Five Mistakes That Can Derail Your Job Search

No matter how much time and energy you invest in job seeking, critical mistakes can derail your efforts. Consider the following job search scenario. Each of the mistakes described below can put your job search off track, but all are easy to avoid.

Mistake #1: Starting with a Handicap

Your job search is underway. Time to get out your resume, dust it off, and add your most recent experience? Right?

Wrong. A strong job search starts with strategizing, and a strong resume should be the vehicle to put your strategy into action. It isn't enough to dust off an old resume ? you need a revised resume that is tailored to a specific position and a specific employer.

Ask yourself? What are the top needs and preferences of this employer? How can you address the employer's needs with specific information about your experience, strengths, and accomplishments? And how can you structure your resume to convey this key information in a quick, 30-second scan?

To avoid mistake #1, assume that your resume is much more than a personal history that simply needs a little updating. Start with a strategy, and rewrite your resume so that it speaks directly to the interests and concerns of the employer who will read it.

Mistake #2: Sending Less-Than-Your-Best

Your resume is done, and you've written a cover letter to accompany it. Now you're ready to drop both in the mail in response to a job ad that especially interests you? Right?

Wrong. Have you first made very sure that you're not sending out less than your best? Many job seekers fail to realize that both the resume and the cover letter are seen as examples of the quality of their work.

This means that all aspects of overall quality are important ? including spelling, grammar, visual layout, organization, and clarity of writing. Errors will stand out like a flashing red light, and anything that makes the resume and cover letter difficult to follow may cause them to be tossed aside.

To avoid mistake #2, follow this rule of thumb: Have at least two other people read both your resume and cover letter before you send them out. Tell them your job-search strategy so that they know what you want to communicate to the employer.

Mistake #3: Cyber-Regrets

The employer has called for an interview! In addition, he's asked that you e-mail a copy of your resume to another person in the company. That's easy ? a quick note with a Word attachment? Right?

Wrong. A casual approach to the computer world can lead to embarrassing mistakes. Regrettably, e-mails usually can't be called back after clicking on the "send" button.

As before, avoid mistake #3 by treating any letter as both an opportunity to convey your qualifications and a sample of your writing. Avoid common e-mail shorthand and short, terse paragraphs ? the former can come across as "unprofessional" and the latter as impersonal.

Finally, to be on the safe side, print out your e-mail and attachment to make sure that all looks well in hard copy. Then send the e-mail to at least one other person, and ask them to review both its content and appearance.

Mistake #4: The Missed Opportunity

You've prepared for your interview and thought over all the answers you may have to supply. There's not much more you can do? Right?

Wrong. Chances are that at some point in the interview the employer will turn the tables and say: "Do you have any questions?" If you respond by saying "no" or by turning to practical details ("What is your benefits package?"), this will be a missed opportunity.

To avoid mistake #4, think of several questions beforehand ? questions that speak directly to the responsibilities and challenges of the job itself. Employers want to know how you think and what you would be like to work with; your questions are an opportunity to show that you can take on the challenges of the job in a constructive way.

Mistake #5: Letting the Ball Drop

You had a strong interview, and you're waiting to hear whether you got the job. At least now you can take a breather while you wait? Right?

Wrong. Until you have a job offer, assume that it's up to you to keep the ball in the air. First and foremost, send a thank-you letter to each person who interviewed you, making reference to one or more things that were discussed.

Second, follow up at regular Intervals to indicate your continued interest and keep your prospects alive. It's tempting to hang back so that you "won't be a bother" ? but the job seeker who lets the ball drop may lose out to the one who is politely and persistently enthusiastic.

© 2005 Ruth Anderson

Ruth Anderson is the owner of Vantage Point Coaching & Consulting and author of WRITE RESUMES WITH CONFIDENCE: How to Create Outstanding Resumes and Have the Confidence to Use Them with Success. Learn more about her products and services, including the unique INTRODUCTION TO COACHING and JOB SEARCH TUNE-UP programs, at http://www.vantagepointcoaching.com or write mailto:ruth@vantagepointcoaching.com.

---

Google News Updated : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:48:30 GMT Google and Yahoo Ad Deal Delayed - Washington Post Wall Street Journal Google and Yahoo Ad Deal Delayed Washington Post - Oct 3, 2008 By Peter Whoriskey Google and Yahoo will delay implementation of their joint advertising deal to give antitrust lawyers at the Justice Department more time to review the agreement, the companies said yesterday. Google and Yahoo Delay Ad Deal for Antitrust Review New York Times Was the Yahoo-Google Deal a Ploy To Weaken Yahoo? Slashdot PC World - Reuters - United Press International - Los Angeles Times all 563 news articles Publ.Date : Sat, 04 Oct 2008 04:54:43 GMT SNL Rides High on Campaign Satire - Wall Street Journal Sydney Morning Herald SNL Rides High on Campaign Satire Wall Street Journal - 4 hours ago By REBECCA DANA NBC's "Saturday Night Live" drew another crush of viewers this weekend, with approximately 10 million tuning in to watch comedian Tina Fey's latest sendup of GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Media annoyed with Palin talk Christian Science Monitor Kirby: Your candidate kicked butt Salt Lake Tribune Los Angeles Times - Fort Worth Star Telegram - MSNBC - Reuters all 351 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:01:52 GMT OJ Simpson jury: Tapes did football legend in - New York Daily News BBC News OJ Simpson jury: Tapes did football legend in New York Daily News - 2 hours ago BY NANCY DILLON Jurors, including Dora Pettit (with mike), say they set aside personal feelings and based guilty OJ Simpson conviction on facts. Video: OJ Jury: We Didn't Need Witnesses to Convict AssociatedPress OJ Simpson jurors say secret recordings were key Los Angeles Times San Francisco Chronicle - The Associated Press - KTNV Las Vegas - Eurweb.com all 3,388 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:25:31 GMT Bailout Provides More Mental Health Coverage - New York Times Health Newstrack Bailout Provides More Mental Health Coverage New York Times - 2 hours ago By ROBERT PEAR WASHINGTON - More than one-third of all Americans will soon receive better insurance coverage for mental health treatments because of a new law that, for the first time, requires equal coverage of mental and physical illnesses. Kevin Cullen Benevolence amid an orgy Boston Globe David McMillian: Mental illness can strike anyone, anytime Shreveport Times Wall Street Journal - Houston Chronicle - Reuters - ChattahBox all 817 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:25:13 GMT Sony Expands E-book Reader Range - PC World Digital-Lifestyles.Info Sony Expands E-book Reader Range PC World - 6 hours ago Sony is introducing a second electronic book reader to its range in the US that comes with upgraded hardware and will go on sale in November. Kindle 2 pictures leaked: Same size, redesigned package TG Daily Sony PRS-700 E-book Reader: touch-screen display Product Reviews CNET News - PC Pro - CRN - Slashdot all 192 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:22:07 GMT Carolina 34, Kansas City 0 - Detroit Free Press Boston Globe Carolina 34, Kansas City 0 Detroit Free Press - 1 hour ago CHARLOTTE, NC -- DeAngelo Williams rushed for 123 yards and scored three TDs, and the Panthers handed the Chiefs their first shutout in nearly six years. Week 5 Revelations SI.com NFL: Panthers 34, Chiefs 0 Salisbury Post Hartford Courant - FanHouse - Topeka Capital Journal - Orlando Sentinel all 320 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:35:14 GMT Patriots show their heart in San Francisco - Boston Globe TSN.ca Patriots show their heart in San Francisco Boston Globe - 1 hour ago By Christopher L. Gasper SAN FRANCISCO - No matter how famous the offensive coordinator, how innovative his game plan, or how dangerous his offense there is one little simple rule of football that will stop any attack - if you don't have it, ... Niners can't solve Patriots' clock-grinding ground game San Francisco Chronicle Purdy: Time for a change on 49ers defense San Jose Mercury News Los Angeles Times - Boston Herald - Philadelphia Inquirer - San Mateo Daily Journal all 621 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:45:54 GMT Turn Affiliate Datafeed into RSS Amazon Tool

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Careers In The Advertising Business Internet Marketing Style

So you are interested in seeking a job with an... Read More

When The Going Gets Tough -- The Tough Keep Going

If you've been in a job search for more than... Read More

What Did You Say?

My table-mates introduced themselves as the reciprocal protocol began. We... Read More

Effective Networking Skills: The Art Of Taking Your Job Search To A Whole New Level

Your network consists of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and former... Read More

Do What You Love, Love What You Do

Everyone dreams of a life full of love and adventure.... Read More

Why Bachelors Make Bad Decisions: Five Tips to Move from Reality Television to Your Career Change

The Bachelor is one of the many reality shows that... Read More

Is it a Scam?

I wanted to quit my job. So I decided to... Read More

Are You a Nice Person? What Companies are Looking for in Recruiting and Retaining Great People

Hal Rosenbluth, author of The Customer Comes Second, states; "In... Read More

Petite Modeling: is There a Career for You?

PEtite modeling is a tough industry to break into. Especially... Read More

F-E-A-R in the Job Search!

Fear in starting a job search is a four letter... Read More

The Power to Succeed

It's amazing how we fool ourselves... while at the same... Read More

Active Listening Skill Tips for Interviews

During a job interview, a potential employer asks, "Can you... Read More

Managing Change -- Endings Are Just Doorways to New Beginnings

Every May we celebrate Mother's Day-a time to tell mothers... Read More

How ToTalk Your Boss Into Giving You A Salary Increase

* If you believe you deserve a salary increase, ask... Read More

Six Sure-Fire Ways to Get Yourself a Pay Rise

Many employees do not care too much for their bosses... Read More

Waiting for Lightening to Strike

Author and management guru, Peter Drucker says, "People adjust to... Read More

How to Pick the Best Career for You: Part 3

Marketing-with-Intent precisely drives you to your target and with greater... Read More

What Do Accountants And Doctors Have In Common?

Freshly qualified accounting graduates when asked by the interviewer "Are... Read More

Creating Traffic Jams

It's hard to imagine why anyone would pick up a... Read More

Create A Rappin? Resume

(Percussion sounds emanating from who knows where while you listen... Read More

Resume Posting: Tips for Jobseekers

Recruiting firms, like most businesses today, must embrace technology in... Read More

Ask For That Raise!

For nine years Jeff worked for company G as an... Read More

Job Interviews: What to Wear

It takes between seven and seventeen seconds for a person... Read More

How I Joined the Outsourcing Revolution

Mention "outsourcing" to a programmer and you may as well... Read More

How To Stay Calm in Tryng Times

That's not you? Great! Bad habits are hard to break... Read More