One never expects
that a job search will last long until the weeks — and months — start ticking
by. Plus, during an economic downturn, it may take even longer to find work. To
better increase your odds of finding a job sooner, here are 12 “don’ts” to
avoid.
that a job search will last long until the weeks — and months — start ticking
by. Plus, during an economic downturn, it may take even longer to find work. To
better increase your odds of finding a job sooner, here are 12 “don’ts” to
avoid.
1.
Don’t rely on one resume and cover letter. The longer the job search, the more custom resumes and cover
letters you will need. Your resume and cover letter should match your skill set
to that particular job’s qualification requirements.
Don’t rely on one resume and cover letter. The longer the job search, the more custom resumes and cover
letters you will need. Your resume and cover letter should match your skill set
to that particular job’s qualification requirements.
2.
Don’t expect a response from every company. Long gone are the days when the hiring agent would inform
you that you’re not the right candidate. Today, if the company is interested in
you, the hiring agent will let you know.
Don’t expect a response from every company. Long gone are the days when the hiring agent would inform
you that you’re not the right candidate. Today, if the company is interested in
you, the hiring agent will let you know.
3.
Don’t harass the hiring agent. Do
not make more than one inquiry into the status of your application. If they
tell you they will get back to you, believe them whether they do or not.
Don’t harass the hiring agent. Do
not make more than one inquiry into the status of your application. If they
tell you they will get back to you, believe them whether they do or not.
4.
Don’t expect immediate results.
Finding the right job takes a lot of effort and time. Even when the company
decides you’re the best candidate, it may take weeks or months to be processed.
Don’t expect immediate results.
Finding the right job takes a lot of effort and time. Even when the company
decides you’re the best candidate, it may take weeks or months to be processed.
5.
Don’t limit your possibilities.
Unless it’s drastically lower than your job expectations, a lesser title, pay
or benefits may at least get you in the door. Once you’ve landed a job you will
have a chance to prove yourself. If at all possible, also be flexible in where
you can work.
Don’t limit your possibilities.
Unless it’s drastically lower than your job expectations, a lesser title, pay
or benefits may at least get you in the door. Once you’ve landed a job you will
have a chance to prove yourself. If at all possible, also be flexible in where
you can work.
6.
Don’t get discouraged.
Discouragement is only in your mind. The reality is every day you look for work
is a new day. What happened the day or week or month before is history. Shake
off disappointments with a quick “pity party” and then let it go.
Don’t get discouraged.
Discouragement is only in your mind. The reality is every day you look for work
is a new day. What happened the day or week or month before is history. Shake
off disappointments with a quick “pity party” and then let it go.
7.
Don’t focus on the rejection. Treat
it as information. At least you know that for now that company does not have a
job for you or that your skill set is not a match with that job or company. If
possible, find out why you were rejected. The more specific the feedback, the
more specific your changes and improvement.
Don’t focus on the rejection. Treat
it as information. At least you know that for now that company does not have a
job for you or that your skill set is not a match with that job or company. If
possible, find out why you were rejected. The more specific the feedback, the
more specific your changes and improvement.
8.
Don’t compare yourself to others.
If your colleagues are finding work faster than you, or you’re in an
outplacement group and you’re the last one left, don’t compare their situation
to yours.
Don’t compare yourself to others.
If your colleagues are finding work faster than you, or you’re in an
outplacement group and you’re the last one left, don’t compare their situation
to yours.
9.
Don’t spend all your money.
Pace yourself and your budget. Take a temporary or part-time job to pay your
bills. Try to find something at night or on the weekends so you’re available to
interview during the normal workweek.
Don’t spend all your money.
Pace yourself and your budget. Take a temporary or part-time job to pay your
bills. Try to find something at night or on the weekends so you’re available to
interview during the normal workweek.
10.
Don’t go sloppy. This
is not the time to gain weight, grow lots of facial hair, or wear sloppy
clothes. How you look is how you feel. Be kind and respectful to yourself.
Don’t go sloppy. This
is not the time to gain weight, grow lots of facial hair, or wear sloppy
clothes. How you look is how you feel. Be kind and respectful to yourself.
11.
Don’t stop looking until you actually have the job. Because stuff happens, keep your job
search going until you have a contract or start date. Too often, candidates
stop looking once they have an interview!
Don’t stop looking until you actually have the job. Because stuff happens, keep your job
search going until you have a contract or start date. Too often, candidates
stop looking once they have an interview!
12.
Don’t panic and exaggerate. If
your resumes are not getting results, don’t even think of enhancing your resume
with exaggerations and untruths. Character still counts.
Don’t panic and exaggerate. If
your resumes are not getting results, don’t even think of enhancing your resume
with exaggerations and untruths. Character still counts.