Three Ways to Absolutely Derail Your Job Search

The best jobs, as everyone knows, aren’t in the newspaper. More companies are using online job boards, like Phillyjobs.com, to post job openings because that’s what applicants use to find jobs. They may insist that you apply for a job on their website. It is a way of screening applicants for the basic understanding of the Internet, how to follow directions and tasks like uploading documents, editing and written communications.

When you begin your job search, and periodically along the way, make a list of companies that you would like to work for. Those are companies that share your values, have a good reputation, are stable financially (or as good as it gets in this economy), and offer the job, salary and benefits you are looking for. Divide them into three categories. Your “A” list are the “to die for” companies, “B” are acceptable, and “C” you’ll consider if “A” or “B” don’t pan out. The “C” companies are a good place to start to test out your resume and interview skills, since there’s not a lot of pressure. The B’s are next, and save the A’s when you are polished and confident.

Before you click on the next job opening, consider the other side of the connection. What does the hiring manager or HR generalist see when your resume or application ends up in their Inbox? Even though you are ready to go, you may have already made some serious errors. You can derail a job search, especially in a targeted industry or company if you make these three mistakes:

1. Sending our your “C” resume. I work with a lot of clients who are anxious to get a job. They dust off their resume and maybe even tweak it a little, and then start sending it out. When they don’t get any results after a week, or a month they come to me, frustrated and frantic. The resume you used to land your last job may not be ready for prime time anymore. If you’ve changed jobs in the last two years, the technical skills and experience section of your resume is probably outdated or lacking. The way work is done has changed dramatically. Your resume should be updated with your latest work experience, highlighting any technical, Internet, digital or computer experience.

2. Saturating the market. Some job seekers make the mistake of thinking more is better. They find three jobs at one company listed on their website and apply to all three—at the same time. This is confusing to human resources and can make you look a little desperate or confused. Multiply this by five target companies and your name begins to get familiar. HR professionals communicate, and if your name becomes a household word in their circle, it may not be a good thing.

3. Letting yourself go. Job searches can take months, even years. After awhile, you get used to having your last cup of morning coffee in your pajamas with Hoda and Kathy Lee. The nails, hair, skin care and yoga classes cost money, and after awhile, you may not feel that the person in the mirror who hasn’t found a job YET isn’t worth it. When the phone does ring, it isn’t easy to snap out of that mindset and become a confident, determined person who can conquer the world.

Attitude speaks louder than your resume. Take care of yourself, body, mind and spirit. Confidence is easier to pull off with a good manicure.

Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for phillyjobs.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing Alto II with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at phillyjobs.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.