Mistakes Job-Hunters Make:

• They kick off their job search before they’re prepared, or they provide a lackadaisical resume.  In our book “Knock Three Times...” we recommend a strong cover letter and resume for our second mailing.  Which means, your resume should perform half the work of getting you an interview.

• They don’t take advantage of networking.  There are key people who will help you with support, understanding, and – most importantly – possible job leads.

• They limit their job search options.  When you begin looking for work – especially if you are unemployed or looking for that first job – leave no stone unturned.  Which means – in addition to the approach we recommend – you need to check the classified ads, e-mail search engines, DOL job postings, and employment agencies.

• They employ a stale job-search approach.  Most job-seekers send out hordes of resumes and cover letters without really knowing who the target recipient should be, or even what kind of job they’re seeking.  Most of these end up in Human Resources and, subsequently, the nearest “round file.”

• They don’t commit to the work that’s required to do the job right.  They assume work will magically materialize – it won’t, you must make it happen.  Or, they think someone will find a job for them – they won’t, it’s a “do-it-yourself” task.  Whether you’re out of work, just graduated from school, or switching career fields, you need to consider your job search as a full-time endeavor – at least 30-40 hours weekly.  This will ensure you don’t miss out on opportunities by overlooking something, and brings discipline and organization to your approach.

• They are inadequately prepared for the interview.  Here they are – at the pinnacle of what all the hard work is for – and they overlook bringing a resume...or references...or they show up late because the parking lot was full and they had to walk eight blocks.  Don’t let this happen!

• They exhibit poor interview techniques or they’re unprepared.  No list of questions...no rehearsed answers to the toughest questions.  Sometimes, they’ll miss the interviewer’s cues and ask for the job – instead of keeping the interview at a less stressful level, or asking the interviewer for advice, suggestions for improvement, or contacts inside or outside of the organization.

• They take turn-downs, lack of telephone calls, or rejection letters or post cards personally.  The best way to avoid this is to have as many poles in the water as possible.  Don’t bet all your chips on one promising opportunity.  Have several in the pipeline.  How wonderful it is for the worst-case scenario to be choosing between a half dozen job offers!

• They restrict their job search, or they set their sights too high or too low.  They don’t want to work in a certain area, or geographical part of the country, or within a certain type of business, or salary level.  If you’re unemployed – or looking for that first job – it’s best to settle for work as quickly as possible, and work on your “career path” once you have income.

• They reflect a negative attitude – they “poor-mouth” former bosses, companies, or methods of doing business.  Interviewers pick up on this, and don’t want the same directed back to them.