Common Job Hunting Mistakes

Below are some common mistakes we see job seekers making and some handy advice on how to avoid them.

• Not Dedicating Enough Time

The job hunt is time consuming – so be ready to put aside time to write your CV, complete applications, prep for and attend interviews as well as all that time looking through job boards to find the opportunity that sounds right.

Make sure you have annual leave available if you are still in another job as you will need to take time to attend interviews during core working hours.

Be proactive – call people back quickly and reach out to companies you are interested in working for to speed up the process.

• No Clear Goal

Being open minded is great, but entering a new job search without some clear search parameters in place is a big mistake!

Think about factors such as salary, location, industry, hours, as well as transferable skills you want to develop, or parts of past jobs you have loved or hated. All of this information will help you narrow your search down.

Next think about what is a deal breaker, and what are you willing to be flexible on.

‘Scattergunning’ applications for as many jobs as you can will only leave you feeling deflated and rejected. Just apply for jobs you really want and believe you can do.

• Misuse of Social Media

On the job hunt it is really helpful to utilise professional sites such as LinkedIn. This is your online CV and your chance to network, gain industry knowledge and see vacancies as soon as they go live – neglecting LinkedIn could be a big downfall in your job search.

Likewise, any personal social media needs to be locked down and kept private. Make sure everything that is searchable about you on these platforms is suitable for viewing by any prospective employers.

• Burning Bridges

A massive mistake we see all too often is when job seekers don’t see the value of the network they are growing around them. As well as your immediate network of friends, family, past colleagues and LinkedIn, you are now part of a network of interviewers and recruitment consultants.

The world of local recruitment is a small one and your reputation can mean everything, so handle all situations professionally and don’t ghost anyone – you never know when you might need them as a strong network connection!

• Negativity

Most of us have a horror story or two up our sleeves about ex-bosses, but the golden rule is to NEVER bad-mouth an ex-employer at an interview.

If you are freshly out of a bad experience, discuss this openly with your recruitment agency to help decide how to best handle this conversation, and be ready to move on with a positive mind set.

• Lack of Reflection

Always ask for feedback from interviews and be ready to listen with an open mind. Sometimes practice can make perfect when it comes to interviewing – so note down any constructive feedback and refer back to it when you are prepping for your next interview.

Overall, remember - job hunting can take time, try and stay positive, keep focussed and reach out to the resources in place to help you. You've got this, Good Luck!