The 3 Biggest Mistakes Professionals Make in Their Job Search—And How to Fix Them
Too often, I meet high-performing, talented individuals, who make simple mistakes in their job search that holds them back from landing their ideal role. The good news? A few strategic changes can dramatically improve your results.
Here are three of the biggest job search mistakes—and how to fix them.
1. Using the Same Résumé for Every Job
Many professionals send out a one-size-fits-all résumé, but hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) look for tailored applications. If your résumé doesn’t align with the job description, it won’t stand out.
The Fix: Customize your résumé for each role. Highlight the most relevant skills and achievements. Remove content that is irrelevant to the job and company. Use keywords from the job posting to improve your chances of passing ATS filters.
2. Relying Only on Online Applications
Applying through job boards is hard enough by itself. Did you know that most jobs aren’t filled this way? Many professionals waste months submitting applications without networking—missing out on hidden opportunities.
The Fix: Spend at least 50% of your time networking. Reach out to industry contacts, connect with recruiters, and engage on LinkedIn. Requests to get to know the company better - and informational interviews - can open doors to unadvertised roles and further connections.
3. Neglecting Your Personal Brand
I’m going to say this as directly as possible: Your online presence and how it threads across all of your employer communications is vital. If recruiters Google you and find little information—or see an outdated LinkedIn profile—or receive a generic message from you—there’s a high probability you won’t get a response.
The Fix: Work with someone to help you create and deliver a professional and consistent brand image across your communications.
Learn More
If you’d like help with your own career materials, you can learn more by clicking on the student, professional, or executive pages of my site. Or, are you ready to get started? Schedule a free consult.