5 Biggest Job Search Mistakes Candidates Don’t Even Know They’re Making

5 Biggest Job Search Mistakes Candidates Don’t Even Know They’re Making

As a top recruiting agency, Peoplelink knows there are plenty of job search mistakes that candidates from entry level to experienced seem to make. So what are they – and how can you avoid them? Here’s a look:

Mistake #1: Applying to Every Opening Under the Sun. 

Don’t take the “hey, you never know” approach to applying for jobs. You’ll waste your time and annoy the hiring manager who has to review dozens – or even hundreds – of resumes from unqualified candidates. Instead, take a targeted approach, applying only to those jobs for which you’re truly qualified.

Mistake #2: Cramming Your Resume Onto One Page.

You only have a few seconds to make a great impression on a hiring manager. And if the information on your resume is crammed into one page, with dense paragraphs and poor formatting, then your resume will likely wind up in the trash. It’s perfectly fine for your resume to be 1.5 to 2 pages long (but don’t go longer than that, unless you’re creating a curriculum vitae). It’s better to have a resume that’s two pages long and offers easy-to-read information, then to squeeze everything onto one page.

Mistake #3: Accepting the First Offer You Get.

If the offer is for your dream job with a leading employer, then by all means “go for it!” But if you’re unsure, don’t automatically accept the first offer that comes your way just to secure a job. If you have reservations about a position, there’s likely a good reason. That’s why it’s important to take some time to evaluate the job, the offer, and the employer to ensure you’re making the right decision.

Mistake #4: Only Applying to Companies That Post Job Openings. 

If there’s a company you’re dying to work for and they don’t have any job openings posted, send a letter of inquiry along with your resume to the HR department anyway. In your letter, explain why you want to work for the company (be specific!), what unique skills and talents you can bring to the table, and the type of position you’d be interested in. Timing is everything and there’s always the possibility that your resume could get into the right hands at just the right time.

Mistake #5: Not Considering Temporary Employment.

In today’s economy, temporary jobs are on the rise. More and more companies are seeing the value in hiring temporary workers to meet seasonal increases in demand or to try out employees before making a full-time hiring decision. So don’t write temporary employment off; it could just be your pathway to a full-time gig!

Want to Find Out More About Temporary Employment?

Let Peoplelink know. As a top recruiting agency, we can match you with rewarding temporary and temp-to-hire assignments. Search jobs or contact Peoplelink today.