Job Hunting Errors that Everyone Should Avoid

Job Hunting Errors Looking for a job is definitely a challenge. However, hiring managers also have a hard time looking for potential candidates, especially if job seekers commit the same mistakes over and over again. A few of these mistakes are, unfortunately, often emphasized by well-meaning sources as steps you should take. Or job seekers may simply misinterpret the info if it’s unclear.

To avoid the errors discussed here, job seekers must take time to analyze how they can best modify their habits when it comes to job hunting. Doing this increases the chances of getting hired after the next job interview.

To help, we’ve come up with the top mistakes to avoid when job hunting:

Giving too much attention to small details. Some applicants tend to try so hard that they want to make everything in their resume look perfect. Addressing it with “Dear” or “To Whom It May Concern” doesn’t really matter. Hiring managers don’t have the time to worry about minor details. Don’t sweat the little things. Instead, work to be more confident in describing your skills and qualifications during the actual interview.

Using generic cover letters. Sure — you might be tired of writing different cover letters for every resume. But writing a compelling cover letter is one of the most effective ways to get hired. Exert the effort to tailor one cover letter best suited for each job you apply for. You’ll thank yourself in the end.

Providing minimal details. It is important to emphasize and get your point across, especially if the right information is crucial to your employment. If you think you’d excel at the job and you’re suited for it, explain why. Don’t just list your employment history and what your duties were. List your accomplishments and describe how you were able to enrich the productivity of the company. Include your track record to increase your chances of getting hired.

Always reading between the lines. Applicants who have a tendency to read every word or action from their interviewer are in trouble. Signals should not be interpreted. What you see often means nothing at all. It isn’t helpful to be paranoid after the interview. Instead, wait for the company to give you a call.

Assuming you’re hired before getting an offer. If you interpret positive signals, you might be overly disappointed once you learn you didn’t get the job. Disappointment gets you nowhere in a job search. You risk losing your determination and drive to look for another job that will suit your skills. Avoid stalling by keeping a positive vibe all the time. Keep in mind that you’ve conducted yourself well during your interviews.

Not evaluating potential employers. It is important to know what you want, and to think about the company’s background as well. Do you really want to work for them? Do you even want the job? How badly do you want it? What’s motivating you? Don’t forget that you can always choose where you want to work, and build your career the way you choose. Otherwise, you can end up being employed, but the work may suck the life out of you.

Taking it personally. Don’t take it to heart if you didn’t get the job you wanted. This, again, will encourage negativity that can affect your future interviews. Instead, use the opportunity to analyze what you did wrong. Think about what areas you can still improve upon for your next interview. Keep in mind that people are constantly facing rejection in the workforce. You are not alone.

Talking to the wrong people. Don’t just take advice from the people you know. Advice from friends often contradicts what’s really happening. Always know the source of information. Be able to prove its credibility. Does the source have experience in hiring people? Does the source have the credentials and enough experience for you to believe what info is being offered? If not, it’s probably time to look for more credible sources.

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Alan Carniol

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 80,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.