There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about job-hunting out there. The majority of them can mean the difference between landing the job of your dreams and staying unemployed for the foreseeable future. Adzuna rounded up some of the worst job search mistakes in a bid to help you avoid them at all costs. Here’s what you might have been doing wrong all along!
#1 Scouring all the job ads
Did you know that only a fraction of the available vacancies are ever advertised? In fact, most employers prefer internal hires and recruiting new talent via referrals and recommendations. What this means for you is that you’ll have to work super hard in order to stand out from the crowd. If you want to get noticed out there, your online and offline networks need to work for you and not against you. Make sure your online presence paints a professional picture and that you’re networking like a pro!
#2 Responding to as many job ads as possible
The quantity of applications you send out and the number of online sites you register with rarely (if ever) corresponds to interest from employers. In order to be a triumphant jobseeker, you need to be proactive. Don’t just pick the opportunities that fit you best. Work hard at tailoring every application and follow up every lead with a call or email.
#3 You fear being perceived as a job-hopper
Candidates with multiple roles on their CVs aren’t necessarily seen as job-hoppers unable to keep a stable job. If you’ve been employed in various avenues in a short period, all you need is to add solid reasoning to the explanation of your situation. Perhaps you changed jobs often to gain more widespread experience and learn new skills. Really short stints (anything under a year) aren’t favourable though, but there’s no need to be concerned if your work history has several components.
#4 Not using a cover letter
A well-crafted cover letter doesn’t only tell your prospective employer that you’re interested in a role. It also shows off your skills, work methodology, and enthusiasm. In short: it’s a way for you to shine in a crowd. Your cover letter is your opportunity to tell the employer about what you’ll contribute to their team instead of why you want the job. It’s also extremely specific to the role in question, which will strengthen your chances of being called for an interview.
#5 Demanding a lower salary because you think you’ll be a more attractive candidate
Offering your services for less than the going rate can actually backfire on you instead of adding to your appeal. It can make you seem desperate, which is definitely not what you want to come across as. As long as you’re demanding a salary within an acceptable range for the position, industry and location, there’s no harm in negotiation. Oh, and remember you don’t want to be the one that brings up the topic of salary first. Your prospective employer should be the one initiating this conversation.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re aware of the most common job search mistakes, you can take your game to the next level. This can help you finally land the job of your dreams. Start browsing Adzuna’s listings today. Your future career might be just one click away!
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