Common Job Search Mistakes

By Michele Blandino

As thousands of college and high school graduates enter the job market, the competition for open positions will undoubtedly increase. And, with so many equally qualified people competing for the same jobs, employers will be forced to look at other less tangible factors when making their hiring decisions.

So what are some ways that you can separate yourself from the competition? Here are some ideas:

The Error-Free Resume

Make sure your resume is error-free. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to hire a professional resume writer, it simply means that you need to proofread your resume several times – or better yet, ask someone else to proofread it for you – to make sure there are no spelling or punctuation mistakes. You should also take care to ensure that all the information within your resume - dates of employment, employer names and contact information, and job responsibilities - is accurate.

How does your E-mail Address Sound?

While many people choose e-mail addresses that somehow reflect their personality, they may not be the best choice for a job search. But don’t despair, it’s not necessary to change your e-mail address; rather set up an account that you can use for your professional contacts through one of the many services that offer free e-mail accounts. This will give you the dual benefit of appearing professional while reducing the chances that you may inadvertently miss – or even worse, delete – an e-mail from a prospective employer.

Turn off the Phone

Before you enter the office of a prospective employer make sure you turn off your cell phone. Better yet, leave the telephone in your car. By not interrupting your interview to answer or turn off a ringing cell phone, you will demonstrate your ability to remain focused on the task at hand.

Be Prompt

Make every effort to be on time – even early – for your interview. If you are traveling to an unfamiliar location, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time in the event you get lost. Before you leave, print out directions from the Internet and bring along a map. If at possible, take a trial run to the office before the interview so you can familiarize yourself with the route and reduce the chances of being late.

Looking Good

As shallow as it may seem, appearance is important. This means you should arrive to your interviews dressed professionally. If you have tattoos or body piercings, they should be covered; men should remove their earrings. Hair should be clean and neat.

As you can see, the ideas presented here are simple ones. Yet, in the eyes of an employer, they can make the difference between the decision to hire you or a different candidate.