3 Job Search Mistakes To Avoid
Sometimes the thing holding you back in your job search just isn’t on your radar. And you keep on keeping on with minimal results.
If you’re an excellent candidate – which I know you are – you’ll find you will get the momentum you’re looking for if you avoid these three common mistakes.
1. Resume longer than 2 pages:
Just no. I love someone who knows how to self-promote, but if you can’t be concise about it, the recruiters and hiring managers are already thinking – you’re not going to be clear and concise in emails, conversations and the multitude of documents you will produce on the job. Rule of thumb is: For under 10 years of experience, the resume should be one page and over it should be two. There are rare exceptions where I’ve allowed a third page for published works, a deal sheet or film/tv credits. But I would try to avoid it if you can.
2. Submitting applications between 12 AM and 6 AM:
I know you want to finish the application you’ve been working on all night. But I can tell you for sure – you’re going to make mistakes you will regret. You’re going to make typos you read the next day that can take you out of the running. Save your application. Re-read it after a good night's sleep in the morning with fresh eyes. Also – assume the application will take longer than you think it will, so try to start earlier in the evening, if possible, so you can finish earlier.
3. Assuming you need to meet every qualification to apply:
Job descriptions are wish lists. You do not need to be an exact match with every bullet point to be a good fit for the role. Many (women especially) take themselves out of the running for roles that would be excellent next steps for them. Please don’t do that! Especially if you have a contact at the organization! In your materials and your interview, you should talk about the skills you do have and where you can hit the ground running AND talk through the areas you’re looking to grow to explain that’s why you’re looking at roles like this. Reminder: if you have every single qualification for a role, you’re going to be bored in the first few months. Not ideal.
Feel free to share any of the mistakes you’ve learned to avoid along the way – and I’m sending you good job search momentum and mojo this fall!
Reminder, if you’re local to Brooklyn – join us for our next Career Walk and Talk on Thursday, September 26th at 5pm ET - register at rachelbgarrett.com/walk.