The experts at CRG know that just about everyone has their own tips about how to job hunt. Well, we also want to note that there are some ways NOT to job hunt. Like most recruiting companies, we’ve seen job seekers make their fair share of mistakes. There are things to avoid while job hunting and red flags that can pop up when you’re looking at potential job listings. With our help your job hunt will hopefully be a bit more successful.
Airing Grievances About Your Old Job
One thing that employment recruiters and hiring managers don’t want to hear is negativity. If you have issues at your current or old job, complaining about them during the interview process generally isn’t helpful. Companies want a worker who will be positive about the next step in their career, and residual negativity will help you stand out in a bad way. Hubris and a big ego fueled by your experience at your last position can also be a turnoff for potential employers, so make sure that you’re not leaving an impression that won’t help you get the job.
Ignoring Your Professional Networks
Some people don’t pay attention to their professional networks or potential connections until their job hunt begins. Ignoring these people until you need them isn’t wise. Instead, keep up your relationships with people in your field and any connections at hiring agencies. You’ll be able to jump right into the job hunt with allies at your side, and people won’t think that you’re just using them when you need them.
Only Relying on Online Applications
Just blindly sending online applications won’t necessarily land you your dream job. As we mentioned above, rely on your network and see if you have potential connections at a company with an open position. A specialized staffing agency could also help you find a position that may not be listed prominently online.
Constantly Checking In
One mistake that some job seekers make is coming on too strong. Constantly calling an HR person or employment recruiters won’t endear them to you. Checking in after an interview is fine, but bothering an employer too much is a sure way to lower your position on their list of potential hires.
Look Out For Red Flags
With so many job boards and websites that promise employment, it pays to be aware of the “red flags” that could appear in a job listing. A posting that asks for sensitive info, like a social security number, is suspect, as are posts that have been around for a while or ones that seem to be reposted frequently. The former could be a scam, while the latter shows that a company might have a problem with turnover. If a position constantly needs to be filled and refilled, you have to wonder about how the company is operating.
Being Sloppy
A spelling error may not seem like a big deal, but to a potential employer it could be. That’s especially true if the rest of your resume or cover letter is riddled with errors. If many applicants are looking into the same job, any sign that you’re not diligent or someone who checks their work may put you out of contention.