Let's face it - job hunting is stressful. The process stirs up all the anxiety-producing themes that make us prone to stumbling. Namely: life goals, money, self-image, radical change, lifestyle decisions, authority figures, proving oneself, being motivated, and so on.
But such daunting psychological ogres can be easily tackled by taking practical steps that produce results, says Nicholas Aretakis, a career coach and author of No More Ramen: The 20-Something's Real World Survival Guide, a guide that's chock-full of tips and resources for job seekers. While the focus of the book states it’s for 20-somethings, in reality, these are practical tips job seekers of any age – or experience – can benefit from.
Here are some typical mistakes job seekers make - with steps you can take to avoid them, according to Aretakis:
Setting your goals too low
Set a five-year, three-year, one-year, and a six-month goal to help you succeed long term.
Don't settle for a job that doesn't challenge you, help you develop skills, or advance you toward an ultimate career dream. Instead, think big--where you want to be 10 years from now. Then figure out what you have to do to get there.
Limiting your scope
Sometimes job seekers are so anxious about landing a job that they put on blinders and forget to be creative. Identify your interest - say, music. Then spend time brainstorming all the ways you could be involved with music: business, marketing, law, journalism, writing, music therapy, making music, etc. How can you know what your dream job is until you dream?
Not being able to articulate your dream
After you've set your goal, develop a clear, one-line pitch that's specific and differentiates you from the pack. For example, "I want to find a job that uses my science skills," is less compelling than "My dream is to work for an aerospace company designing rocket engines."
Being the same as everyone else
It's a competitive job world out there. Take a page from the marketing universe and brand yourself. Figure out what makes you different - then flaunt it. In stationery, dress, style of writing, manners, attitude, and speech, differentiate yourself from your peers (and competition). Don't be afraid to try something new - or different.
Going it alone
A recent Monster.com poll found that about half, or 46 percent, of job seekers landed jobs through peers and friends. Talk with family, friends, former co-workers, colleagues, and professors about your goals. Ask if they know someone in your field and would be willing to introduce you. Set up 30-minute informational interviews with as many contacts as possible.
Burning bridges at past jobs
Make an effort to maintain regular contact with key players in your last job - they will come in handy as references, for job referrals, advisors, and even future partners. Read the linked article at the top of this paragraph for proof on how networking works.
Shortchanging your résumé
Go over your past job experiences--even seemingly insignificant ones--and reframe every description in a fresh, positive light. Make the language interesting, and the descriptions compelling. Find ways to differentiate yourself from others in your field. Make your personality and individuality jump off the page.
Showing up unprepared for interviews
Before interviews, Google typical interview questions and prepare answers. Research the company. Have questions prepared. Select your outfit. Do a dry-run drive-by to avoid getting lost. Arrive early. Be positive and flexible during the interview.
Giving up or being lazy
Treat job seeking like a part-time job.Attend an industry show in your field of interest and meet at least ten new people. Join job forums at online job sites and pick up tips from other job seekers.Read articles and research industries and companies. The more seriously and diligently you engage in job hunting, the better luck you'll have.
More from Aretakis
In addition to his valuable book, Nicholas Aretakis has an interactive online community - nomoreramenonline.com – that has downloadable tools and templates as well as many other valuable resources for job seekers.
If you want to get Matt Krumrie's career articles and advice emailed to you, you can subscribe to have articles automatically emailed to you. Simply go to the top of the page, click on "subscribe to email" and enter your email address. Do you have a career-related question or topic you'd like answered/ email Krumrie at mattkrum@yahoo.com
Comments
Great post - I'll pass it on. Your point about being prepared for the interview is extremely important. Many people think that their resume is the most important part of job search, but it only gets you in the door - then what? You've got to blow them away with your interview...why you're the "one". Many people do not prepare in advance and think it is fine just to wing-it...not so. I say "Prepare in order to win".
Thanks for all the other good tips -
Robin Ogden
FiredUP Careers
Very good post.Though things look easy, but we make simple mistakes. Thanks for the post.
Good one!
Cheers
Great post. 2 months ago I was told my job is toast and will be put in the bin. I will be laid off in the next week(s) or so. I must admit that I am have been doing the advice you mentioned for the last two months. funnly enough I am about to land 2 jobs (!) via the network - jobs did not exist at those 2 companies and had to be creative and create them myself - lot's of fun doing it.
Being proactive is the way to go!
nice one
Liked it.
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