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Job-hunting can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. The tools you need are your resume, some contacts, a list of companies you are interested in that may be interested in you, a few very professional outfits, a subscription to the The New York Times or other major newspaper and patience. The most common mistakes are made with misuse of these tools but these mistakes can be avoided.

Many people have very detailed and overblown resumes. Some people inflate their accomplishments and lie about their skills. Your resume should be only one page long. You do not need to list every job you had in college. You should focus on your strengths and your accomplishments as they relate to the position you are applying for now. You should name an objective and the body of the resume should indicate your ability to meet that objective. You should not lie about your skills. If you do not know Excel or Power Point, do not claim to be accomplished in it. Learn it before you apply for the job if it is a requirement. Your resume should also be free of any typographical or spelling errors. It should be neat and clean. Do not send out copies. Send originals only.

Some people make the mistake of losing contact with people in the industry in which they work. You should keep in touch with former colleagues and supervisors with whom you connected. During your job search you should network as much as possible and have some contacts that you can use for referrals and also for information about possible job openings.

Another mistake people make is not compiling a list of companies in their industry and sending the resume out to every company on that list. You have to increase your chances of getting responses and the best way is to send your resume to as many companies as you can.

When you are finally called for interviews, you should have a wardrobe consisting of professional outfits and conservatives footwear and accessories. Many people make the mistake of having only one suit for interviews and are unable to go on an interview when it has to be in the cleaners.

You should use newspaper advertising as well as internet resources. Many people today make the mistake of relying totally on Career Builders and Monster but you should also check the job openings in the newspaper.

A job hunt requires patience but it is a job in itself. You need to devote every day to the search.

Learn more about this author, Brigid Ismail.
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