7 Mistakes Not To Make When Job Hunting

Are you a strategic job seeker who knows what move to make next or do you clumsily make mistakes and wonder how you’re ever going to get a decent job offer? If you’re the latter, don’t worry you’re not alone, job hunting mistakes happen all the time, the secret is to learn from them and move onwards and upwards quickly. We’ve selected seven of the top job hunting mistakes that are made every minute of the day. Applying for every Job Applying for every job isn’t a good tactic, a generic CV sent to everyone won’t make it to stage one, and all you’ll end up doing is devaluing yourself. Fail to research Not knowing enough about the company you’ve applied to work at is inexcusable. We have all the information at our fingertips, we should know about company developments, expansions, awards, ethics, mission and even if they work from an open planned office or not. The candidate who’s done all their research will be the one who’s remembered after the interview, not the one who knows nothing. Last employer grievances It’s time to move on, and you can’t keep dragging the past around with you. If or when you’re asked at your next interview “Why did you leave your last job” do yourself a favour and don’t mention the huge argument you had with your boss or how they were the worst company in the world to work for, it won’t do you any favours.  No-one wants to work with someone who bad mouths their former employer, even if you were in the right. Not dressing appropriately If you turn up to an interview in casual clothes because you assumed that it would be that type of company, but the interviewer expected you to arrive in a suit, you’re going to feel awkward, and it will show. This ties in with failing to research; you should know exactly what to wear to the interview, if you’re not sure then ask. Annoying habits Do you bite your nails, sniff a lot, constantly shuffle your feet? Annoying habits need to be kept under control during an interview; otherwise, your habit could be the reason why the job gets given to someone else. Bad body language Bad body language usually goes hand in hand with annoying habits and could be put down to nervousness. The interviewer looks at body language because that’s where the truth lies. For example, if you’re shaking your head no while saying you were a brilliant team leader, what do you think the interviewer will believe, your mouth or your head? Be aware of your body language, control the slouching, head shaking, crossed arms and feet pointing towards the door. No follow up You spend over an hour at the interview, but you fail to answer one important question, “When will I hear from you?” In between the interview date and the date of the expectant call a follow-up email should be sent, giving thanks for the interview, this keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind.