Job Search Mistakes Made by New Grads

If you recently graduated from a college or professional school, you're entering a very competitive job market. You will be competing against hundreds of other candidates for a limited number of job openings, so you have to find ways to stand out when you start your job search. Unfortunately, searching for a job doesn't come naturally to every graduate. Improve your chances of getting hired by avoiding these common job search mistakes.

Don't make the mistake of focusing on your needs when you should be focusing on what you can do for potential employers. If you have ideas for saving the company money or making a potential employer more profitable, emphasize those ideas in your application or cover letter. Avoid focusing on your salary expectations or your desired work hours during the job search.

Failing to create a list of desirable qualities in a potential employer is another common mistake during the job search process. Before you start your job search, determine if you want to work for a large corporation or a company with just a few employees. Then spend some time thinking about workplace culture. Do you want a laid-back work environment or one where you are expected to wear a suit and tie every day? If you don't answer these questions now, there's a chance you could accept a position at a company that isn't a good fit for your personal values.

One of the most critical mistakes you can make during the job search process is failing to research a potential employer thoroughly. Research is important for several reasons. First, you want to make sure the employer's mission is compatible with your personal beliefs. For instance, if saving the environment is one of your priorities, you might not want to accept a job with a company that produces petrochemicals. Second, researching the company ahead of time gives you an edge if you make it to the interview stage. You can then ask intelligent questions that help you demonstrate your understanding of the company's products or services.

Finally, don't make the mistake of sending your resume to every company within a 25-mile radius. Many of these companies are not likely to have any open positions that match your skills and work experience, so all the time you spend customizing your cover letter and sending out resumes will be for naught. Instead, use your list of desirable qualities to target certain employers in your area. Then write a cover letter that outlines your accomplishments and explains how you can help each company achieve its business goals. For best results, you should have a list of anywhere from 10 to 30 potential targets for each job search.

If you are in search of a rewarding career, don't make these common job search mistakes. Instead, create a list of target employers based on your expertise and personal values. It takes a little more time to conduct a targeted job search, but you are likely to find that the payoff is well worth the extra effort.

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