Three things to avoid doing during your job search
Searching for a job or internship is stressful. And that stress can quickly take the form of odd behaviors that would normally never occur to you as being strange, but in this special vacuum of anxiety and nerves, you assure yourself, “nope, this isn’t weird or overbearing at all!” “Yup, totally normally to send a follow up email every day for two weeks, and leave a voicemail for good measure. Not crazy at all!”
…um.
Below are three common mistakes that people tend to make during their job search.
#1: Overdoing it on follow-up
We all fall in love with certain jobs, so it’s hard to resist the urge to relentlessly follow-up on a resume you submitted, or post-interview, when you feel you are THE person for the job. Sadly, given the sheer amount of candidates applying for any given role, it is difficult for a recruiter to address every email they receive. If HR doesn’t get back to you after a follow-up or two, step away from the computer. There is no need to call, e-mail, In-Mail them on LinkedIn, or contact their colleagues “just in case.”
I’m all about gunning for a job, but take the hint. They are not on your timeline, you’re not privy to their internal conversations and processes, and most importantly, you can’t force things to happen.
Let’s be real. Do you answer every e-mail you receive? Didn’t think so. Yes, it’d be nice if they let you know you aren’t being considered, or are no longer in the running for the position, but that’s not the case, and it’s not something you can control or change.
I know it sucks, but move on, and open yourself up to other opportunities. Stop ruminating over how annoying it is, and take this as a hint to reevaluate your resume. Did you tailor it to the job description? Use keywords? Clearly there is a disconnect if you feel so qualified and perfect for the role, yet didn’t hear back or make it to the final around. Check out my resume guide and template for more guidance, and practice your interviewing skills.
#2: Applying for jobs you aren’t qualified for
Job seekers, especially those who have been on the hunt for quite some time, understandably become impatient, and apply to anything they are remotely qualified for. It’s frustrating for a recruiter to sift through countless resumes that in no way are a fit. Take the time to read the job description, thoughtfully consider each position and if you’re truly a candidate. You should be at least 80% qualified for any position you apply to, and your resume should reflect that.
#3: Don’t follow job application instructions
Instructions on how to apply to a listing, and what to include, are meant to be followed. They aren’t a mere suggestion. Sometimes, the employer is actually testing you. If you can’t send your email to the listed email address that they clearly state to send your resume to, and instead, opt to use the ‘Easy Apply’ button on LinkedIn, you just played yourself. Chances are they aren’t even looking at the LinkedIn inbox. If you can’t follow simple directions during the application process, what does that possibly say about your ability to follow directions at work?
Happy job hunting. Don’t be crazy. You got this!