GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- There are a number of tactics you can use to increase your chances of finding a new job. But, there are also many mistakes job seekers make that torpedo their search efforts. Here are some of the more common mistakes job hunters make and how to avoid them.
Ted Chalupsky from The Right Staff is here to help job seekers avoid making the most common job search mistakes.
1. Applying for jobs you're not qualified. There's no point wasting your time applying for jobs that you're not qualified for. It's a waste of time, energy, and effort. Instead, take the time to focus your job search and apply to jobs that are a match for your skills and experience. Then, target your resume and cover letter to show the hiring manager why you're qualified at first glance.
2. Spelling errors. Check your resume, cover letter and every single email you send for grammar and spelling, even if it's just a quick email or LinkedIn message to a networking contact. Then, check your resume again. Use full sentences and paragraphs, regardless of how you are communicating. Writing job search correspondence like a text is a surefire way to knock yourself out of the running for a job.
3. No online presence. Most companies that are seriously interested in hiring you are going to use a search engine to find out as much as possible about you. If you don't take the time to create an online presence, you will come up short when measured against candidates who have taken the time to build a presence. At the minimum, you should have a LinkedIn profile that's complete with your work history and some recommendations.
4. Skip networking. Even though job search networking is one of the most successful ways to find a new job, it can sound intimidating and sometimes seems a little bit scary. It doesn't have to be. Networking can also be time consuming, but it doesn't have to take all day. If you build a network a little at a time, it will be there when you need it. Networking is one of the most important parts of your job search, so don't skip it.
5. Neglect to research the company. When you go into a job interview without having researched the company, you won't have a clue about what the company's goals are, how you can fit into the organization, and what you can offer the company. When you take the time to research companies, you will be able to find out everything you need to know about a company before you sit down for an interview. In addition, you will be a well-prepared candidate for the job.
6. Negative attitude. Tired, discouraged, feeling like you'll never find a job? Did you hate your last job? Was your boss a jerk? Keep it to yourself, or at least to yourself and your friends and family. Despite how hard it can be, it's important to stay positive when communicating with networking contacts, recruiters, and hiring managers. Nobody likes a complainer, even if your complaints are legitimate. So, do your best to come across as positive, especially when you're interviewing.
7. Don't send a thank you letter. Many candidates forget to close the deal by sending a hand written letter to the hiring manager thanking them for the opportunity to meet and briefly summarizing how your experience and talents will contribute to the growth of the company. Some people send a thank you e-mail, but to make a more professional impression on the hiring manager, a written letter will help differentiate you from the other candidates.
The Right Staff will be conducting a Job Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 4 for over 200 positions in IT, Customer Service and Medical Assembly positions.
For more information, visit therightstaff.com.
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