Mistakes can happen but don\'t make these common mistakes in your career search.

1. Silly Self Sabotage

2. Silly Self Sabotage
Amazing but true!
We don’t know why – maybe being
nervous, rushing to get things
done, multi-tasking, but job search
candidates at every level end up
doing some very common errors!
And….
All the common mistakes are easily
preventable.
Remember: This is about making a
good impression at every turn

3. Common First Impression
Errors
Error: Spelling and grammar errors in
your marketing materials.
Correction: Resumes, cover letters,
emails need to be error-free. Read
materials out loud or have a friend
read them for you.
Error: Amusing but unprofessional
email address: BlondeBabe, TopGun.
Correction: Use one email address
for your professional out reach that
includes your name.
Error: Unprofessional voice mail
messages: amusing, too long, child
recorded.
Correction: Your cell phone will be
your primary voice mail, leave your
name and when you are available to
speak with a recruiter.

4. Strategic Self Sabotage

5. Strategic Error #1
Multiple Objectives,
One Resume
Listing all of your
objective one resume will
ensure that you will never
get called.
Solution: One resume
tailored to each potential
position.

6. Strategic Error #2:
Ignore the Stated
Requirements
You don't match all the
requirements in the ad, so
you just ignore them when
you apply.
Worse, you tell them what
skills the job should require
(say, yours?).
Solution: Apply for jobs for
which you match at least
85% of stated requirements.

7. Strategic Error #3:
Ignore your Public Reputation
You have the skills and
think that’s all that matters,
not what is online or
references might say.
Solution: Check yourself
out online. Do a search on
your name. Know what a
recruiter will see.
Ask your references to help
in advance -- give them info
on your targets and your
current resume.

8. Strategic Error #4:
Blast your resume out
You e-mailed your resume to
everyone you could, posted it
on multiple job boards, and
signed up with every recruiter
you could find. So now you
look desperate, not smart.
(Industry hint: Sending several
applications can be blacklisted
on a company’s system. Then
no one will ever see your
resume)
Solution : Target the
organizations with jobs you are
qualified for.
Work only with recommended
recruiters in your field.

9. Strategic Error #5
Ignore your friends and
networks
So you don't “network”, are worried
about bothering your friends, are
afraid to go back to those you already
asked for help once, or don't 'have
time' for all that.
Solution: Most jobs are filled via
networks. Think about your contacts.
Ask for their help in specific needs.
Talk to people at events you attend.
Ask about your targets, ask if they
know people there too. Ask about
employee referral programs - lots of
hires get in that way.
(Industry Hint: 2 top sources of hire
for companies: referrals and job
boards)

10. Strategic Error # 6
Forget your manners
The receptionist told you to
have a seat but did not offer
you anything. The first
interviewer is late. You did not
get a call back when expected.
And you get upset and show it.
Solution: If everyone you deal
with makes you wonder about
the organization's culture,
maybe it is the wrong place for
you.
But mistakes happen in the
best places. If there is just a
glitch or two, stay calm and
polite.

11. Strategic Error #7
Being defensive
Why are there so many questions
about those jerks who were your
previous bosses? What business is
it of theirs what you have been
doing the past six months? Why
do they ask about your
professional activities outside
work, like you have time?
Solution: Be prepared for common
interview questions -- and test
your answers in advance. Don't be
negative about past bosses or
companies. If you can sound
positive about the good things and
are brief about the bad, you will
win the interviewer's confidence
that you can succeed in their
organization.