Seven Job Search Blunders You May Be Making & How to Fix Them

Let's face it, no one's perfect especially when it comes to the job search. So, if you're not getting calls for a second or even first interview, there may be good reason. According to CareerBuilder, there are several blunders you may be making to thwart your efforts. Relate to any of them? 1. Your thank-you note needs work. Seriously. If your follow up note has errors or was sent a week later (or not at all), that doesn't bode well for your candidacy. All you really need is two to four sentences to acknowledge their time as you look forward to next steps. 2. Your references haven't been pre-screened. If your reference hasn't been alerted you're interviewing, buyer beware. They may be caught off guard and moreover, if your relationship isn't a positive one, that so-called reference may not be the person you want endorsing your candidacy. Net net: Ensure your reference is aware you're job hunting, pick a reference with positive interactions with you, and also select management rather than a peer. 3. Your social skills need work. Maybe your second or third interview involves a lunch. If so, the interviewers are cautiously watching your behavior with the wait staff and how you interact in social settings. In order to rectify the situation, be pleasurable and always treat people with respect. 4. Your briefcase is a mess. In the piece, Ronald Kaufman, author of Anatomy of Success, pointed out, "A messy briefcase can imply the person is unorganized, messy and unprepared, and that their work will be less than optimal." He added, "Someone who is neat, clean, organized and prepared in all areas conveys they're serious about getting a job and working." 5. You overlook temporary opportunities. Even if you're seeking full-time employment, a temp to perm position shouldn't be overlooked. Employers often look for temporary workers as a test run with the intention of extending an offer after a specific period of time. Look at it as an opportunity to get a paycheck, make a good impression, stay current, and make a new reference for another position. 6. You include too much work history. Cheryl E. Palmer, career coach and resume writer, indicated in the piece, "Many job seekers over 40 think that they have to take their work history back to their first job out of college." Her advice? "All that is needed is the last 10-15 years of your work history." 7. You use your work email address on your resume. Here's the deal: An employer will think a job seeker will not have any problems using their technology for personal use. Always use a personal email address instead. Palmer noted, "Some people do not regularly check their personal email, so they use their employers' email instead. This sends a negative message to potential employers that the job seekers will not hesitate to use their equipment for personal use."

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Seven Job Search Blunders You May Be Making & How to Fix Them

Vicki Salemi

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Vicki Salemi