Doing a job search can be a difficult process at times but it can be made even more difficult by things you do wrong. As in anything we do in life mistakes will happen but below we are going to highlight some key things that can make the job search even harder for yourself. Don’t panic if you are making a mistake. The key thing is to learn from it and move forward. Never dwell on mistakes and never let them get you down.
Lack or No Structure
Without a well thought out plan of action for your job search, you can waste a lot of time on either minor tasks or unproductive tasks. It’s important to have goals to achieve both short (daily/weekly) & long term (months). Set yourself a work space where you can plan/schedule your job search. Set time limits on tasks & set your goals which are to help you stay focused and motivated. Stick to your plans!
Doing It Alone
A lot of job seekers think that they have to a job search all by themselves. If you’re thinking that then please stop. Trying to do a job search without help and support from individuals or organisations that can help you is silly and will only hurt your efforts. You are allowed to ask and get help. There are experienced and helpful sources out there so tap into them to help your efforts.
Not Marketing
The job search is about selling yourself to potential employers, to show them that you are the best one for them. To do this you must ‘market’ yourself to them. You have to show them why you are the best one to hire by out-marketing the other candidates. Make sure you sell yourself as the best candidate through all your job search materials (CV, cover letter, applications etc), every phone call, social media interaction and interview. See yourself as the product that you trying to sell to employers!
Lack or No Structure
Without a well thought out plan of action for your job search, you can waste a lot of time on either minor tasks or unproductive tasks. It’s important to have goals to achieve both short (daily/weekly) & long term (months). Set yourself a work space where you can plan/schedule your job search. Set time limits on tasks & set your goals which are to help you stay focused and motivated. Stick to your plans!
Doing It Alone
A lot of job seekers think that they have to a job search all by themselves. If you’re thinking that then please stop. Trying to do a job search without help and support from individuals or organisations that can help you is silly and will only hurt your efforts. You are allowed to ask and get help. There are experienced and helpful sources out there so tap into them to help your efforts.
Not Marketing
The job search is about selling yourself to potential employers, to show them that you are the best one for them. To do this you must ‘market’ yourself to them. You have to show them why you are the best one to hire by out-marketing the other candidates. Make sure you sell yourself as the best candidate through all your job search materials (CV, cover letter, applications etc), every phone call, social media interaction and interview. See yourself as the product that you trying to sell to employers!