5 Job Search Mistakes to Avoid

5 Job Search Mistakes to Avoid 5 Job Search Mistakes to Avoid 6The process of trying to find a job can be challenging, to say the least, and there are a lot of job search mistakes to avoid if at all possible. Finding the right position and gaining an understanding of what the role entails are one thing, but the application, interviews, and waiting period can feel like a lot of hoops to jump through. Part of managing the process means being mindful of ways you can screw it up if you aren’t careful. Here are five overall job search mistakes to avoid: Don’t dismiss the process. Taking shortcuts or not paying close attention to what the employer is asking for in your application is a fast way to end up in the pass pile. Whether you think it’s valid or not, employers generally have reasons for asking certain questions or for particular information. If nothing else, not following the directions certainly doesn’t give a sense of confidence. Don’t skim the information. Any correspondence you get from a company is important. If they have taken the time to send it, you need to read it carefully. It’s completely acceptable to ask for clarification when needed, but before you fire off an email to ask a question, look back at all your information to be sure it hasn’t already been answered. Don’t be uninformed. Do your research on companies and the professionals connected to them. Any knowledge you can gain is valuable. Including a line about an article you may have read profiling the company in your cover letter is a great way to show- and not just state- your interest in the job. Don’t be too pushy. Do you know someone who knows someone? Do you have an email address for someone in a position to make decisions? Use caution here, my friends. While networking and connections can be very valuable in landing a great job, it is easy to go too far in those scenarios. Don’t misrepresent yourself. While admitting you don’t have the experience, the skill, or the education a job requires will most likely put you out of the running, the alternative is worse. Let’s say you manage to secure the position. Chances are very good that the less-than-honest information you gave will catch up to you. The long-term implications are simply not worth the short-term benefits, as evidenced in famous resume lies and their lessons. Check back in for more detailed advice about avoiding mistakes in the application and interview phases of your job search! Readers, what mistakes have you made or witnessed in the job search? Tell us about it in the comments below!