14 Common Job Hunting Blunders

By Dawn Dugan

Whether you are just starting your professional life or are a seasoned pro looking to make a savvy career move, whether you are between jobs or simply feeling the need to move on, the quality of your job hunt will determine your level of success.

If you're a serious job hunter, you've probably read plenty of books and articles on job seeking steps that will give you the leading edge.

But do you know what actions might put the kibosh on your quest? This article explores 14 job hunting mistakes to avoid.

         1. Relying on the job classifieds, want ads, or online job postings

The majority of jobs are snatched up before they make it to these mediums. If you sit back and wait for the right job to materialize in the Sunday paper, you’ll miss the best opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Labor claims that 70 percent of jobs are found through networking, so dust off your contacts, reach out in person, by phone, or by email, and let everyone in your personal and professional spheres know you’re on the hunt.

         2. Having unclear job or career goals

Not quite sure what you want to do? Think you'll know the right job when you see it? Would you travel a long distance without a map?

Figure out what you want to do before beginning your search, and hone in on a particular job, organization, or industry. Job search focus will allow you to target ideal organizations and industries, craft a more powerful resume, and better prepare for interviews.

        3. Looking for any old job

A recent job loss or layoff may make you feel desperate, especially in this economic climate. It's rarely necessary to settle right away. Instead, give yourself a particular timeframe in which you can look for ideal positions. Give yourself as much time as possible to find the right fit.

If you reach a point where you have to consider jobs you wouldn't have considered in more robust times -- and these days there's a good chance you will -- look for a job that will make you happy, and will allow you to learn something new.  

         4. Being unprepared for interviews

Nothing will close a door faster than a lackluster interview. Start by learning everything you can about the organization. Second, use resources such as books and online job websites to familiarize yourself with common interview questions.
Prepare your answers until you can recite them in your sleep. Have a friend videotape you -- your smart phone video camera will do just fine -- so you can see what you sound and look like and make any necessary adjustments.
Not all that interested in the job? Prepare anyway. It's good practice, and the more you practice, the better you'll get at the interview process.

         5. Going ape with guerilla tactics

You want to be proactive in your job search, but you don't want to come across as pushy, aggressive, or overbearing.
It's fine to reach out once in a while to keep in touch, to network, and to ensure potential employers don't forget about you or your interest in their organization, but in-your-face ploys like monopolizing phone and email inboxes, not taking "no" for an answer, or approaching potential employers on their way in or out of the office or in other places they hang out just creates bad feelings . . . and is a little creepy.

Mistakes 6-14 and The Complete Salary.com Article