If you are a first time job seeker, the entire job search process may seem intimidating to you. How do you find the right positions to apply for? How do you write a resume that stands out? What do you do during an interview? And in your haste to secure employment, you may end up making some common mistakes that will prevent you from being hired … which will only increase your anxiety.
There are three main areas where people who are new to the job search process often make mistakes: your resume, your interview, and your approach to a job search.
Resume Mistakes
Your resume is your way to make a good first impression on a company. Hiring managers will use it to determine if you are a good fit for the company and what qualities you possess as a person. Your attention to detail, neatness, if you are a conscientious worker, and if you are a professional, will show in how you prepare your resume before you apply to a position.
Common mistakes people make on a resume include:
- Spelling and grammar errors.
- Formatting errors.
- Irrelevant information.
- Generic information that isn’t targeted for the position.
It is important to do your research to determine what types of resume formats are best for the industry you are in. Look online for templates, check for examples of good resumes in your field and contact people who specialize in helping candidates find jobs to get help crafting your perfect resume.
Interview Mistakes
You’ve done your homework and you created a well-thought-out and detailed resume. You stand out from the crowd and encourage the hiring manager to schedule an interview. When preparing for the interview, you need to avoid making one of these common mistakes:
- You aren’t prepared to talk about yourself, your experience, or how you are a good fit for the company.
- You didn’t do research on the company so you can’t ask intelligent questions during the interview.
- You didn’t dress appropriately for the interview.
You should run through a list of common interview questions and practice your answers until you feel comfortable with them. You should research a company before you apply for a position, however if you didn’t do your research then you should at least make sure you understand the company and how your experience will benefit them before your interview. Always make sure you are dressed appropriately for the interview. Business-casual attire is appropriate for most positions, although for upper level positions you will want to dress more professionally.
Job Search Mistakes
The way you go about finding positions can make a difference between whether you find a good job, or whether your job search becomes a frustrating effort without results. Don’t make these mistakes during your job search:
- Neglecting your network because friends and family can help you learn about jobs that aren’t publicized.
- Neglecting social media because many hiring managers like to cultivate a relationship with qualified candidates before they need to fill an open position.
- Don’t bother with recruiting and temp agencies because these agencies are experienced in putting your skills in the best light and help you find a great job.
When you are searching for a new position you should leverage all of the tools available to you. Contact Job Store today and we can review your experience to help you find a job with one of the many excellent companies we work with.