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.