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Common job-hunting mistakes and how to avoid them

by UzelacS

Job hunting mistakes have happened to all of us. Some things don't seem important at the time, but they shouldn't be overlooked.

One of the mistakes many people make is not taking the job hunting seriously. Some go into job hunt totally unprepared, without any planning. Another mistake is mailing your resume to everyone not recognizing or identifying the likely employers.

Don't forget to research your chosen industry. If you fail to do so you will be unprepared and your interview will lack important information.

You can't rely exclusively on one job hunting method. You have to try things out, and don't be impatient, scan all of the job ads.

Don't forget the purpose of a resume. Most people don't understand the way how an employer reads a resume. Don't write only one resume, keep your options and be prepared for two-three different occupations that you're familiar with. Before submitting don't forget to proofread your resume. Sometimes people forget to include most important things like listing your job accomplishments in your resume.

Don't use a uniform cover letter for every employer. Take your time to research, but don't take too long to apply. Another important thing is, don't keep your whereabouts a secret.

Sometimes we forget to keep a record. Don't get caught unprepared, keep track of when and where you've applied.

Most common mistake is not following up on your application. Another mistake that follows is not preparing for an interview, which results mostly in failing to ask good questions. People are often ignoring interview etiquette.

In the end don't get discouraged if you receive no immediate job offers. It's not the end of the world, just another experience.

Job hunting is sometimes really hard on the new grads, too. They are young or unprepared for the real world.

One of the first mistakes is involving your parents into a job hunt. You send the wrong message to your future employers. If your parents call the employers to follow up on your applications or to tell them how wonderful you are; employers are just seeing you as young and not independent to hold an important job.

Don't post anything online or any other publicly accessible place that you wouldn't feel comfortable showing a recruiter or hiring manager. Let everyone know you're job hunting. Explain what kind of roles or industry you're aiming for. Be sure to follow up on any leads, and don't forget you're school's alumni association which is a great source of job leads.

Many young people forget a simple "thank you". Most new graduates show poor manners which turns employers another way.

Last don't forget that voice-mail greeting. Show some sense of seriousness and that you're a grown up. Change the greeting you had in your dorm into something more appropriate for job hunting. Don't answers important calls during a football game while all your friends are screaming; let the machine get it if you're unable to talk.

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