Sure Fire Ways to Sabotage Your Job Search

Joe Weinlick
Posted by in Career Advice


Some job seekers have greater difficulty finding work because they are doing something counterproductive. Consider some of the ways that job seekers sabotage their own employment efforts.

Keep a Random Schedule

When job seekers leave their schedule to chance during the week, they are less likely to find a job. It is important to create an efficient schedule to stay focused while seeking employment. Set aside a few days each week to look for job opportunities to actively increase your chances of finding work. Some job seekers sabotage themselves by taking breaks during the job search process, so stay motivated. Job seekers who come early get noticed, so rise early to take on the challenge.

Distribute A Poor Resume

If you are using a resume that is more than a few years old, it is time to update it. Ask a teacher or a resume writing professional to review your resume and help you make improvements. Optimize your resume using keywords from the job search description to beat applicant tracking systems, and create a customized resume for each position. Double-check your resume for accuracy before submitting it to employers.

Disregard Your Social Media Activity

More companies are performing social media background checks to determine if potential candidates are a positive fit for the company’s brand and culture. Many job seekers sabotage their chances at obtaining a job with a reputable company because they have poor online reputations. Be aware of what you post online to protect yourself and your career. Delete old photos, videos and profiles that do not reflect your professional attitude and desired image.

Arrive Unprepared for the Interview

A job candidate can seem like an ideal choice on paper but fail to impress the hiring manager during the interview process. Conduct a mock interview with a fellow professional, friend or relative to help you prepare. Come up with a list of answers to common interview questions to avoid scrambling for a response. Do a bit of background research on the company to offer more enlightened answers to unique inquiries. Construct a list of perceptive questions to ask the hiring manager as well to show greater enthusiasm and interest for the position you are applying for.

Burn Your Bridges

It is crucial to leave a job in peace, or job seekers sabotage their chances at future employment. Managers often contact your previous employers to gain insight, so aim to leave on a positive note, even if you despise your job. You never know who in your business circle can connect you to job opportunities later, so keep your industry contacts on your good side.

Forget Other Employment Avenues

Some job seekers sabotage their job search by settling for nothing else but the perfect job. Waiting around for the job of your dreams can prevent you from getting work, but job seekers who are open to a new professions and cultures increase their chances of employment instantly. Once you expand your mind to consider uncommon employment opportunities, more possibilities for work materialize each day.

When job seekers sabotage their own efforts, they wonder why employment success eludes them. It is imperative to avoid bad job search methods now to attain employment. Develop positive job search habits to acquire a new job faster than you thought possible.

 

Photo courtesy of xedos4 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


 

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  • Pat O.
    Pat O.

    This is very helpful thank you.

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