CareerBuilder: Job-search mistakes you can avoid

Posted: 05 Feb 2011 07:17 AM PST

It's a given that there will be things beyond your control. You can leave for a job interview an hour early but still get stuck in traffic. You can't stop the stock market from resembling a roller coaster. Yet, both can adversely affect your search.

Unless you want to drive yourself mad, don't dwell on what you can't control; focus on what you can. If you've been applying to jobs but not hearing back, you should reevaluate your searching method. You might realize the reason your phone isn't ringing is not because the Dow closed lower than analysts predicted, it's you.

Save yourself a headache and make sure you're not making one of these easily avoidable job search mistakes:

Not doing research

Thanks to the Internet, the wealth of information at your fingertips has never been greater. You have no reason to write a cover letter or go to an interview without doing research about the company first. You should know who the company's leadership is, what business the company is in, and recent news about it and its industry. Good research tells the interviewer you're a serious applicant, and lets you know if you actually want to work for that organization.

Not cleaning up your digital dirt

When employers receive your application, they research you just like you research them. Scrub your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blog — or check the privacy settings of any content that might be construed as objectionable (including pictures). Content that seems OK personally could damage your reputation professionally.

Applying to everything

Although you might fancy yourself a jack of all trades, your education, experience and skills probably center on one concentration. If you're applying to any job posting, even if you're not qualified, employers will recognize that you're after a paycheck and not a career. Hiring managers want someone who is not only qualified but also committed to the company. Build a strong case for why you are good for the job you're applying to; if you can't do that, then you probably won't get any calls from employers.

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Winging it

An employer can ask you hundreds of questions in an interview and you can't predict them all, but you can anticipate some of them. "Tell me a little about yourself," "Why are you leaving your current position?" Why do you want to work here?" and "What is your biggest weakness?" will probably make an appearance. Give them some thought beforehand. If you respond with a confused stammer, the hiring manager will wonder how seriously you take your job.

Not asking questions

Rarely will an interviewer answer every question you have before you even ask it. This is why every interview ends with a chance for you to ask any questions. Employers want to see that you are invested in the job and were paying attention to the conversation, so you should always have a list of questions ready to ask. During an interview, silence is inexcusable.

Choosing one medium

If you're not networking, paying attention to what local businesses are growing and letting people know that you're looking for a job, you are hurting your search. Online job postings are excellent ways to find work, but they're not the only avenue to a new job. Don't limit your opportunities by parking in front of a computer all day.

Typos

Appearances don't only matter when it comes to your clothing; they matter when it comes to your cover letter and résumé. In the same way hiring managers can't look past a wrinkled T-shirt and dingy shoes, they also can't look past typos and spelling errors. Confusing "they're," "their" and "there" tells them you refused to take the time to read the application and you'll probably apply that same work ethic to your job.

Thinking interview only happens in office

The reason you clean up your digital dirt is because you're being evaluated the moment your application is received. If your e-mail address is drunksailor55@email.com, you are rude to the administrative assistant or don't send a thank-you note, you could be hurting your chances. Don't think that you only need to be on your best behavior for the one hour you're talking to the interviewer.

> Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, TheWorkBuzz.com.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011