10 Mistakes job-seekers make (and how to avoid them)

Sarah Khan

07 Nov 2016

1/10
Sending out generic, mass-sent resumes
Customising your resume is important. A tailored, job-specific resume highlights to an employer that you have done your homework and are serious about the position. Google tips on how to customise your resume to fit a potential job requirement if you are unsure about how to go about doing so.
2/10
Not dedicating enough time to the search
Studies have shown that approximately 44% of those seeking a job devote less than three hours a day looking for a new position. However, researchers have found that people who allocate more time into their job search find jobs sooner.
If you are stuck or unsure about the next step to proceed in your job application, pick up a job search self-help book, trawl the Internet for tips, or visit your local workforce agency to seek advice.
3/10
Isolating yourself from friends and family
Schedule time to be social every week. Do not fall into the trap of becoming isolated from your friends and family because you are spending too much time on the job search. Spending quality time with the people in your life is important to inject some social time and fun into your schedule. Since you are not seeing or interacting with co-workers on a daily basis, it can get isolating, which may make you feel burnt out by the search process even more.
4/10
Putting your eggs in one basket
Never devote all your time and focus to one position, no matter how confident you are about getting the opportunity. It is always wise to continue your search and apply for several other jobs, while you wait for a callback from your preferred position.
5/10
Getting frustrated and emotional
The job hunt can be a trying and grueling period, particularly if you feel like your search has been fruitless.
Try and stay optimistic and calm through the process. Make sure you are eating right, getting exercise and have a good support system you can lean on. If you are having a particularly rough day during the job search, get together with friends and family and do something fun to keep your spirits up! Always try and stay positive and motivated. Make a daily to-do list you want to accomplish. Remind yourself daily about the qualities and experiences you know you have to offer to a potential employer.
6/10
Taking too many breaks
Taking too many breaks from your job search, particularly after you've made progress (e.g. getting a callback for an interview) might be a trap many job-seekers fall into. While it's okay (and important) to take the occasional breather, don't allow yourself lengthy breaks every time you make progress. Never rest on your laurels after posting an application or securing an interview and keep the efforts going.
7/10
Forgetting to schedule breaks
As much as it is important to allocate adequate amounts of time to the job search, it is also important to take breaks for social activities, within limits of course. Long and frequent breaks can make you lose momentum and affect your chances at finding a job.
8/10
Not diversifying your job search
People tend to fall into the trap of not diversifying their job search. While some rely solely on online job listings, others rely on networking. The key is to strike a balance.

Beyond just trawling job search sites, be more proactive. Network with people who might be able to connect you with a potential job, or reconnect with your alma mater or friends from university who might have an opportunity for you.
9/10
Getting distracted with chores and errands
It may be easy to get distracted by errands, household tasks, childcare (if you have a kid), or just the daily humdrum of everyday life. This may affect your ability to devote adequate time to search for a job.

Experts suggest that you establish a routine or schedule. For instance, spend the morning seeking out new job openings and researching these companies, followed by networking activities in the afternoon, and then following up on any of the positions you've applied for. Leave the household tasks for evening, just like you would if you were working a regular 9 to 5.
10/10
Not getting a second opinion on your resume
You may think your resume is perfect, but there is a high chance you may be wrong. Get at least two or three second opinions on your resume; review it for spelling or grammar mistakes, irrelevant information, or even key skills and experience you may have left out.

Better steer clear of these slip-ups during your job search!

The job hunt can be grueling process. It’s easy to feel dejected after getting rejected, getting complacent or losing momentum if you feel like your search has borne no fruit, or simply feeling swamped under all the applications. These are just some of the common pitfalls or mistakes that you and many job-seekers can relate to. Fret not, we’ve sought tips from career experts and recruiters and narrowed down 10 common mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of as you work towards landing that dream job.

Head up to the gallery above to find out what they are and, more importantly, how to avoid them – you’ll want to to take down pointers!

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

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