Searching for a job isn’t an exact science. There are many possible mistakes that can be made and the wrong ones could cost you the next job opportunity. How can you avoid the most egregious job hunting mistakes and find yourself a great new job? Here are some of the most common mistakes that job seekers make and how you can avoid them in your own search.

1. Not sending a cover letter. Far too many job seekers neglect the cover letter. Imagine you’re a recruiter and you receive thousands of emails a day. Several have no information in the body of the message and just an attachment. Computer experts certainly advise you not to open attachments from someone you don’t know. This means a resume may never even be opened. To ensure that yours is, craft an email to act as your cover letter letting the recipient who you are and why they want to read your resume.
2. Avoiding networking events. Of course it is okay to be shy but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort to get out into to the community and make industry connections. Networking is an essential skill and one that should be practiced repeatedly. Go to local events, get to know key players in the industry, and make connections. If you are shy, set yourself a limit and goals for the number of people you want to meet. You should also be networking online. Don’t skip setting up social media sites, especially LinkedIn.
3. Creating a too generic resume. Recruiters and hiring managers want to see what makes you a special candidate for the job. Sending a resume that looks like every other resume will have exactly the opposite effect. Instead, customize your resume for each job opportunity for which you apply. Add language that the company uses in their job description to allow them to see how you will be the specific solution to their hiring problem.
4. Not telling the whole truth. Some job seekers create even bigger problems for themselves by not telling the truth on the resume or in interviews. Information will be easy for the company to verify by calling your references so you want to keep your experience honest. Don’t try to make yourself sound like something you’re not just to get the job, it will always backfire.
5. Halting your job search. Finally, one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is to stop their search whenever they get some positive feedback from a company. You may hear back on a resume or an application or you may schedule and interview, but never put all your eggs in that one company’s basket. Continue your search as you’re going through the process so you don’t find yourself back at square one.

Are you ready to kick start your job search? VincentBenjamin can help you today!