10 Surefire Ways To Sabotage Your Job Search

Are you struggling to find a job? Why do you think that is? Is it possible that you are making  job search mistakes that are causing you to sabotage your job search? It’s totally possible.

Let’s take a quick look at 10 surefire ways to sabotage your job search:

1. Lack of Networking – A huge percentage of jobs are granted to people because of who they know. When you don’t network you eliminate your chances of tapping into the hidden job market or capitalizing on referrals. Life is all about who you know, so go and meet more people.
2. Not Proofreading –  All it takes is a single typo or grammar mistake to get your job application tossed in the trash. Always proofread.
3. Unprofessional Social Profiles – Be careful about what you post on social media. A single photo of a night on the town or inappropriate Halloween costume can cost you a job. Employers will Google you and they will check your public profiles. Make sure your web presence is professional.
4. Not Preparing For The Job Interview – If you make it to the job interview round, it means you have a shot at landing the job. Now is the time to buckle down and really prepare. Research the company, practice interview questions, update your portfolio, prepare questions to ask, and dress appropriately.
5. Lying – It’s easy to exaggerate the truth, but the chances are very high that you will get caught in a lie. It’s best to be honest at all times. There’s nothing worse that getting caught telling a fib. It can ruin your chances of landing a job and it can also damage your reputation as a job seeker.
6. Disorganization – Organization is mandatory during the job search. Take the necessary steps to ensure that you never miss a deadline, forget to follow up, or show up late to a job interview. Write things down. Use a calendar to stay organized at all times.
7. Not Following Directions – Employers often give very specific instructions on how to apply for a job. If you don’t follow their directions, employers will notice and it can hurt your chances of getting hired.
8. Unprofessional Email Address – Never use an email address that’s unprofessional. Always create and use a professional email address in all job correspondences.
9. Applying For Too Many Jobs With The Same Company – When you really like a company, it may be tempting to apply for every job opening they have. This is an immediate red flag that indicates that you are desperate to find any job.
10. Making The Job Search All About You – When you’re applying for jobs, try to go in with the mentality that you are adding value to the company.  It’s not all about you.

27 Job Search Mistakes You Should NEVER Make

All of these things are completely within your control. Yet, people make these job search mistakes every single day. It’s amazing how many job seekers sabotage the job search on a regular basis. Be aware of these mistakes and you’ll be one step closer to becoming gainfully employed. As a job seeker, it’s your job to set yourself up for success. No one else is going to do it for you.