SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 22
Download to read offline
10

signs that

You are a

TIMEWASTER
It really doesn't matter if you are a Career Changer
searching for greener pastures
or a full time Job Seeker in need of a new job.

Job Seeking comes in two colours only!
Black & White
So … Check for yourself if you are doing one or more
of these Top 10 Timewasters and then go and change your approach.
Not reading the job posting properly
Not reading the job posting properly
Guys, seriously! Read the job posting.
I mean, really read it. Not just the job title.
Every job is different.
Just because the job title is remotely related to your skill
set doesn’t mean you’ll be qualified. If you don’t meet
most of the criteria, don’t bother.
.

Not checking the ‘minimum requirements’.
.

Not checking off the “minimum requirements.”
Check off the “minimum requirements.”
They’re not kidding.
If they require an engineering degree and you don’t have one,
you’re wasting your time responding to the job posting.
You are sending the wrong signals if you ignore the minimum.
Sending multiple applications
to the same company or recruiter
Sending multiple applications
to the same company or recruiter
One of the silliest things to do!
You may think it’s more time and cost effective to just apply for three
or four positions, but if your applications make it through the company
or recruiter systems (ATS) , you’ll show up in someone’s inbox with
multiple personalities.
Contrary to popular belief, you won’t be seen as versatile...
more like confused or desperate or undecided.
No Follow-up
No Follow-up
Follow-up. Yes, it’s important to send a note or email immediately after
the interview and keep in touch afterwards.
But hey! …Once a week is enough, not every day and twice on Friday.

When you follow up, (including phone calls) ask what the next steps are
and how the prospective hiring professional would prefer follow up
communication.
Then, follow the lead.
Failing to “Move on”
Failing to “Move on”
Move on. If you get a rejection, learn what you can and move on.
On the other hand, I have, on occasion, sent a follow up email expressing
appreciation for the interview and asked if they had any feedback for me. Most
employers won’t respond, but some may let you know where your skills or
experience fell short. They may have misunderstood something, and you’ll have
an opportunity to restate your qualifications. Plus, you might help set yourself
up for future opportunities.
Writing a million cover letters
Writing a million cover letters
I’m going to let you in on a big secret that most
Recruiters and Hiring Managers won’t tell you:
No one cares anymore about cover letters unless they specifically asked for it!
If a cover letter is requested,
do your best, be genuine, honest, short and simple
and, most importantly, make it clear why you are the best one for the position.
Applying for jobs
you like vs those you are suited for
Applying for jobs
you like vs those you are suited for
There are a lot of cool jobs out there. There are also a lot of hip, snazzy
companies. It’s easy to get hypnotised by the hipness.

If you are really not suited for the job, don’t apply! No matter how cool the ad is
or how great you think the job might be.
Don’t drink the cool company Kool-Aid.
The more you avoid this, the sooner you will get a job.
Filling out a gazillion online applications
Filling out a gazillion online applications
Online applications eat enormous amounts of time, particularly government ones.
Unless you know someone at the company who will flag it or email it to the right
person, your application is just more hay in the haystack.
You are also adding to your online footprint in ATS systems and potentially reduce your
chances for future applications.

Your time is better spent contacting people in your field who can do something with
your application rather than just filing application after application after application
with no response.
Going to ‘Getting the Gig’ events
Going to “Getting the Gig” events
These are the worst. This is how these events usually go: You register, get a name
tag, shell out $20-45 to eat pretzels, carrots, brie and ranch dressing and hear
one keynote speaker or a panel of five people (give or take).
Everyone there is hoping that they will hit it off so well with one of the speakers
that they will get a key contact or reference and voila … a job. They think they
will stand out in the crowd of other Career Changers or Job Seekers; the same
experience, the same elevator speech, the same the same the same.
Don’t throw your name in the raffle hoping it’s drawn.
Don’t be a Timewaster!
Create situations where you’re the only name in the bowl.
Doubting Yourself
Doubting Yourself
You believe in yourself or you don’t.
The longer you spend deciding whether or not you’re good at what you want
to do, the more time you waste not doing what you want.
When not doing what you love is more painful than overcoming the doubt in
your ability to do it, you, my friends,
are marching down the right path.
Now, whatever you do, DON’T STOP. Keep marching
and remember to hunt wisely! Uli

More Related Content

Recently uploaded

Storytelling, Ethics and Workflow in Documentary Photography
Storytelling, Ethics and Workflow in Documentary PhotographyStorytelling, Ethics and Workflow in Documentary Photography
Storytelling, Ethics and Workflow in Documentary PhotographyOrtega Alikwe
 
格里菲斯大学毕业证(Griffith毕业证)#文凭成绩单#真实留信学历认证永久存档
格里菲斯大学毕业证(Griffith毕业证)#文凭成绩单#真实留信学历认证永久存档格里菲斯大学毕业证(Griffith毕业证)#文凭成绩单#真实留信学历认证永久存档
格里菲斯大学毕业证(Griffith毕业证)#文凭成绩单#真实留信学历认证永久存档208367051
 
Issues in the Philippines (Unemployment and Underemployment).pptx
Issues in the Philippines (Unemployment and Underemployment).pptxIssues in the Philippines (Unemployment and Underemployment).pptx
Issues in the Philippines (Unemployment and Underemployment).pptxJenniferPeraro1
 
Graduate Trainee Officer Job in Bank Al Habib 2024.docx
Graduate Trainee Officer Job in Bank Al Habib 2024.docxGraduate Trainee Officer Job in Bank Al Habib 2024.docx
Graduate Trainee Officer Job in Bank Al Habib 2024.docxJobs Finder Hub
 
办理老道明大学毕业证成绩单|购买美国ODU文凭证书
办理老道明大学毕业证成绩单|购买美国ODU文凭证书办理老道明大学毕业证成绩单|购买美国ODU文凭证书
办理老道明大学毕业证成绩单|购买美国ODU文凭证书saphesg8
 
Navigating the Data Economy: Transforming Recruitment and Hiring
Navigating the Data Economy: Transforming Recruitment and HiringNavigating the Data Economy: Transforming Recruitment and Hiring
Navigating the Data Economy: Transforming Recruitment and Hiringkaran651042
 
办理学位证(Massey证书)新西兰梅西大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
办理学位证(Massey证书)新西兰梅西大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一办理学位证(Massey证书)新西兰梅西大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
办理学位证(Massey证书)新西兰梅西大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一A SSS
 
MIdterm Review International Trade.pptx review
MIdterm Review International Trade.pptx reviewMIdterm Review International Trade.pptx review
MIdterm Review International Trade.pptx reviewSheldon Byron
 
办理学位证(纽伦堡大学文凭证书)纽伦堡大学毕业证成绩单原版一模一样
办理学位证(纽伦堡大学文凭证书)纽伦堡大学毕业证成绩单原版一模一样办理学位证(纽伦堡大学文凭证书)纽伦堡大学毕业证成绩单原版一模一样
办理学位证(纽伦堡大学文凭证书)纽伦堡大学毕业证成绩单原版一模一样umasea
 
Unlock Your Creative Potential: 7 Skills for Content Creator Evolution
Unlock Your Creative Potential: 7 Skills for Content Creator EvolutionUnlock Your Creative Potential: 7 Skills for Content Creator Evolution
Unlock Your Creative Potential: 7 Skills for Content Creator EvolutionRhazes Ghaisan
 
ME 205- Chapter 6 - Pure Bending of Beams.pdf
ME 205- Chapter 6 - Pure Bending of Beams.pdfME 205- Chapter 6 - Pure Bending of Beams.pdf
ME 205- Chapter 6 - Pure Bending of Beams.pdfaae4149584
 
原版定制卡尔加里大学毕业证(UC毕业证)留信学历认证
原版定制卡尔加里大学毕业证(UC毕业证)留信学历认证原版定制卡尔加里大学毕业证(UC毕业证)留信学历认证
原版定制卡尔加里大学毕业证(UC毕业证)留信学历认证diploma001
 
8377877756 Full Enjoy @24/7 Call Girls in Pitampura Delhi NCR
8377877756 Full Enjoy @24/7 Call Girls in Pitampura Delhi NCR8377877756 Full Enjoy @24/7 Call Girls in Pitampura Delhi NCR
8377877756 Full Enjoy @24/7 Call Girls in Pitampura Delhi NCRdollysharma2066
 
原版定制copy澳洲查尔斯达尔文大学毕业证CDU毕业证成绩单留信学历认证保障质量
原版定制copy澳洲查尔斯达尔文大学毕业证CDU毕业证成绩单留信学历认证保障质量原版定制copy澳洲查尔斯达尔文大学毕业证CDU毕业证成绩单留信学历认证保障质量
原版定制copy澳洲查尔斯达尔文大学毕业证CDU毕业证成绩单留信学历认证保障质量sehgh15heh
 
办理学位证(UoM证书)北安普顿大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
办理学位证(UoM证书)北安普顿大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一办理学位证(UoM证书)北安普顿大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
办理学位证(UoM证书)北安普顿大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一A SSS
 
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines April 2024
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines April 2024LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines April 2024
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines April 2024Bruce Bennett
 
Black and White Minimalist Co Letter.pdf
Black and White Minimalist Co Letter.pdfBlack and White Minimalist Co Letter.pdf
Black and White Minimalist Co Letter.pdfpadillaangelina0023
 
Escort Service Andheri WhatsApp:+91-9833363713
Escort Service Andheri WhatsApp:+91-9833363713Escort Service Andheri WhatsApp:+91-9833363713
Escort Service Andheri WhatsApp:+91-9833363713Riya Pathan
 
Application deck- Cyril Caudroy-2024.pdf
Application deck- Cyril Caudroy-2024.pdfApplication deck- Cyril Caudroy-2024.pdf
Application deck- Cyril Caudroy-2024.pdfCyril CAUDROY
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Storytelling, Ethics and Workflow in Documentary Photography
Storytelling, Ethics and Workflow in Documentary PhotographyStorytelling, Ethics and Workflow in Documentary Photography
Storytelling, Ethics and Workflow in Documentary Photography
 
格里菲斯大学毕业证(Griffith毕业证)#文凭成绩单#真实留信学历认证永久存档
格里菲斯大学毕业证(Griffith毕业证)#文凭成绩单#真实留信学历认证永久存档格里菲斯大学毕业证(Griffith毕业证)#文凭成绩单#真实留信学历认证永久存档
格里菲斯大学毕业证(Griffith毕业证)#文凭成绩单#真实留信学历认证永久存档
 
Issues in the Philippines (Unemployment and Underemployment).pptx
Issues in the Philippines (Unemployment and Underemployment).pptxIssues in the Philippines (Unemployment and Underemployment).pptx
Issues in the Philippines (Unemployment and Underemployment).pptx
 
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Gautam Nagar (Delhi) Call Us 9953056974
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Gautam Nagar (Delhi) Call Us 9953056974FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Gautam Nagar (Delhi) Call Us 9953056974
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Gautam Nagar (Delhi) Call Us 9953056974
 
Graduate Trainee Officer Job in Bank Al Habib 2024.docx
Graduate Trainee Officer Job in Bank Al Habib 2024.docxGraduate Trainee Officer Job in Bank Al Habib 2024.docx
Graduate Trainee Officer Job in Bank Al Habib 2024.docx
 
办理老道明大学毕业证成绩单|购买美国ODU文凭证书
办理老道明大学毕业证成绩单|购买美国ODU文凭证书办理老道明大学毕业证成绩单|购买美国ODU文凭证书
办理老道明大学毕业证成绩单|购买美国ODU文凭证书
 
Navigating the Data Economy: Transforming Recruitment and Hiring
Navigating the Data Economy: Transforming Recruitment and HiringNavigating the Data Economy: Transforming Recruitment and Hiring
Navigating the Data Economy: Transforming Recruitment and Hiring
 
办理学位证(Massey证书)新西兰梅西大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
办理学位证(Massey证书)新西兰梅西大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一办理学位证(Massey证书)新西兰梅西大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
办理学位证(Massey证书)新西兰梅西大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
 
MIdterm Review International Trade.pptx review
MIdterm Review International Trade.pptx reviewMIdterm Review International Trade.pptx review
MIdterm Review International Trade.pptx review
 
办理学位证(纽伦堡大学文凭证书)纽伦堡大学毕业证成绩单原版一模一样
办理学位证(纽伦堡大学文凭证书)纽伦堡大学毕业证成绩单原版一模一样办理学位证(纽伦堡大学文凭证书)纽伦堡大学毕业证成绩单原版一模一样
办理学位证(纽伦堡大学文凭证书)纽伦堡大学毕业证成绩单原版一模一样
 
Unlock Your Creative Potential: 7 Skills for Content Creator Evolution
Unlock Your Creative Potential: 7 Skills for Content Creator EvolutionUnlock Your Creative Potential: 7 Skills for Content Creator Evolution
Unlock Your Creative Potential: 7 Skills for Content Creator Evolution
 
ME 205- Chapter 6 - Pure Bending of Beams.pdf
ME 205- Chapter 6 - Pure Bending of Beams.pdfME 205- Chapter 6 - Pure Bending of Beams.pdf
ME 205- Chapter 6 - Pure Bending of Beams.pdf
 
原版定制卡尔加里大学毕业证(UC毕业证)留信学历认证
原版定制卡尔加里大学毕业证(UC毕业证)留信学历认证原版定制卡尔加里大学毕业证(UC毕业证)留信学历认证
原版定制卡尔加里大学毕业证(UC毕业证)留信学历认证
 
8377877756 Full Enjoy @24/7 Call Girls in Pitampura Delhi NCR
8377877756 Full Enjoy @24/7 Call Girls in Pitampura Delhi NCR8377877756 Full Enjoy @24/7 Call Girls in Pitampura Delhi NCR
8377877756 Full Enjoy @24/7 Call Girls in Pitampura Delhi NCR
 
原版定制copy澳洲查尔斯达尔文大学毕业证CDU毕业证成绩单留信学历认证保障质量
原版定制copy澳洲查尔斯达尔文大学毕业证CDU毕业证成绩单留信学历认证保障质量原版定制copy澳洲查尔斯达尔文大学毕业证CDU毕业证成绩单留信学历认证保障质量
原版定制copy澳洲查尔斯达尔文大学毕业证CDU毕业证成绩单留信学历认证保障质量
 
办理学位证(UoM证书)北安普顿大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
办理学位证(UoM证书)北安普顿大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一办理学位证(UoM证书)北安普顿大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
办理学位证(UoM证书)北安普顿大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
 
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines April 2024
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines April 2024LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines April 2024
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines April 2024
 
Black and White Minimalist Co Letter.pdf
Black and White Minimalist Co Letter.pdfBlack and White Minimalist Co Letter.pdf
Black and White Minimalist Co Letter.pdf
 
Escort Service Andheri WhatsApp:+91-9833363713
Escort Service Andheri WhatsApp:+91-9833363713Escort Service Andheri WhatsApp:+91-9833363713
Escort Service Andheri WhatsApp:+91-9833363713
 
Application deck- Cyril Caudroy-2024.pdf
Application deck- Cyril Caudroy-2024.pdfApplication deck- Cyril Caudroy-2024.pdf
Application deck- Cyril Caudroy-2024.pdf
 

Featured

2024 State of Marketing Report – by Hubspot
2024 State of Marketing Report – by Hubspot2024 State of Marketing Report – by Hubspot
2024 State of Marketing Report – by HubspotMarius Sescu
 
Everything You Need To Know About ChatGPT
Everything You Need To Know About ChatGPTEverything You Need To Know About ChatGPT
Everything You Need To Know About ChatGPTExpeed Software
 
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage Engineerings
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsProduct Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage Engineerings
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsPixeldarts
 
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthHow Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthThinkNow
 
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfAI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfmarketingartwork
 
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024Neil Kimberley
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)contently
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024Albert Qian
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsKurio // The Social Media Age(ncy)
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Tessa Mero
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentLily Ray
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...RachelPearson36
 

Featured (20)

2024 State of Marketing Report – by Hubspot
2024 State of Marketing Report – by Hubspot2024 State of Marketing Report – by Hubspot
2024 State of Marketing Report – by Hubspot
 
Everything You Need To Know About ChatGPT
Everything You Need To Know About ChatGPTEverything You Need To Know About ChatGPT
Everything You Need To Know About ChatGPT
 
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage Engineerings
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsProduct Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage Engineerings
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage Engineerings
 
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthHow Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
 
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfAI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
 
Skeleton Culture Code
Skeleton Culture CodeSkeleton Culture Code
Skeleton Culture Code
 
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
 
How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations
 
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data ScienceIntroduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project management
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
 

10 signs that you are a TIMEWASTER

  • 1. 10 signs that You are a TIMEWASTER
  • 2. It really doesn't matter if you are a Career Changer searching for greener pastures or a full time Job Seeker in need of a new job. Job Seeking comes in two colours only! Black & White So … Check for yourself if you are doing one or more of these Top 10 Timewasters and then go and change your approach.
  • 3. Not reading the job posting properly
  • 4. Not reading the job posting properly Guys, seriously! Read the job posting. I mean, really read it. Not just the job title. Every job is different. Just because the job title is remotely related to your skill set doesn’t mean you’ll be qualified. If you don’t meet most of the criteria, don’t bother.
  • 5. . Not checking the ‘minimum requirements’.
  • 6. . Not checking off the “minimum requirements.” Check off the “minimum requirements.” They’re not kidding. If they require an engineering degree and you don’t have one, you’re wasting your time responding to the job posting. You are sending the wrong signals if you ignore the minimum.
  • 7. Sending multiple applications to the same company or recruiter
  • 8. Sending multiple applications to the same company or recruiter One of the silliest things to do! You may think it’s more time and cost effective to just apply for three or four positions, but if your applications make it through the company or recruiter systems (ATS) , you’ll show up in someone’s inbox with multiple personalities. Contrary to popular belief, you won’t be seen as versatile... more like confused or desperate or undecided.
  • 10. No Follow-up Follow-up. Yes, it’s important to send a note or email immediately after the interview and keep in touch afterwards. But hey! …Once a week is enough, not every day and twice on Friday. When you follow up, (including phone calls) ask what the next steps are and how the prospective hiring professional would prefer follow up communication. Then, follow the lead.
  • 12. Failing to “Move on” Move on. If you get a rejection, learn what you can and move on. On the other hand, I have, on occasion, sent a follow up email expressing appreciation for the interview and asked if they had any feedback for me. Most employers won’t respond, but some may let you know where your skills or experience fell short. They may have misunderstood something, and you’ll have an opportunity to restate your qualifications. Plus, you might help set yourself up for future opportunities.
  • 13. Writing a million cover letters
  • 14. Writing a million cover letters I’m going to let you in on a big secret that most Recruiters and Hiring Managers won’t tell you: No one cares anymore about cover letters unless they specifically asked for it! If a cover letter is requested, do your best, be genuine, honest, short and simple and, most importantly, make it clear why you are the best one for the position.
  • 15. Applying for jobs you like vs those you are suited for
  • 16. Applying for jobs you like vs those you are suited for There are a lot of cool jobs out there. There are also a lot of hip, snazzy companies. It’s easy to get hypnotised by the hipness. If you are really not suited for the job, don’t apply! No matter how cool the ad is or how great you think the job might be. Don’t drink the cool company Kool-Aid. The more you avoid this, the sooner you will get a job.
  • 17. Filling out a gazillion online applications
  • 18. Filling out a gazillion online applications Online applications eat enormous amounts of time, particularly government ones. Unless you know someone at the company who will flag it or email it to the right person, your application is just more hay in the haystack. You are also adding to your online footprint in ATS systems and potentially reduce your chances for future applications. Your time is better spent contacting people in your field who can do something with your application rather than just filing application after application after application with no response.
  • 19. Going to ‘Getting the Gig’ events
  • 20. Going to “Getting the Gig” events These are the worst. This is how these events usually go: You register, get a name tag, shell out $20-45 to eat pretzels, carrots, brie and ranch dressing and hear one keynote speaker or a panel of five people (give or take). Everyone there is hoping that they will hit it off so well with one of the speakers that they will get a key contact or reference and voila … a job. They think they will stand out in the crowd of other Career Changers or Job Seekers; the same experience, the same elevator speech, the same the same the same. Don’t throw your name in the raffle hoping it’s drawn. Don’t be a Timewaster! Create situations where you’re the only name in the bowl.
  • 22. Doubting Yourself You believe in yourself or you don’t. The longer you spend deciding whether or not you’re good at what you want to do, the more time you waste not doing what you want. When not doing what you love is more painful than overcoming the doubt in your ability to do it, you, my friends, are marching down the right path. Now, whatever you do, DON’T STOP. Keep marching and remember to hunt wisely! Uli