Job search. Those two one-syllable words have the ability to induce stress or even acute paralyzed procrastination. Brilliant job candidates can make a mess of things as soon as they get out the door or onto the computer. You’ve got talent, but do you know how to avoid job search pratfalls?
Here is our collection of very, very bad advice for job seekers (AKA how NOT to get hired):
1. Stay spontaneous! A great way to spin your wheels is to avoid creating a schedule for yourself as you take on the project of getting hired. It’s true — job searching is now your new job — part-time if you are still employed or full-time if you have completed your last project or position. But how boring is it to have to manage it as a project with a deadline. Go with the flow for maximum self-sabotage.
2. Ignore those annoying “good old” insider networks. You’ve heard the old adage that it’s all about who you know is as true as it ever was — but that is so unfair! Protest by playing cool and never asking the people you know about available jobs or even for introductions to people in your industry. Stay away from stodgy sites like LinkedIn that cater to this old concept that employers like to see known connections to new contacts.
3. Use the same resume and cover note for every situation. Swapping out examples and changing the emphasis can’t be allowed, can it? Is it cheating? No matter. It takes too much work to figure out what’s actually wanted and to adjust the details you provide to particular interviewers anyway, so don’t adjust the focus.
4. Never research your prospective employers. Vetting new potential bosses is sort of rude. The HR department will see your innate talent and know whether you are a good fit with the culture, so leave it all to them. You can always quit later, right?
These four very bad steps should keep a talented candidate looking for a long time. If, for some reason, you want to find an effective match sooner and get into a position you can stick with, feel free to look through this blog for proven approaches, or reach out to us with your specific questions.
