Are you sabotaging your job search? Keraijens Blog: Certified ...

For a lot of job seekers, the biggest obstacle is themselves, in that they are sabotaging their job search each day and not even realising it. Are you sabotaging your job search?

The first step you need to do to stay clear of sabotaging your job search is to have an action plan. By having an action plan, the chances of achieving your goals are much greater. So how do you create an action plan?

1.?? Assess yourself through self-assessment.

This is an opportunity to realign your goals. Ask yourself: What are my values? What are my core strengths/skills? What are my priorities for the next few years? What do I want out of a job? What type of job will help me achieve my personal and professional goals?

2.?? Research your career goals.

Now that you?ve identified your needs, you?ll need to research industries, jobs and organisations. When you find companies that interest you, take note of: What differentiates this company from others? What is the company culture and vision? How does the company treat employees? What is their reputation?

3.?? Develop your career marketing strategy.

Develop your resume and other career marketing documents to showcase your skills, contributions, achievements and qualifications. Your resume should be written specifically to market and merchandise your talents. Your resume, cover letter, biography, resume portfolio and your network are your marketing tools.

4.?? ?Develop a list of Contacts for Networking.

Networking will allow you to tap into the Hidden Job Market, where 90% of jobs are found. Start with your family, friends, and other professionals in your network. These are all people who you can contact to help you in your search, either with leads, openings or information.

5.?? Develop a job search system.

Develop a document management system where you keep records of potential employers you have researched; have additional research information on company philosophy, culture and recent company developments / projects which will aid you in standing out in the interview; have a record of contacts and employers you have sent your resume to; and include any other items related to your job search. As you research employers and determine the skill requirements for the position you are seeking, update your resume and cover letter to reflect your experience in these areas if you have it.

6.?? Prepare for your interviews.

Even before you get an interview, you should be conducting mock interviews with family and friends. Informational interviewing is also good practice for the real thing ? you can gather information from your contacts, alums, and other persons in your field of interest. Remember, the key to coming across confident in the interview is practice, practice, practice. The interviewer will ask whether you have any questions to ask, so remember to develop at least three questions for each interview.

7.?? Implement your action plan.

Now that you?ve developed your action plan, it?s time to put it into action. Don?t forget to continue to self-evaluate yourself by asking yourself ? What is and isn?t working? Are there gaps in my performance? Where can I improve?? What help or advice do I need? Where can I go for help, resources and expertise? How do I stay motivated and keep up my momentum? Also, recognise that the job market changes over time. If it?s been a while since you conducted a job search, then you will need to familiarise yourself with the current job search techniques.

8.?? Follow-Up.

Your job search is an on-going process where you will need to follow-up with employers and leads. If you do not hear from an employer within 2-weeks of sending out your resume and cover letter, call or email to find out about the status of your application. Of course, if the company is still accepting applications, then you need to wait until 2-weeks after the application closing date. If your contacts have given you leads, investigate those leads and set up appoints for informational interviews.

9.?? Send thank you notes.

After each interview or lead, send out a hand written thank you note or letter. Hand written notes provide a more lasting impression than just sending an email.

You will find having an action plan in place will be a huge benefit, as a seemingly insurmountable task is suddenly rendered manageable.

There are a number of issues that you can be performing that will sabotage your job search. Are you doing any of these?

1. Not networking or developing a network.
2. Failing to interact with decision-makers and leads.
3. Not having an action plan or staying focused on your goals.
4. Not understanding your personal brand and what makes you unique.
5. Resistance to change or not understanding that the job market changes over time.
6. Fear and lack of confidence.
7. Using a traditional approach to submitting applications.
8. Sending resumes without a connection.
9. Focusing on HR needs instead of targeting the needs of decision-makers.
10. Not investing enough time in developing a strategic job search. Finding a job is a full-time job!
11. Using clich? statements such as ?I?m a team player?
12. Not believing in yourself. If you don?t believe you will be an asset to the company, how are you going to convince the employer?

What ways do you see job seekers sabotaging themselves? Share your thoughts below!

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