What Not To Do While Job Searching

A good way of determining whether or not your job search is working – is if you have found a job, right?  Wrong! You want to ensure your job search is working through self-evaluation! 

We have compiled some pointers of "What Not to do While Job Searching."  If you are doing several things on this list – you may want to re-vamp the way you have been approaching your job search.

Updating social networking sites with inappropriate content that may offend potential employers

We’ve said it before, and we will say it again – what’s posted on the internet, stays on the internet.  You need to ensure you are 100% professional on all your social networking platforms – even if you have set your privacy settings to allow only your “friends” to access your information.  Be sure to think before you post, this includes status updates – what is funny to you, may not be funny to others and this includes potential employers!

Not fixing errors on your cover letter and resume.

It is imperative to fix every mistake on your cover letter and resume; even the smallest mistake in spelling and/or grammar can move your resume from the “go” to the “no” pile.   Have a friend proof-read your documents – or even two friends! Do not depend on spell-check alone!

Having an inappropriate or hard to read email address.

Email addresses can tell a lot about a person’s personality and professionalism.  If your email address is outdated; for example, you created it when you were 16 years old and in love with the words “bebe” or “stud” – it's time to update your email address.  Make sure that it's easy to read – if there is an underscore in your email address, it may not show up on your resume properly.

Not tailoring your resume to the specific job you are applying for.

This is another one that we write a lot about!  Keep in mind – the job you are applying for probably has hundreds of other applicants as well.  Your resume needs to stand out!  You need to market yourself to the employer and show them that you have what it takes to do the job – a generic resume will not do this. Keep a master copy and tailor your resume each time that you apply for a job.

Addressing your cover letter with “to whom it may concern” and not putting in the effort to find out who to address it to.

These days, finding out a contact person is quite simple – so when you don’t take the time and effort to do so, it demonstrates to the employer that you are not taking initiative.  Contact the company directly and ask who is in charge of hiring, have a look at the company website, and even double-check the job posting for the name of the person doing the hiring.

Not having a clear objective on your resume. 

Stating in your objective or sending unsolicited resumes for “any job” will not do!  An employer wants to hire someone who has an interest in the company/position that they are applying for.  When you put that you are willing to do anything, no enthusiasm and commitment is displayed.  And honestly, do you really want to do “any job”?  Be proud of your successes and your skills and use them to land the job a job that you are truly passionate about!
Depending on the position, it may not be necessary to put an objective. For instance, in some cases, the objective is obvious and need not be stated.

Utilizing only one method of job search
If you are only applying on-line and not including other job search strategies such as networking, cold calling and dropping off your resume to targetted potential employers, then you need to step outside of your box and expand your job search strategies. Depending only on the internet to land you a job will lead you to a big black hole - in cyberspace.

Neglecting to follow up after a job interview
Waiting for the employer to call is okay when the employer has given you a specific amount of time before the hiring decision will be made however, there comes a point when it is crucial to follow up with a phone call or email. Following up not only indicates you are interested in the position but also demonstrates that you have initiative.


Remember, reviewing these pointers and making sure that you are on track with your job search will lead you to the light at the end of the job search tunnel!

                                                                                                                                    -Sunny + Sassy

Job Search Burn-Out

As we have written about in several blog posts, job search is a job in itself.  Countless hours are spent revamping resumes and cover letters, browsing job boards and newspapers for the perfect job posting, submitting online applications, preparing for job interviews, networking, and the list goes on.  Eventually, Job Search burn-out can happen.  It can leave you feeling emotionally drained and exhausted (much like typical job burn-out), de-motivated and wanting to just give up. 

We have compiled a few tips to hopefully help to bring you back to a motivated and upbeat feeling about your job search:

Admit Defeat – let yourself feel the symptoms of burn-out; do not try and run from them.  This is not to say give up on job searching completely; because as we all know, most things in life are just not handed to us, they are worked hard for!  Let yourself feel the emotion of loss of motivation and then shake it off and hit the pavement running in a more refreshing frame of mind! 

Take a Step Back – give yourself a break and an opportunity to look at all of the positive things you have done  throughout your job search;  determine what is working and what isn’t, and take some time to re-energize through doing things that you love to do (like taking a walk, hobbies and interests). 

Manage Stess - feeling stressed can contribute to feelings of de-motivation and burn-out.  When feeling overwhelmed or hopeless about your job search, incorporate tools to reduce your stress level; deep breathing, time-outs, exercise, laughing (watch a funny movie), journalling, talking to a support person etc. are all ways to alleviate stress.  

Simple Reminders – reminding yourself why you are going through all of this in the first place is a good step in the right direction.  The obvious is that being employed is a goal most of us have, but also that finding the perfect job that aligns with your way of life, values and passions is why you are working so hard!

And remember, with determination and perseverance you will see the light at the end of the job search tunnel!
                                                                                                                                                        -Sunny & Sassy