Ready to get your dream job? It’s a complex process involving more than completing an application andnailing the interview. As the saying goes, the devil is in the details, and it’s definitely true for making a standout impression. If it seems like your job search is slow and unsuccessful, you may be making one of several common job search mistakes that will make it difficult for you to get your dream job.
1. Less-than-stellar social media
Employers vet job candidates using social media, and the outcomes aren’t always positive. According to a 2014 CareerBuilder survey, 51 percent of employers didn’t hire a job candidate because of their research on social media. This number has grown from 43 percent in 2013 and 34 percent in 2012. Social media is a representation of yourself, and employers will pass on candidates if they discover provocative, inappropriate or other types of negative content. Recruiting platform Jobvite’s 2014 Social Recruiting Survey found that 93 percent of hiring managers review social profiles before making a hiring decision.
Your best bet is to create a strong presence on LinkedIn. On your other social media accounts, don’t make reference to things like drugs and sex and don’t use profanity (but do use proper spelling and grammar). This Time article goes into more detail about the social media mistakes to avoid.
2. Tunnel vision
A common career-related myth is that there is only one perfect job waiting to be found by professionals. Don’t limit your job search by applying for a single type of position or with only one company. Open yourself up to a range of possibilities related to your specialization and field. Perhaps you’ll have to take a pay cut or lower-level position to get your foot in the door. Brainstorm how you can apply your interests, skills and talents to other jobs and industries. Perhaps extra online training or supplemental education can help you expand your job search. Remember, restricting yourself will only create missed opportunities.
3. Unprofessional appearance
Like it or not, others perceive your appearance at work as a reflection of your work ethic. How you take care of yourself is an indication of how you’ll take care of your job responsibilities. Evaluate your hairstyle and clothing. Is your dress shirt crisp and clean, or is it faded and wrinkled? Are your shoes polished and in good condition, or are they scuffed and scratched?
Even the accessories you carry can make a difference and enhance your professional demeanor. Ladies, invest in a high-quality handbag that complements your wardrobe and shows off your organization skills. If possible, stick with a bag that is simple and sophisticated. Men, carry a leather briefcase or a sharp leather messenger bag. Quality accessories show you mean business.
4. A weak resume
In a competitive job market, employers are looking for an easy way to narrow down their candidates. And despite your years of experience and excellent credentials, a single error on your resume can quickly eliminate you from the running. Tailor your resume to match exactly what the employer is looking for and ensure the details are correct and typo-free. Start with the most relevant information first, organized by experience. Highlight accomplishments and relevant skills. Using a resume checklist, ask a friend to proofread it to ensure your resume will attract the eye of the employer.