7 Mistakes To Avoid When Job Searching

If you're applying to countless roles and not finding success you are likely left feeling somewhat flat and frustrated.

Constant rejection, wondering why you came a 'close second' again after what you thought was an amazing interview or borderline angry at the fact that you never hear back from applications you thought you were a shoe in for.

Sound familiar?

Sadly, while job opportunities may be plentiful across many industries, the harsh reality is that securing the job you really want unfortunately isn't necessarily as simple as the good old supply / demand equation.

If you are struggling with any areas in your job search or are seeing patterns arising try a little self reflection and consider reviewing some of these simple yet key points to evaluate potential areas for improvement;

1. You’re using the same Resume for all your applications

Is your resume and other application documents up to scratch? Is it appropriate and tailored to the specific role you are applying to? It should be. A resume should draw out and highlight the very specific experience relevant to that particular role you are applying to. Bring most relevant experience and achievements to the top of an experience section, go into more detail on a certain aspect if the job description seems to put a lot of emphasis on it. Don’t make any assumptions that the reader ‘should know’ what you did or what you mean. If it isn’t obvious, make it so.

2. You’re being too unrealistic with your applications

Put yourself in the Hiring Managers shoes, would you hire you? Are you truely a good fit for the role, or are you blind to your development areas? Meaning that a rejection could be that bit easier to comprehend should it happen. While you definitely don’t need to tick 100% of the boxes, you should be able to comfortably convey in your application process how you can deliver to the demand of the job. Consider who you may be up against, your competition if you will, what might they bring that you don’t? Can you draw similar experience and ensure it is highlighted for the reader easily to see?

3. You’re not targeted in your applications

Are you clear on what you actually want and why, from the next job you move to? Are you applying on auto-pilot or really considering why each role is mutually the right fit? Take time to reflect on these points and cross check each prospective job, including the company and team to ensure it is actually a potential right match for you, and them. When times are tough and we just need work, and fast, it is very very easy to apply to everything you see, but consider how effective this is proving to be for you and whether a more targeted approach may get you a better result, with less heartache.

4. You’re taking things for granted or not putting in enough effort

While we have covered this in terms of your resume (and other application documents), the same applies to interviews. Are you taking the time to really prepare for your interview, on top of the basics, considering where the prospective employers pain points / problems are currently, and how you are the right solution for them? Are you confident to be able to communicate that? Running into an interview and skim reading a website, hiring manager Linked-In profiles and the job details 15 minutes before you get in the room is not good preparation. Block out time to really prepare and you’ll likely find any nerves with reduce, and you may even find yourself looking forward to the conversation!

5. You’re turning a blind eye to your pitfalls

Have you identified the reasons why the company might NOT see you as a good fit and prepared yourself to counter those through your application and interview process? If there is an obvious objection that you can identify that they may pick up on or have concerns over - talk about it before they can make up their mind that you’re not right! Meet the potential objection head on by talking about the elephant in the room with your 'counter argument'. You HAVE to be able to do this in the right manner, you should never come across as defensive but rather highlight and share your view as to why this is not a reason to overlook you. It shows a great deal of self-awareness and authenticity, welcome traits in any team.

6. You’re letting negative emotions show

How is your mindset? Is any potential frustration, anger or resentment coming across to Hiring Managers that may be putting them off? Would you want to work with you right now? When times are tough, of course emotions can be running high and we are not our best-selves. We are only human after all! BUT, when these emotions come across to those in the hiring seat it can be very hard for them to know whether what they see is in fact who you really are or not, often leading to a rejection because they can’t see how such negative emotions will work in their team culture. Unfortunately you rarely have time to explain your backstory and that ‘you’re not normally like this’ in an application or interview setting. So, do your best to re-frame your mindset or seek the support necessary to ensure you show up in the best way.

7. You have a poker interview face on

Are you allowing the real you to shine through? People want to work with people that they like, are you portraying your best self? Have you identified common ground that you can bring to the forefront at phone calls or interviews to show how great it would be working with you? Interviews can be intimidating and hence nerves can disguise the ‘real you’ but do your best to loosen the shoulders and allow the hiring team to see who you are, and who they would get to work with each day. For the most part (sadly, still not all!), the days of poker faced, impersonal interviews are behind us. That said, if you like to play class clown 24-7 and only ever talk in riddles, clearly that’s probably not appropriate for an interview but read the room and allow glimpses of your best traits to shine through.

While self reflection can be helpful, being able to see these things in ourselves can be very hard when we are in the thick of the problem and so if you find yourself struggling with any area relating to your career, working with a coach allows you to see more clearly what the actual problems are, and to see a different perspective in order to take action that can be invaluable. Taking the steps outlined above is not as easy and ‘read and apply’ for many people, and that’s ok, that’s why Career Coaches exist!

Reach out to Optimise Talent Coaching if we can help you or anyone in your network who may benefit to learn more about our services.

Let's work to rid the frustration and raise the fulfilment in your job search!