So the time has come for the next step in your career. You’re pumped! You’ve spent hours updating your resume and even started planning your exit at your current gig. You hit submit on several online job applications feelings ecstatic. And then…crickets.
What gives?
As someone who has read thousands of resumes and conducted hundreds of interviews, I’ve noticed several key factors of those who struggle getting their next position.
So here are the mistakes I notice the most!
1. Not Applying To Enough Jobs
Depending on your location, experience level, field, and many other varying factors – you may have to apply to a lot of jobs before landing one. And hopefully you aren’t looking to land just any job.
Hopefully you are searching for the right job for you. Something that you will not only enjoy, but that will also help you advance your career.
Applying to jobs should feel like a part-time job.
Ask pretty much any successful person and they will tell you that there is no secret. You simply have to put yourself out there over and over again, be persistent and resilient, and give it some elbow grease.
You can’t join a gym and go 5 times and expect to see results. It is the same with a job search.
2. Not Taking The Time To Write Cover Letters
I get it. Applying to jobs is not fun. Writing, or at least personalizing, a cover letter for every single application really isn’t fun. It takes a lot of time and energy. Just how bad do you want it, though?
While not every recruiter expects to see cover letters, it will always help you stand apart. I don’t care if you are applying to be a housekeeper. If you find a company you really want to work for, write a cover letter. It literally can’t hurt – it can only help you.
Not every candidate I’ve hired has written a cover letter. Many didn’t. However, when I come across a subpar resume with less than desired experience or qualifications but with a kick ass personalized cover letter – I’ll normally give that person a chance.
It shows me they care about the job they are applying for. It also makes me believe they take their career seriously.
3. Only Applying To Jobs You Aren’t Qualified For
Okay, so I’m all about being uber ambitious, chasing your dreams and never settling for less. But girl you’ve got to start somewhere.
If you are a marketing graduate and the only jobs you apply for pay $80,000 and involve actually creating marketing content, then I wish you the best but it is going to be a loooooong search.
Similarly, if you are in hospitality and only apply for jobs that require no nights or weekends – let’s just hope you have a way to pay the bills in the meantime.
That’s not to say that those jobs are impossible. It just isn’t super likely unless you have some significant experience under your belt. Most of us have to start at a low level and work our way up the hard way.
If you get in with a company you love, the position doesn’t matter as much as the opportunities for advancement. You can work your way up quickly if you show you have done the grunt work and owned it.
4. Only Applying To Jobs You Are Qualified For
Never sell yourself short. We tend to perceive our own value much lower than it truly is. Do some research into jobs that are out of your comfort zone, and that maybe you don’t feel ready for yet. I promise you will never feel completely ready for them anyways.
This is where a killer cover letter can help you. If others are applying to the job you don’t feel qualified for, but don’t have a cover letter, you will stand out. Additionally, with unemployment at such a low point, there are less applications out there for most positions.
A nice mix of some realistic opportunities along with some dream jobs is your best bet.
5. You Aren’t Networking
Listen. LinkedIn is here for a reason. Not only does it have an awesome job search platform built right in, but also can be used for super valuable networking opportunities.
Keep your profile up to date with a nice picture, and when you are on the hunt, go to your job seeking preferences. You can let recruiters know you are open to new opportunities, and even alert recruiters at specific companies to let them know you are interested in working there.
Take it a step further. Reach out to recruiters, HR, and managers at companies you want to work for. Ask them to pass along your resume. They’ll likely let the hiring manager know that you went out on a limb – showing that you really want to work there.
Reach out to employees in similar positions too. They can provide insight into the job and also put your name out there to the hiring manager.
One of the biggest problems at many companies, especially with the millennial generation, is turnover. If you show you are dying to work at a specific company, they will be less inclined to think you’ll be gone in 6 months.
Everyone respects the person who’s willing to do whatever it takes to land the job.
Read these 5 books to boost your confidence for your next interview!
BONUS TIP: Why not show up in person?? Apply online, but also show up with a hard copy of your resume and ask to speak to the hiring manager. Introduce yourself, and ask to schedule an interview.
I know this sounds scary – but trust me, you can only become a better version of yourself by kicking down your comfort zone walls. And maybe land a sick job at the same time.
For more, follow along on Instagram @ candid.confidence!
