldn’t rely solely on them. Often, job seekers sign up to these sites, and expect to sit back and wait for the job offers to start rolling in. If only it were that easy! To successfully navigate your job search, you want to actively utilize your network. This could mean dedicating more time to your LinkedIn profile (we can help with that!), connecting with colleagues or other professionals in your industry, or reaching out to contacts who may be able to help you with your job search.
Consider attending events or conferences that relate to your interests and expertise, as these are great opportunities to meet like-minded professionals and further expand your professional network.
Mistake 3: Not preparing for the interview
If you do get invited for an interview, you want to be ready! We understand that you may be a seasoned professional, however, there is value in ensuring you are prepared and ready when the opportunity arises. Have someone conduct a mock interview, consider questions that might be asked in the interview, and prepare some talking points and examples of how you can answer the question in a way that showcases your expertise, and what you have done in previous job roles that have been successful. You want the interviewer to see you in the role, so showing up prepared is a great way to showcase your interest and dedication to the position you are applying for.
Our team is here to help you avoid making mistakes during the job search process. Contact our team today, and let’s get started.