Job Seekers: Common Mistakes

Looking for a new employer can be stressful and time consuming. With the recent graduation of high school and college students, the work force is likely flooded with an influx of hopeful job seekers interested in landing a dream job, or at least a job they can be proud of. Unfortunately, due to the large number of job applicants, finding the perfect job may take some time. For this matter, many job seekers look for ways or tips that can help get their resume to the top of the pile.

When applying for a new job, there are several do’s and don’ts. Regrettably, many job candidates make several mistakes, which force employers to skip their application. Employers are extremely busy. If the corporation is large, or a particular occupation is in high demand, responses to an advertisement for employment can generate hundreds of resumes.

Because of limited time, employers are unable to filter through the huge pile. In some cases, the employer may solicit the help of a secretary or administration assistant. In this instance, the assistant’s job entails going through the pile of resumes or applications and choosing 20 or so applicants. However, getting an interview does not improve an applicant’s chances of being hired. In fact, many qualified applicants kill their chances during the interview. Before entering the job market, or reporting for a job interview, consider the following job seeker mistakes, and learn how to avoid them.

1. Avoid Bulk Resume Mailings

When seeking a new job, some people make the mistake of printing 100 resumes and blindly sending them to companies. However, the same way you determined that this was a good idea, so did every other job seeker within a twenty mile radius. For this matter, these companies may receive twenty or more unsolicited resumes a day. Some resumes are reviewed. On the other hand, a large portion of them ends up in the trash, or filed away. If the company is not currently advertising job openings, do not send a resume. Instead, put in a little legwork and hit the streets. Walk into companies and ask for the human resources department. If there are current openings, these will be listed on a bulletin board. Because some companies do not advertise to the public, walk-ins have a better chance of getting hired. If the company is not currently hiring, do not leave a resume.

2. Failing to Prepare for Interview

While an impressive resume will help a job seeker land an interview, employers want more. Keep this in mind, among 30 applicants, the employer will call back 10 for interviews. All interviewees are qualified. However, the employer will use the interview as a means of determining personality, drive, assertiveness, etc. For this matter, you must enter the interview ready to impress. Naturally, the employer will ask key questions such as: why do you want this job? What can you contribute? Why should I hire you? What makes you different from the competition? Prepare answers in advance. This way, you can respond without hesitation and with confidence.

3. How to Write a Resume?

Regrettably, many qualified job seekers with the suitable personality and motivation to handle a position are not called back for an interview because of a poor resume. Powerful resumes are crucial. If you do not know how to write a resume, it helps to consult an online resume help service. Many websites offer tools on how to create a professional resume, and offer examples of good resumes. Upon graduating, you may also consider attending workshops that offer resume builder courses. If all else fails, take advantage of free resume templates located on computer software programs or online.