5 Common Mistakes That Desperate Job Seekers Make

5 Common Mistakes That Desperate Job Seekers Make Often, when were looking for jobs, we make a lot of mistakes. Unemployed job seekers especiallymay feel somemild panic as they search foremployment, which can lead to rushedapplications, which beget mistakesand ultimatelycompromise ones job-seeking strategy. Even the passive, currently employed job seeker may be prone to job-hunting mistakes. These mistakes often arise from being out of practice when its been a while since you needed to look for a new job, you can get a little rusty.Given the average job seekers penchant for errors,I thought it would be useful to highlight some of the most common mistakes that job seekers make and offer some tips on how to avoidthem1. Ignoring Their NetworksThe admirable qualities of conscientiousness, skill, and persistence will only get you so far in the job hunt. Research suggests that between 25 and 50 percento f all jobs are landed via word-of-mouth referrals. Often, these openings are referred to as the secret job market a market full of unadvertised positions that companies fill through referral only.Many job seekers make the mistake of ignoring the secret job market, choosing instead to apply only for advertised jobs. Of course, this means that the average job seeker may be missingas many as 50 percent of the opportunities on the market. To double their chances of finding a job, job seekers should spend a significant amount of timemining their networks of friends, family, and associates for new job opportunities.2. Failing toSeek Out RecommendationsAs mentioned above, referrals can go a long way in helping job seekers find employment.Research shows that applicants who are referred to a job are twice as likely to be called to interview and 40 percent more likely to be offered a job. Failing to or not even trying to reach out toinfluential industry or company players is a big mistake, on e that will certainlyreduce your chances of gaining employment.Job seekers should always try to get ameaningful recommendationfor any role to which they apply. They should also make sure to spend time securing endorsements and recommendationson their LinkedIn profiles.3. notlageDemonstrating Cultural or Personality Fitgammeln recruiting has become increasingly focused on team/personality/cultural fit. Even if a job seeker has the skills, they may not be offered the job if they dont have the rightfit for the company.Job seekers who make the mistake of ignoring cultural fit a mistake that many, many people make are seriously diminishing their chances of success.Job seekers should target employers with which they feel they have a strong cultural or personality fit. Job seekers who share the same values, approaches, and outlooks as their potential employers are far more likely to land a role than those who do not.Once a job seeker has found a company with which they will fit, they sho uld make sureto frequently demonstrate this fit in their cover letter and throughout the interview process.4.Only Applying for Full-Time, Permanent JobsA lot of job seekers only consider opportunities for full-time, permanent employment. The problem is that there may not be enough of thesejobs to go around.Studies shows that a growing number of employers 83 percent, to be preciseare making more use of contingent workers. Some experts evenspeculate that contingent workers e.g., freelancers, temps, contract workers, part-timers, etc. may soon be the norm.Job seekers who only apply forfull-time positions are shooting themselves in the feet. On the flip side, those who areopen to part-time, temporary, and freelance workare maximizing their chances of job search success.5. NotTailoring Their Applications/Interview Approaches According to Each EmployerEmployers dont want to hire someone who wants just any job they want to hire someone who really wants their job. Employerssee passionate candidates as morecommitted, engaged, and, ultimately, more desirable.However, many candidates take a one-size-fits-all approach to the job search, sending out the same applications to multiple employers and giving the same canned answers to every interview question.Job seekers need to make sure to show each employer that it is their No. 1choice or at least on their very short list.The best way to do this is to develop a tailored resume and cover letter that specifically show an employer why you are both suited to and passionate about not only the job, but also the company itself. A job seekers genuine passion should also come out during the interview process, which job seekers can do by making regular references to the ways in which theyll thrive and succeed at a particular company.Job seekers can significantly improve their job-hunting games if theylearn toavoid these mistakes at all costs. Sure, weve all made these sorts of missteps before but those of us who really want to fi nd jobs need to ensure we never make them again.

Long Hours Wont Make You More Productive. Theres a Better Way

Long Hours Wont Make You More Productive. Theres a Better WayLong Hours Wont Make You More Productive. Theres a Better WayIn todays competitive workforce, many employees brag about their willingness to burn the midnight oil and work themselves to the bone. You know the kind of workeryou might even be one yourselfconsistently staying late at the office and coming in early, forsaking any bounds of a personal life. It isnt an uncommon attitude half of the full-time worker population spend mora than eight hours in the office every day.This ideal has been the cornerstone of career expansion in the US. Its believed to prove an employees dedication to their workplace and job and is often touted by big-name employers. Elon Musk, for example, suggests others should follow his lead of working 80-hour weeks. Hes famously said, Nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a weeks.For years, long days spent in the office have been equated with how hard you work. After all, the longer you work, the m ore effective you are as an employee, right?Well, no, not necessarily. While an extra hour or two might allow employees to accomplish more during a particularly busy day, its not a sustainable business model. Employee productivity crashes after just a few days of extended work hours. And weve known this for over a century.Labor-rights activists in the late 1800s pushed for better scheduling at a time when most Americans worked long and grueling shifts six days a week. It wasnt until 1926, however, that Ford Motor Company decided to bend to the unions and became the first major employer to create five-day weeks with shorter hours and better pay. It was a revolutionary decision, but worker production improved, forming the fundament of todays 40-hour workweek.Most modern workers understand, however, that some high-stress, time-consuming jobs have the most pay-off in terms of paycheck and career development. While these are great goals to strive for, its important to also understand tha t the effect long hours can have on your productivity and mental state isnt always worth the potential benefits.Long days cause a lack of focusSeveral studies have found that worker vigilance, focus and overall efficiency begins to fade after just a few hours of prolonged work.As people become more mentally exhausted, their ability to work productively drops. Fatigue begins to slow the brains ability to make creative connections or remember facts which can affect a workers problem-solving and time management skills. Similarly, collaborative projects and interdepartmental communication suffer from shorter tempers and fried nerves.On top of all that, long hours and back-to-back shifts interrupt a workers sleep patterns. This can cause long-term stress, anxiety and temperament issues that often disrupt personal lives, drain motivation and lead to career fatigue or burnout.Shorter hours create a sense of urgencyIn comparison, those who work less than the typical eight-hour day are more productive and create more profit for their employer. This is largely due to the sense of urgency around completing tasks within a shorter time frame it lights a fire under workers who become motivated and more focused on their work.Feelings of positive mental stimulation and empowerment also rise with shorter workweeks. Spending time away from work give workers a mental break that allows them to come back to the office well-rested, refreshed and ready to tackle the days issues. Ultimately, this should help them feel valued and impactful within the organization and boost their personal investment in its success.Boost your own productivityWhile it would be ideal to institute six-hour days nationwide, some industries or newer companies simply require more time from workers. If your business requires the occasional late night in the office, dont rely simply on your offices setting to stay productive. Make sure youre finding creative ways to keep yourself engaged and effective despite l ong hours.Take a nap.If you will be working a lengthy day, your brain and body will both benefit from a mid-shift, restorative nap. More effective than a normal break, napping will help you refocus your brain, improve your energy levels, and boost your motivation. If long hours are a pattern at your job, encourage your employer to build a nap room for workers all it takes is adding some cots or comfy couches to a quiet room with sheets and easy-to-clean pillows.Change your scenery.If you feel your focus beginning to wane, stand up and explore a new area. Whether its the break room, a local coffee shop, or just a different desk, changing up your seating can be a great way to refocus your brain and boost your creativity. Plus, walking around will help keep your blood flowing and improve your energy.Make a to-do list.One of the biggest threats to personal productivity during long days is feeling unmotivated to complete projects. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and unenergetic, make a re alistic to-do listthat covers all of the tasks that you want to complete for the day. Then, cross the different tasks off as you finish them. This should help you stay productive and focused on your work while also helping you feel like youre actually accomplishing things.The times they are a-changinIt will likely (and unfortunately) take some time before companies nationwide begin to recognize the benefits of shorter work weeks. Dont lose hope, though. The sentiment toward long work hours and the research against it is becoming more widespread. It will begin to separate organizations that prioritize employee wellness from those that dont. In the meantime, do what you can to remain productive at work and look after your own health and efficiency.Do you like this story? Share it with your friends.Share Your Feedback or Ideas in the Comments